12/12/2013

Campaign to remember children killed in the 1916 Rising

Joe Duffy seeks help in researching children who died violently in the Rising -

“Come in to the GPO, see the painting, pick up a postcard and talk to your family and friends over Christmas and the New Year”

Broadcaster Joe Duffy today appealed for the help of the public in finding out more about the forgotten ‘Children of the Revolution’  -  the 38 children who died violently in the 1916 Rising. 

Joe’s  own painting of children ‘scavenging’ in the ruins off Sackville Street will be on display in the GPO until the middle of January, together with a special free postcard listing the names and known addresses of the children who died in the Rising  - most of whom were killed accidentally in crossfire, accidental shootings or explosions. 

The card asks anyone who thinks they may have a connection to the Rising or be related to any of the children listed or to neighbouring familes,  to take time over Christmas and the New Year to chat to family and friends, particularly to older relations.  

Relatives of four of the children who were killed in the Rising met for the first time at today’s launch.

Speaking at the GPO, Joe said: “While you are in town in the run up to Christmas or the New Year, call into the GPO to do your bit of business, have a look at the painting and pick up one of the postcards that An Post has produced in support of this project. 

“We know that there is a lot of information and great stories out there, and in memory of these forgotten children, we want to formally gather these details so that the facts can be properly documented

“We ask people to take the time over Christmas and New Year break to have a chat with family and friends, particularly with older relations and anyone who may have a connection back to these children.  We want to ensure that their stories are told and that they are remembered in an appropriate and respectful manner,” he added.

George Percy Sainsbury was just 9 years old when he was shot and killed near his home on Dublin’s South Circular Road on Thursday, 27th April, 1916.  Speaking on behalf of George’s relations, his grand-nephew, Don Sainsbury said:

“We fully support this project. The research carried out by Joe Duffy has drawn attention to the untimely deaths of some 38 children during the 1916 Rising; previously there had been little or no awareness of this toll."

Any new information unearthed can be sent to Joe at PO Box 1916, FREEPOST, Dublin 3 or emailed to joed1916@gmail.com

The families of the following children killed in the Easter Rising are in attendance today at the GPO

CHRISTINA CAFFREY (2)-  27 Corporation Buildings:  Baby Christina was killed by a bullet when she was being held in her  mother’s arms, standing outside their  tenement home.

Her Mother Sarah was injured by the bullet as she worked as a ‘charwoman’. She had to give up her work in a number of houses in Oxmantown- she applied for compensation  and was refused.

Family members in attendance:
Francis and Patrick Caffrey, nephew and Pauline Braymer Caffrey, niece
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PATRICK FETHERSTON (12) - Long Lane, Dorset Street:  According to his family Patrick was a ‘robust” young lad who was scavenging in the mayhem when he  was hit  in the thigh by a bullet  on Easter Monday . His remains were removed from the hospital on a handcart draped in the “Irish flag” – reported to be the first use of the flag .  He was rushed by his mother in a boxcar to Jervis Street hospital where he died from “shock and hemorrhage”.

Family members in attendance:
Marie Horan and Breda Roe, nieces and Clare Horan, grand-niece
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WALTER SCOTT (8) - 16 ,Irvine crescent , East Wall:  Walter and his mother Anna were shot when they were going to the shops – by a stray bullet, it is believed, from the Gunship Helga . Walter died from his contaminated wound on July 5th in Mercers Hospital. His father -also called Walter – a Dredging Master for Dublin Port, was also killed in 1916 when a hawser snapped and he fell into the sea and died .  Anna Scott lost her son and her husband in 1916 and was left to rear the five remaining children alone.

Family members in attendance:
Fr Michael Scott SDB
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MARGARET ‘ MAGGIE ‘ VEALE (13) - 103 Haddington Road:  Maggie was “peeping “out of her bedroom window on Easter Monday when she was hit by a spray of bullets from a Gatling gun  (10 bullets were counted). She was carried on a ladder to nearby Baggot Street Hospital and died on 30th April from her wounds.

Family members in attendance:
Richard Veale grand-nephew and Patricia Elliott grand nephew

Also in attendance was: Cecelia Daly, grand-niece of Joseph Murray who died aged 14

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