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.
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
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
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.