James Egan

During 1936 this large Celtic cross was erected in Glasnevin over the grave James Francis Egan and all the expenses were borne by Miss Madge Daly of Limerick ( a niece of John Daly and sister in law of Tom Clarke). James Francis Egan was born in Limerick in 1844. A member of the Fenian Brotherhood he went to England to work as a commercial traveller and he lived at Walsall, near Birmingham. In company with John Daly he was arrested in 1884, and on a charge of high treason he was sentenced to 20 years penal servitude. While in prison he made the acquaintance of Tom Clarke and they became firm friends. He was released in 1893 as the authorities believed he was close to death, however his health improved and he went to the United States campaigning for the release of Fenian prisoners. During his absence on this mission he was elected City Sword Bearer to Dublin Corporation, a position he held until his death. During the visit of Queen Victoria to Ireland in 1900, he refused to act as Sword Bearer when the Corporation turned out to receive her. He died in September 1909, his memorial has been cleaned for the centenary of his death.