A commemorative plaque in memory of the first of the 40 children killed during Easter Week 1916 has been unveiled in Dublin.
Sean Francis Foster was two years old when he was hit in the head with a bullet on April 24th, 1916 as his mother pushed his pram toward safety during gunfire between Irish Volunteers and British soldiers on Church Street, near Father Mathew Hall. It is believed he died instantly.
Lord Mayor of Dublin Daithí de Róiste unveiled the plaque at Sean Foster Place, North King Street, on Thursday.
“Whilst it is important that we honour the heroes of the 1916 Easter Rising, it is also important to ensure the innocent dead are not forgotten. Until now, many of them have gone unnamed, their final resting places unmarked, their sacrifice unrecognised. Today we remember and honour Sean Foster, one of the innocent victims,” Mr de Róiste said.
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North King Street was a focal point of intense fighting during the 1916 rebellion and 16 civilians were killed in the area.
Musicians Foster and Allen performed the song Grace at the unveiling ceremony.
Sean Foster’s father John and Mick Foster’s grandfather Tom were brothers. Mick’s father was born on June 1st, 1916 and he was named Sean in memory of his first cousin.
At the ceremony Mick Foster said: “It’s a day of mixed emotions, I knew Ted who was in the pram with Sean very well but it’s a proud day that Sean’s name and memory will live on.”
