REPUBLICANS throughout Ireland and indeed in England and the USA were deeply saddened to learn of the death on July 16, 2026 of John O’Connor, Life-Vice President, Sinn Féin Poblachtach and long-time Ard-Cisteoir of the organisation.

John was born in Inchicore in Dublin in 1944. He joined Na Fianna Éireann at an early age and later went on to become an active member of Óglaigh na hÉireann. Following the 1969/70 split in the Republican Movement, John was involved in the reorganisation of the Republican Movement, especially in the Dublin area.

In the early 1970s, Charlie McGlade from Belfast was one of the National Treasurers and was appointed by the Ard Chomhairle to organise Sinn Féin in Dublin. He brought a number of people together to form a Comhairle Ceantair, among them John O’Connor and Mary Ward.

The committee did sterling work and formed four Comhairle Ceantair and eventually a Comhairle Dáil Ceantair to overlook them. As an officer of the Comhairle Dáil Ceantair John was very involved in the reorganisation as well as other aspects of the Movement. Sinn Féin in Dublin became a vibrant organisation and John played a large part.

In 1986 John was to the fore in rejecting the reformists who hijacked the Republican Movement, selling out the sacrifices of so many Republicans who gave their lives and liberty for the cause of Irish Freedom. He was a founder member of the Caretaker Executive of Republican Sinn Féin and was elected one of the National Treasurers the following year, a post he held until he stood down and was elected Life Vice-President.

John made several visits to the USA and England on behalf of the Republican Movement and was well regarded. A life-long GAA member, he rarely missed a match in which Dublin played. He loved Irish music, especially Republican ballads and organised many functions for the Movement down through the years with groups such as the Wolfe Tones and the Dublin City Ramblers.

The Republican Movement extends deepest sympathy to his family, comrades and friends. He will be deeply missed.

I measc na Fíníní go raibh a anam.

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