Rough-hewn hero in his own words

James Connolly: A Full Life, by Donal Nevin, Gill & MacMillan, €30.

James Connolly: A Full Life, by Donal Nevin, Gill & MacMillan, €30.

Just like the other six men who signed the Proclamation of Independence at Easter in 1916, James Connolly knew he was also signing his own death warrant.

As with everything else in his life, he faced the prospect with bravery and stoicism.

“Hasn't it been a full life, Lillie, and isn't this a good end to it?” he said to his ...