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Séan Connolly (1890-1921)
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to prominence in the years from 1916 leading up to the War of Independence, during which he held the position of vice-brigadier of the Longford IRA, being an able second- in-command to the famous Seán MacEoin. Connolly later served as a
eán Connolly was an IRA activist in the Long- ford region who rose
staff officer in GHQ in Dublin, before being sent to north Roscommon to organise and train the IRA in that area. He proved to be a man of great organisational ability and was ordered to raise a flying column in County Leitrim; a tremendous challenge and a dangerous assignment - Michael Collins described
March 1921, Connolly and ten young volunteers arrived in Selton Hill, near Mohill where they set up a base of opera- tions in two nearby houses. It is thought that Connolly's intention was to reconnoitre possible targets towards Ballinamore. Unfortunately, word of their arrival travelled quickly in the nearby village, and, through an informer, reached the ears of the RIC district inspector, who sent for troops immediately. Two officers and 25 men of the Bedfordshire Regiment
Leitrim as being the most treacherous county in the country. Sadly, Collins's fears would prove to be well- placed. Early in the morning of 11
were sent from Carrick- on-Shannon and attacked Connolly's men that evening. The Volunteers were taken completely by surprise. They were outnumbered and out- gunned, and six were killed or mortally wounded, includ- ing Connolly, who was taken prisoner but died on reaching Carrick-on-Shannon. Comdt Seán Connolly is
remembered as a key fig- ure in the struggle for Irish Independence in Longford. To learn more about him read: Rising out: Seán Connolly of Longford (1890-1921) by Ernie O'Malley, edited by Cormac KH O'Malley, UCD Press. Published: 2007 - ISBN: 9781904558897 - List Price: €20.00
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