Sean Connolly facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sean Connolly
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| Born | 12 April 1882 Sandymount, Dublin, Ireland |
| Died | 24 April 1916 City Hall, Dublin, Ireland |
| Allegiance | Irish Citizen Army |
| Years of service | 1913–16 |
| Rank | Captain |
| Battles/wars | Easter Rising |
Sean Connolly (Irish: Seán Ó Congaile) was an Irish republican and an actor at the Abbey Theatre. He was a brave leader who took part in the Easter Rising in 1916. Sean was a captain in the Irish Citizen Army and was sadly the first rebel to be killed during the Rising.
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Early Life and Family
Sean Connolly was born in Sandymount, Dublin, in 1882. His father, Michael, was involved in important events in Irish history. Sean went to school at St. Joseph's Secondary C.B.S. in Fairview.
The Easter Rising
On Easter Monday morning in 1916, the Irish Citizen Army was getting ready to start the Rising. They were marching from Liberty Hall to their positions. James Connolly (who was not related to Sean) spoke to Sean. He told Sean how much time he had to reach Dublin Castle. James shook Sean's hand and said, "Good luck Sean! We won't meet again."
At 11:45 AM that day, Sean led a group of Irish Citizen Army members. His brother Matthew and his sister Kate were with him. They headed towards Dublin Castle. At the main gate, a police officer named James O'Brien tried to close the gate. He was shot and killed. It is not fully clear if Sean Connolly or another fighter shot him.
Sean and his group then tied up six guards inside the castle. A British Army major, AJ Price, heard the shots. He ran out and fired at Sean and the others before going back inside. Sean Connolly and his group then moved to City Hall. Within an hour of reaching City Hall, Sean was shot and killed. A British sniper on the castle roof fired the shot.
Sean Connolly's Last Moments
Kathleen Lynn, who was there, described what happened:
We saw Sean Connolly walking upright, even though we were told to stay low. Suddenly, he fell. He was badly wounded by a sniper's bullet from the castle. First aid didn't help. He died almost right away.
Helena Molony also saw Sean die. She remembered that his younger brother, Matt, who was only fifteen, was on the City Hall roof. Matt "cried bitterly" when Sean died. Helena said a prayer into Sean's ear. Matthew later wrote that he found his brother's body alone on the roof. He knelt down to say a prayer for him.
Personal Life
Sean Connolly had several jobs. He was an inspector for paving and lighting in Dublin Corporation. He also worked as a part-time teacher. Sean was a talented actor and performed at the Abbey Theatre and the Irish Theatre. His last acting role was the main character in a play called Under Which Flag. This play was written by James Connolly.
Sean married Mary Christina Swanzy in 1910. They had three children: Margaret, Kevin, and Aidan. Christina Connolly was known for her beautiful singing voice. She was also active during the Irish War of Independence. After Sean's death, she remarried and became a school attendance officer.
Remembering Sean Connolly
In 2016, a special event took place at Dublin Castle. It was held to remember Constable James O'Brien, the police officer who died at the castle gate. Freya Connolly, who is Sean Connolly's great-granddaughter, placed flowers there for the Connolly family.
To mark 100 years since the Easter Rising, An Post, the Irish postal service, released special stamps. Sean Connolly and Constable James O'Brien appeared together on one of these stamps.
Sean Connolly was 32 years old when he died. He was buried in Glasnevin Cemetery.
