Seán McLoughlin (communist) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Seán McLoughlin
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| Born | 2 June 1895 Dublin, Ireland |
| Died | 13 February 1960 (aged 64) |
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Irish Volunteers Irish Republican Army (1922–1969) |
| Rank | Commandant-General |
| Unit | Fianna Éireann |
| Battles/wars | Easter Rising Irish Civil War |
Seán McLoughlin (born June 2, 1895 – died February 13, 1960) was an important Irish leader. He believed Ireland should be a free and independent country. He also supported ideas about fairness for all workers.
When he was only 21 years old, he became a high-ranking leader, a commandant-general, during the Easter Rising. This was a major event in Ireland's fight for independence. Later, he was involved in groups that wanted to improve workers' rights. He also fought in the Irish Civil War with the Irish Republican Army. Seán McLoughlin was also a leader in a youth group called Fianna Éireann.
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Seán McLoughlin's Early Life
Seán McLoughlin was born as John McLoughlin in north Dublin. He was the second child of Patrick McLoughlin and Christina Shea. His father worked as a labourer.
Seán became very interested in Irish nationalism. This was the idea that Ireland should be a self-governing nation. In 1910, he joined the Gaelic League and Fianna Éireann. He also joined the Irish Republican Brotherhood soon after. His father became active in a workers' union, which influenced young Seán.
Role in the Easter Rising
In late 1913, McLoughlin joined the Irish Volunteers. This group wanted Ireland to be free. He was part of a group led by Seán Heuston. In early 1916, McLoughlin and Heuston took part in the Easter Rising. They took over a building called the Mendicity Institution.
Over the next two days, McLoughlin bravely carried messages. He traveled between the Mendicity Institution and the General Post Office (GPO). He updated leaders and brought back supplies. Once, he was almost caught by British soldiers. He found safety and returned to the GPO.
Leading During the Rising
At the GPO, James Connolly gave McLoughlin an important job. He was to lead 30 volunteers to take over the Irish Independent newspaper offices. Their mission was to watch British troop movements. They also planned to attack if the British started fighting.
The next day, McLoughlin returned to the GPO. His 15-year-old sister, Mary McLoughlin, was also there, helping as a messenger. McLoughlin tried to warn the O'Rahilly about British troops on Parnell Street. But it was too late. The O'Rahilly was killed.
After this, McLoughlin took charge at the GPO. The injured Connolly and other leaders agreed. McLoughlin successfully moved 300 men to Moore Street. Because of his leadership, he was given the title of commandant-general. He was put in charge of all military operations for the Volunteers. He was only 21 years old.
Surrender and Imprisonment
McLoughlin organized a clever plan on Moore Street. His men dug tunnels through the walls of buildings. This allowed them to spread out and get closer to the British. The British troops did not realize what was happening. McLoughlin planned a surprise attack. He hoped to win in hand-to-hand combat.
However, the main leader, Patrick Pearse, decided to surrender. He felt the risk to civilians was too high. McLoughlin disagreed with this decision. But he still made sure the troops marched to the surrender point in an orderly way.
After the surrender, McLoughlin expected to be sentenced to death. But a British captain removed his rank badges. The British thought he was a less important person. So, he was only sent to prison. He was held at Knutsford Gaol and then Frongoch internment camp. He was released in December 1916. He then returned to the Volunteers. He helped organize the movement in Tipperary.
Involvement in Communism
After his release, McLoughlin also joined the Socialist Party of Ireland (SPI). This group supported workers' rights. McLoughlin was a strong supporter of the Bolsheviks. They had led the October Revolution in Russia. He formed a communist group within the SPI. He wanted to connect with similar groups in Britain.
This group became popular. McLoughlin was elected president of the SPI in September 1919. In December 1919, he left his roles in the SPI to travel to Scotland. He gave speeches for a new group called the "Irish Labour Party (Glasgow)". He gained many new supporters.
McLoughlin returned to Ireland in May 1920. He had been ill with breathing problems. The SPI had stopped working while he was away. So, he started a new group called the Irish Communist Labour Party. He became its chairman. He hoped this new party could join an international communist organization. He continued to be active in the Volunteers. He also gave speeches in Britain, helping to smuggle weapons to the Volunteers.
Role in the Irish Civil War
McLoughlin was in Britain during the War of Independence. He returned to Ireland in 1922. He joined the Irish Republican Army (IRA). He fought on the side that opposed the Anglo-Irish Treaty during the Civil War. He was given command of a group in County Cork.
He was captured in December 1922. He was sentenced to death, but he was not executed. He was released in October 1923. He worked with the Communist Party of Ireland for a short time. Then he moved to England.
Later Life and Legacy
In 1924, McLoughlin moved to Hartlepool. He continued to speak about communist ideas. He worked with others who shared his views. He was put in prison during the UK General Strike. After this, he seems to have stopped being as active in politics.
He moved to Sheffield, where he raised a family. He worked for the city council. His health became worse over time.
Remembering Seán McLoughlin
On May 3, 2017, a special plaque was put up at his home in Dublin City. This plaque helps people remember his life and his contributions.
