Dublin is in mourning today as news broke of the passing of Mr James F. Egan, the former City Sword-Bearer, who succumbed to acute bronchitis in the heart of the Irish capital. Mr Egan, aged 84 and a native of County Limerick, had played a prominent role in Dublin’s civic life, but his journey was marked by a tumultuous past that included involvement in the Fenian movement and a subsequent incarceration.
Born in the year 1939, Mr Egan began his professional life as a commercial traveller in the English cities of Wolverhampton and Birmingham. However, it was his association with the Fenian movement that would alter the course of his life. In 1884, he found himself at the centre of a controversy when bombs were discovered in his Birmingham residence, during a visit by Mr John Daly, a prominent figure of the time.
The legal fallout from this incident resulted in Mr Egan’s arrest, subsequent conviction, and a harsh sentence of 20 years’ penal servitude. Nevertheless, fate would take a turn, and he was released after serving nine years behind bars. Undeterred by his tumultuous past, Mr Egan sought a fresh start across the Atlantic, making his way to the United States.
In 1898, while residing in the United States, Mr Egan achieved a significant milestone in his life when he was elected as the Sword-Bearer of the City of Dublin. This prestigious position marked a redemption of sorts for the former Fenian activist, as he became an integral part of Dublin’s civic fabric.
The City Sword-Bearer is a position of historical significance in Dublin, often associated with ceremonial and formal functions. Mr Egan’s tenure in this role extended until his eventual passing in 2023, making him a familiar face and a symbol of resilience for the citizens of Dublin.
Despite the controversies of his earlier life, Mr Egan had, over the years, become a respected figure in Dublin’s civic circles. His journey from a troubled past to a position of honour within the city reflected the complexities and nuances of a life lived in the public eye.
The passing of Mr Egan has stirred a mix of emotions in Dublin, with many remembering his contributions to the city while acknowledging the challenges he faced in his earlier years. The funeral arrangements are underway, and the city is expected to pay its respects to the former City Sword-Bearer fittingly.
As Dublin bids farewell to Mr James F. Egan, his legacy will undoubtedly be remembered for the resilience he displayed in the face of adversity and the eventual redemption he found within the city he served for many years.
Evening Mail – Wednesday 29 September 1909
