Seán McCaughey facts for kids

Seán McCaughey (Irish: Seán Mac Eóchaidh) (8 June 1915 – 11 May 1946) was an important leader in the Irish Republican Army (IRA) during the 1930s and 1940s. He is known for going on a long hunger strike while in prison.

Early Life and IRA Role

Seán McCaughey was born in Aughnacloy, County Tyrone in 1915. In 1921, his family moved to the Ardoyne area in north Belfast. His father was involved in Irish republicanism, which is a political idea supporting a united, independent Ireland.

Joining the Movement

As a teenager, McCaughey joined the Gaelic League, which promotes the Irish language. He also joined Sinn Féin, a political party. He spent a lot of time learning and teaching the Irish language.

In 1935, McCaughey joined the Irish Republican Army (IRA). The IRA was a group that aimed to achieve an independent Irish republic. By 1938, he became an Officer commanding (O/C) of the IRA's Northern Command, meaning he was a senior leader in the northern part of Ireland.

Arrests and Leadership

McCaughey was arrested in December 1939 and held at the Curragh Camp. After being released in 1940, he went back to lead the IRA's Northern Command. He was highly respected and seen as one of the best officers in the northern IRA. When he was arrested again in Rathmines, Dublin, on 2 September 1941, he was acting as the Chief of Staff, which is the highest military position in the IRA.

Court Case and Imprisonment

In September 1941, a court in Dublin found Seán McCaughey guilty of holding and harming Stephen Hayes. Hayes was the IRA Chief of Staff who was accused of working against the group.

Sentence and Prison Life

McCaughey was first sentenced to death. However, this sentence was changed to life in prison. He was sent to Portlaoise Prison on 24 July 1941.

While in prison, McCaughey refused to wear prison clothes. This was a way for Irish Republican prisoners to protest their conditions. He was kept alone in a cell, which is called solitary confinement. Other prisoners, like those in the Blanket protest in the 1980s, used similar methods of protest.

Prison life was very hard for McCaughey and other prisoners. They spent years in small, lonely cells. They were only allowed out once a week for a bath. An observer noted how difficult these conditions were, saying it was remarkable that they managed to survive without losing their minds.

Hunger Strike and Death

On 19 April 1946, Seán McCaughey began a hunger strike. This means he refused to eat food. After 10 days, he also stopped drinking water. He continued his protest for 23 days and sadly died on 11 May 1946.

Investigation and Funeral

An investigation was held in the prison after his death. The prison doctor admitted that McCaughey had not been allowed fresh air or sunlight for his entire four and a half years in prison. The doctor said he would not treat his own dog the way McCaughey had been treated.

Hunger Strike Memorial in Dublin's Glasnevin Cemetery

Seán McCaughey's funeral procession went through large crowds in Dublin. It then traveled north to Belfast, where thousands of mourners met it at Holy Cross Church, Ardoyne. He was buried in a family grave in Milltown Cemetery.

History of Hunger Strikes

Seán McCaughey was the last person to die on hunger strike in the Irish state. Hunger strikes have a long history in Ireland. In the 20th century, 22 Irish republicans died on hunger strike. Those who survived often suffered long-term health problems.

Major Hunger Strikes

The largest hunger strike in Irish history was the 1923 Irish Hunger Strikes. Later, ten men died during the 1981 Irish hunger strike.