In April 1900, news surfaced about Mr. James Egan, the official Sword-Bearer of the Dublin Corporation, who notably declined to participate in the ceremony welcoming Her Majesty in Dublin alongside the Lord Mayor. This refusal brought to light his controversial past during the “dynamite scare” of the early 1880s. Egan had faced imprisonment connected to the tumultuous period defined by political unrest and violence, only to be released in 1895.
Following his liberation, Mr. Egan held a number of appointments in various locations, including Limerick. These positions ultimately led to his appointment as the Sword-Bearer of the Dublin Corporation in the previous year. His refusal to take part in the official ceremony and the subsequent attention it garnered brought renewed focus on Egan’s turbulent past.
The news also highlighted the impact of such political incidents on public officials’ careers and the broader implications for their ability to perform their duties in ceremonial contexts. Egan’s refusal to welcome the Queen raised questions about the importance of historical factors in shaping individual actions and beliefs, even after many years have passed.
In conclusion, Mr. James Egan’s decision not to join the Lord Mayor in welcoming Her Majesty in Dublin was not only a testament to his personal convictions but also served as a reminder of the lingering effects of past events on the present-day actions and decisions of public officials like Egan, who had undergone significant turmoil during the dynamite scare in the 1880s.
Gloucester Citizen – Thursday 05 April 1900
