"We Heard The Firing All Over The Place"

“We Got The Order Halt Left Turn Charge”

Relevant Places

On the Thursday before Easter Patrick Pearse informed the Kimmage Garrison that they would be part of the Headquarters Battalion. John ‘Blimey’ O’Connor, a member of the Kimmage Garrison recalls entering the General Post Office and fortifying the building.

I discovered that the tea cannister which he gave me was nothing else than a bomb.

Soon after the garrison heard the sound of the Lancers advancing down O’Connell Street. They were ordered not to open fire until the signal was given. In the excitement as the Lancers reached Nelson’s Pillar someone opened fire after which ‘Blimey’ and his comrades followed suit.

John ‘Blimey’ O’Connor was a member of the Kimmage Garrison, Headquarters Battalion, Irish Volunteers.

John O'Connor was interviewed for the television programme 'I Remember Easter' broadcast on Telefís Éireann, 22 April 1962.

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