Terence Mac Swiney, Lord Mayor of Cork (1920): A catalyst for political magnanimity

Abstract

Terence Mac Swiney or Traolach Mac Suibhne (1879-1920) is famous for his hunger strike which rocked the British Empire, and influenced world-famous leaders such as Gandhi, Mandela, Ho Chi Minh and Nehru (among others). He died at Brixton Prison on 25th October 1920 at 5.40am on his 74th day without food, so that he could influence world opinion in favour of Ireland’s freedom from imperialist Britain. He was Lord Mayor of Cork when he was captured by British authorities at the City Hall for alleged sedition through his activities with the Irish Volunteers and Sinn Féin.