Who could have imagined that the unassuming Captain Séan Connolly Plaque here marks the spot where a true Irish hero met his fate? Right here, on the front of City Hall, stands a silent tribute to Captain Séan Connolly. Connolly wasn’t just a soldier, he was a man of many talents. A dedicated member of the Gaelic League, a gifted actor who graced the Abbey Theatre stage, and a skilled athlete who even won a Junior All-Ireland Final with his hurling team. When the call to arms came, Connolly didn’t hesitate. He joined the Irish Citizen Army, quickly rising through the ranks to become a captain. He understood that freedom wouldn’t be given, it had to be fought for. During the Easter Rising of 1916, Connolly and his men took up strategic positions around Dublin Castle. Their objective was to control access to and from the Castle, not to capture it outright. From the roof of City Hall, Connolly fought bravely, his knowledge of the building proving invaluable. Sadly, his bravery would come at a price. As Connolly moved along the rooftop, unknowingly in the sights of a British sniper positioned in the Bedford Tower, a shot rang out. The bullet found its mark, mortally wounding the valiant captain. His comrades rushed to his side, but it was too late. Captain Sean Connolly, the first rebel fatality of the Easter Rising, died here. His sacrifice, a testament to his unwavering commitment to Irish freedom. This plaque serves as a poignant reminder of the cost of liberty and the bravery of those who fought for it. Connolly’s spirit lives on, not just in history books, but in the heart of every Irish citizen who cherishes the hard-won freedom they enjoy today.
Saint John the Evangelist
Whispers of history echo from these stones. This is the site of Saint John the Evangelist. Once a vibrant church