Dublin plaque honours first child killed in 1916 Easter Rising

By Gráinne Ní Aodha, PA

A plaque has been unveiled in Dublin in memory of Sean Foster, the first child killed during the 1916 Easter Rising.

Sean Francis Foster was two when he was hit in the head with a bullet as his mother ran from gunfire between Irish Volunteers and British soldiers in Church Street.

He was the first of 40 children killed during the Rising.

At the plaque unveiling in North King Street on Thursday, musical duo Foster and Allen performed the song Grace.

Mick Foster is a second cousin of Sean Foster. His father was born two months after his young relative was killed and was named after him.

Speaking at the unveiling, Foster said his family are “honoured and delighted” that his relative’s memory is being kept alive.

“Ted Foster was Sean’s brother who was actually in the pram with him when he was shot… I have a great-grandson, and he’s called Ted,” he told the crowd.

He thanked the council and local residents for providing the plaque.

Terence O’Neill, a first cousin of Sean Foster, addressed the crowd briefly in English and Irish.

He said he had first, second, third and fourth cousins at the unveiling.

Lord Mayor Daithi de Roiste said it is important to remember the innocent civilians killed as well as honouring the leaders of the 1916 Rising.

“Until now, many of them have gone unnamed, their final resting places unmarked, their sacrifice unrecognised,” he said.

“Today we remember and honour Sean Foster, one of the innocent victims.”

RTÉ broadcaster Joe Duffy, who wrote a book about children killed in the Rising, also spoke at the unveiling.