Terence MacSwiney

Terence MacSwiney circle

Terence MacSwiney.jpg Terence MacSwiney in 1920

Terence James MacSwiney (28 March 1879 – 25 October 1920) was an Irish playwright, author, and politician. He was a member of Sinn Féin and served as the Lord Mayor of Cork from March 1920 until his death in October 1920. MacSwiney is best known for his hunger strike in Brixton Prison, which led to his death and garnered international attention.

Early Life

Terence MacSwiney was born in Cork, County Cork, Ireland, on 28 March 1879. He was educated at the North Monastery and later attended the Royal University of Ireland, where he studied mental and moral science. MacSwiney was deeply influenced by the Irish cultural revival and became involved in the Gaelic League.

Political Career

MacSwiney joined the Irish Volunteers in 1913 and was a founding member of the Cork Brigade. He was an active participant in the Easter Rising of 1916, although he was not directly involved in the fighting. Following the rising, he was interned by the British authorities.

In 1920, following the assassination of Tomás Mac Curtain, MacSwiney was elected as the Lord Mayor of Cork. His tenure was marked by his staunch opposition to British rule in Ireland and his support for the Irish War of Independence.

Imprisonment and Hunger Strike

On 12 August 1920, MacSwiney was arrested by British forces during a raid on Cork City Hall. He was charged with possession of seditious documents and sentenced to two years' imprisonment. MacSwiney immediately began a hunger strike in protest of his imprisonment.

His hunger strike lasted for 74 days, during which he received widespread support from around the world. Despite numerous appeals for his release, the British government refused to yield. MacSwiney died on 25 October 1920 in Brixton Prison, London.

Legacy

Terence MacSwiney's death had a profound impact on the Irish independence movement and garnered international sympathy for the cause. His writings, including plays and political essays, continue to be studied for their literary and historical significance.

MacSwiney's sacrifice is commemorated in various ways, including memorials in Cork and other parts of Ireland. His life and work remain a symbol of the struggle for Irish independence.

Works

• The Revolutionist (1914)
• Principles of Freedom (1921)
• Various plays and essays

Personal Life

MacSwiney married Muriel Murphy in 1917, and they had one daughter, Máire MacSwiney Brugha. His family continued to be active in Irish political and cultural life.

See Also

• Irish War of Independence
• Easter Rising
• Sinn Féin
• Hunger strike