Terence MacSwiney (1879-1920) was a leading figure in Ireland’s struggle for independence. Mayor of Cork, playwright and poet, he was one of the leading figures in Irish history to campaign against the British presence on Irish soil. Known for his strong temperament, he made Irish history when he went on hunger strike for 74 days… while imprisoned in England during the Irish War of Independence.
An act of bravery that unfortunately ended in his death. His struggle aroused the indignation and dismay of the international community. Even today, its history awakens a strong sense of patriotism in many Irish people…
It’s August 12, 1920, in Cork. Terence MacSwiney, in his forties, is Mayor of Cork. Passionate about the arts and literature, he carried with him the deep conviction that Ireland was a state in the making, which had to throw off the English yoke. He therefore called on the English to withdraw from the country, and let the Irish determine their own national destiny.
Very active in the independence struggle, MacSwiney multiplied acts of “rebellion” and took part in secret assemblies deemed illegal by the British. These meetings gave him the opportunity to exchange views with other republicans on the question of Irish independence.
This illegal activity led to his brutal arrest.
At around 7.30pm, Terence Mac Sweeney realized that troops were stationed all around the town hall, determined to capture him. He was soon arrested and treated as a conspirator.
He was then sent to England for court-martial. The British intend to make an example of him, and thus intimidate the Irish opponents who remain in Ireland. But this was without counting on the strong temperament of Cork’s mayor, who was determined to fight to the bitter end.
From the very first day of his trial, MacSwiney played the provocation card and declared the court martial illegal. He calls to be judged in Ireland by his peers, and not by a British court, which he considers illegitimate. A statement that was far from to the liking of the English court, which decided to imprison him in Brixton, England.
Despite the sentence, the Mayor of Cork did not give up, and decided to go on hunger strike. He is now bedridden in the prison infirmary. The staff try to persuade him to call off his strike, but MacSwiney never relents. He categorically refuses to eat, and weakens very quickly.
An act of courage that will soon be of great interest to the international community. As a result, many European countries are turning their attention to Brixton prison. Journalists have their eyes on this Irishman, determined to die a martyr’s death in the name of Irish independence.
Countries communicate their indignation and acts of support multiply. Masses are being organized all over Europe… The Irish diaspora is organizing events to raise awareness of the situation…
And Ireland itself pays tribute to its martyr. In Dublin and Cork, public prayers were organized, bringing together up to 40,000 people in some places. Even the Guinness brewery interrupts its operations to take part in the event.
In England, too, there is dissension. A small movement is beginning to make itself heard, advocating the release of Cork’s mayor.
The scale of the affair was underestimated by the British government. From then on, the tension was at its height. It’s a real tug-of-war between England and the Irish independentist. And to make matters worse, the international community is watching.
The British are feeling the pinch. It’s hard to imagine a way out of the conflict. Releasing MacSwiney would mean relinquishing their rights to Ireland. However, it is unthinkable for England to take a step towards the Irish. This would be seen as an admission of weakness…
Days go by. Weeks go by, and Cork’s mayor’s condition declines dangerously.
An English doctor is rushed to the prison. His goal: to convince the Irishman to eat. But nothing helped. Despite the doctor’s convincing arguments, Cork’s mayor stands firm.
By then, we had been on hunger strike for almost 70 days0 His condition was deteriorating and his suffering was total. He partially loses his sight, suffers from dizziness, and begins to see his mental faculties decline. On the night of October 24-25 1920, he finally breathed his last.
For Ireland and international opinion, it’s an upheaval. His death caused a stir around the world. His coffin was transported to Ireland, which paid him a vibrant tribute.
Hailed for his courage and bravery, Terence MacSwiney has since become a leading figure in the fight against the British presence in Ireland. He was the man who dared to defy England.
His hunger strike raised awareness of the political situation in Ireland. According to some experts, the strike may even have precipitated the end of the Irish War of Independence a year later…
Sadly, this tragic episode in Anglo-Irish history would be echoed many years later. In fact, a republican Northern Irishman by the name of Bobby Sands also defied England by going on hunger strike in 1981. His goal: to be recognized as a political prisoner. After weeks of fasting, his hunger strike led to his death… provoking an international outcry… just as it did for MacSwiney in 1920.
