Seán F. Quinn

Seán Francis Quinn (died 22 May 1923) was an Anti-Treaty IRA officer (Adjutant General) in the Fourth Northern Division of the Irish Republican Army (IRA).

He was educated by the Christian Brothers in Newry.

On 22 April 1923, he was at a safe house in Castlebellingham along with his brothers Padraig Quinn (IRA Quartermaster General) and Malachi (father of Ruairi Quinn Labour TD). Also there was Frank Aiken (O/C) and Ned Fitzpatrick. They were betrayed by a Catholic priest who had said Sunday Mass for them. Soon surrounded by a large force of Free State troops, Seán Quinn decided they would shoot their way out. Seán and Pádraig Quinn were shot and captured. Aiken escaped (he was named IRA Chief of Staff the next day). Malachi and Ned escaped by hiding in the attic. Seán Quinn died a month later in prison from the untreated wounds.

On 24 May 1923, soon after Seán Quinn’s death, Frank Aiken issued a “cease fire” order and instructed all IRA units to “dump arms” which effectively ended the Irish Civil War.