Stephen M. O'Mara facts for kids

Stephen Mary O'Mara (born January 5, 1884 – died November 11, 1959) was an important Irish businessman and a politician who supported an independent Ireland. He came from Limerick, a city in Ireland.

Stephen O'Mara was the third son of Stephen O'Mara, Snr. His father had been the Mayor of Limerick and even a Member of Parliament for a short time. Stephen Jr. married Nancy O'Brien, and they had a son named Peter. His older brother, James, was an early supporter of Sinn Féin, a political party working for Irish independence. Stephen also joined Sinn Féin after the Easter Rising, a major event in Irish history.

Stephen O'Mara's Political Journey

Stephen O'Mara was a member of the Limerick Corporation when the Irish War of Independence began. This was a time when Ireland was fighting for its freedom from British rule.

Becoming Mayor of Limerick

On March 7, 1921, the Mayor of Limerick, George Clancy, was sadly killed. Stephen O'Mara was then chosen to be the new mayor on March 22. This was a very challenging time for the city.

In May 1921, Stephen traveled to the United States. His job there was to help raise money for the new Irish Republic. He took over this important role from his brother James.

Facing the Anglo-Irish Treaty

Stephen O'Mara was re-elected mayor in January 1922. He was against the Anglo-Irish Treaty, an agreement that divided opinions in Ireland. Because the money raised in the US was in O'Mara's name, it caused some legal issues for the new government that supported the Treaty.

Dealing with Conflict in Limerick

In March 1922, there was a tense situation in Limerick city. Two groups of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) had a stand-off. One group supported the Treaty, and the other did not. Stephen O'Mara helped to negotiate a peaceful solution to this problem.

In May 1922, Mayor O'Mara created a new police force for Limerick City. This force replaced the old Royal Irish Constabulary, which had left. However, a full Civil War began across Ireland in June. The new city police force was then replaced by the Free State Civic Guard in July.

Imprisonment and Resignation

Stephen O'Mara was held by the new Irish Free State government in November 1922. Even while he was held, he was re-elected mayor in January 1923. He was released in March. He later resigned as mayor in October 1923, after the Civil War had ended. The side he supported had lost the war.

Later Life and Business

Stephen O'Mara was a very loyal friend and supporter of Éamon de Valera, a key figure in Irish politics. De Valera was actually staying at O'Mara's home the night the Anglo-Irish Treaty was signed. Stephen himself was still in the US at that time.

The evening before the 1922 Irish general election, O'Mara, de Valera, and another politician named Harry Boland met. They talked about possibly forming a government together.

Joining Fianna Fáil

When the political party Fianna Fáil was formed in 1926, Stephen O'Mara joined it. He was also part of a special group called the Commission of Vocational Organisations from 1933 to 1943.

Expanding the Family Business

Stephen also worked to grow his family's bacon business. He opened new factories in towns like Claremorris and Letterkenny.

Final Years and Recognition

In 1959, Éamon de Valera won the election to become President. He then appointed Stephen O'Mara to the Council of State, a group that advises the President. Stephen O'Mara passed away less than two months later in a hospital in Dublin.