Ready to uncover a hidden gem in County Dublin? It is Saucerstown. This townland holds more history than its size suggests. Saucerstown sits in the Swords West electoral division. It is part of the civil parish of Swords. Nethercross barony claims it too. County Dublin embraces it all.
The Irish name for Saucerstown is Baile an tSásaraigh. It is a name echoing through generations. Saucerstown was added to OpenStreetMap in 2015. Brianh marked its place on the digital map. Saucerstown might be small. Yet, it stands as the 383rd largest townland in County Dublin. Nationwide, it ranks as the 33573rd largest.
Now, let’s talk about Joseph Lawless. He was a native of Saucerstown. He was born into the Lawless family in 1897. The Lawless family was well-known in Fingal. Joseph’s early life was steeped in Irish nationalism. He joined Na Fianna, the Gaelic League, and the GAA. These groups fueled his passion for Irish culture and history.
In 1914, Joseph joined the Irish Volunteers. He was an engineer’s apprentice in Dublin then. He served in C Company of the 1st Battalion, Dublin Brigade. Joseph participated in the Howth Gun-running. He helped land arms from the yacht Asgard. By 1915, he became a Lieutenant in the Swords Company. He took part in exercises nationwide. He even attended Jeremiah O’Donovan Rossa’s funeral. Later, his father Frank Lawless swore him into the IRB.
Easter 1916 marked a turning point. Joseph acted as a motorcycle courier. He carried messages for the battalion staff. On Easter Sunday, he sought instructions from James Connolly. Connolly told him to be ready for action. On Easter Monday, his father received Pearse’s order to strike.
Joseph then joined the Lusk Company. He rode Thomas Ashe’s motorcycle. Strapped to it was 50 pounds of gelignite. His mission was to attack the Rogerstown Viaduct. Although the bomb did little damage, it disrupted the rail network. He fought in the Battle of Ashbourne. He helped flank the RIC’s motorized column. After the battle, he was among the first to take charge of the surrendering RIC men.
Joseph was also a keen photographer. He photographed the battle’s aftermath. Sadly, the camera and photos were lost. He hid them with his rifle before surrender. Following the Rising, he was imprisoned in England. He was then transferred to Frongoch Internment Camp in Wales. He was released just before Christmas 1916.
After his release, Lawless reorganized the Volunteers. He also fought against conscription. He took part in the arms raid on Collinstown Aerodrome in 1919. As Brigade Engineering Officer, he produced bombs. He also set up two front companies. These were a bicycle shop and a motor rental company. He used them to cover his military work.
In 1921, Joseph was interned at the Rath Internment Camp. He covertly took historic photographs there. After escaping, Lawless joined the Free State Army. He rose to the rank of Colonel. He contributed to the Bureau of Military History. He provided a detailed account of his involvement in the struggle for Irish independence. Joseph Lawless died on August 3, 1969. His legacy remains a vital part of Ireland’s history.
So, as you stand here in Saucerstown. Remember Joseph Lawless. Remember his courage, his passion, and his dedication to Ireland. This small townland gave rise to a true Irish hero.