The story of John Blimey O’Connor and the London Irish in 1916

Directed and edited by Marcus Howard, independent film maker. John “Blimey” O’Connor was involved in telling the world through radio broadcasts about the 1916 Easter Rising as it actually took place. The story is told by his daughter Cáit Mhic Ionnraic who has 2 connections to the Rising, her father and father in-law. Her father travelled from London to serve in The Kimmage Garrison and played a very active role in 1916. Cáit also reads from his memoirs about his experiences in the GPO, getting the transmission out, and the last stand at Moore Street. His story weaves in and out among Joseph Plunkett, Tom Clarke, Michael Collins, The O’Rahilly, Sean Mac Dermott and many others. Cáit Mhic Ionnraic also gives her thoughts on the preservation of Moore Street.

Radio equipment from the school of wireless telegraphy was used to declare the Irish Republic to the rest of the world in case the Irish/British media would dismiss it as a disturbance.

What others have said about John “Blimey O’Connor:

“Blimey (Johnny) O’Connor was engaged on the job of climbing up the wireless mast to fix some wires and he was being sniped at all the time. How he had the pluck to carry on and how he was not riddled beats me.” Liam Tannam, GPO garrison.