DCC unveils plaque in memory of Sean Foster, first child fatality of the Easter 1916 Rising

Dublin City Council recently unveiled a Commemorative Plaque to remember Sean Francis Foster, the first of 40 children killed during Easter Week 1916.

The Lord Mayor of Dublin Daithí de Róiste unveiled the plaque last Thursday (26th) to pay tribute to Sean, at Sean Foster Place, North King Street, Dublin 7.

Sean Francis Foster

Sean was just two years old, when he was hit in the head with a bullet as his distraught mother escaped the gunfire between Irish Volunteers and British soldiers on Church Street, near Father Mathew Hall.

It is believed he died instantly, forever marking him an innocent casualty of the conflict.

From left to right are First cousins of Sean Francis Foster, Noreen O’Neill, Terence O’Neill, Lord Mayor, Daithí de Róiste holding Kate Emer O’Reilly, Aisling O’Reilly. Picture Credit; Damien Eagers

Addressing attendees at the unveiling ceremony, Lord Mayor Daithí de Róiste said, “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.”

Sean Foster Place, where the commemorative plaque now stands, has undergone a transformation and currently offers 30 new homes.

These residences are part of the Dublin City Council’s pilot project for Nearly Zero Energy Building (NZEB) as dictated by its Climate Change Action Plan in the Markets Area of Dublin 7.

North King Street was a focal point of intense fighting during the 1916 rebellion.

16 civilians lost their lives on this street, with nine of them killed on the site of the new development.

International recording artists Foster and Allen performed the song ‘Grace’ at the plaque unveiling ceremony.

Mick Foster is a relative of Sean Foster. Sean Foster’s father John and Mick’s Grandfather Tom were brothers.

Sean Foster died on 24 April 1916.

Mick’s father was born on 1 June 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.”

Dublin City Council Central Area Committee following consultation with the local history group in the area, as well as Sean Foster’s relatives, determined that a new social housing development should be named after Sean Foster.

The Central Area Committee also decided that a suitable plaque be erected at the complex, not only to commemorate Sean, but also to ensure that anyone living in the area or passing the development will be aware of the circumstances surrounding his death and development’s name..

The wording on the plaque was agreed upon with the area committee, the local area history group and the relatives of Sean Foster R.I.P. who through the encouragement of broadcaster Joe Duffy, were contacted and wholeheartedly supported the naming of the development Sean Foster Place.