JAMES CONNOLLY

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WHO WAS JAMES CONNOLLY?

• James Connolly was a leading figure in recent Irish history. James Connolly played a leading part in theEaster Uprising of 1916 and his execution outraged many in Ireland. James Connolly was born in June 1868. For a man so linked to Irish history, Connolly was born in Edinburgh, Scotland. The area he lived in was nicknamed ‘Little Ireland’ and was one of the city’s slum areas.

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PRE-RISING

• Connolly rose to prominence during the Dublin Lockout in 1913.
• In October 1914, after Larkin’s departure for America, he became General Secretary of the Irish Transport and General Workers` Union and commander of the Irish Citizen Army

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EASTER RISING 1916

• Connolly proved himself to be the most effective and inspirational of the rebel leaders during the insurrection.
• On Easter Monday, 24th April, he led the Headquarters Battalion from Liberty Hall to the General Post Office and commanded military operations there throughout the week

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CONNOLLY'S EXECUTION

• After the rising he was badly injured and could not walk.
• At his trial he read a brief hand-written statement which stated that: ‘The cause of Irish freedom is safe … as long as … Irishmen are ready to die endeavouring to win [it]’. His execution took place at Kilmainham Gaol after dawn on 12th May – he was the last of the rebel leaders to face the firing squad. He was shot while sitting as he couldn't stand.
• At his trial he read a brief hand-written statement which stated that: ‘The cause of Irish freedom is safe … as long as … Irishmen are ready to die endeavouring to win [it]’. His execution took place at Kilmainham Gaol after dawn on 12th May – he was the last of the rebel leaders to face the firing squad. He was shot while sitting as he couldn't stand.

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