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1916 Rising: Leo Whelan (1892-1956) portrait of GPO Chaplain Father John Flanagan

Currency:EUR Category:Collectibles Start Price:10.00 EUR Estimated At:2,000.00 - 3,000.00 EUR
1916 Rising: Leo Whelan (1892-1956) portrait of GPO Chaplain Father John Flanagan

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Auction Date:2013 Jan 26 @ 13:00 (UTC+1)
Location:38 Molesworth Street, Dublin, Dublin, ., Ireland
John Flanagan was born in Dublin in 1872. He studied for the Priesthood at Clonliffe College, Dublin and Propaganda College, Rome, being ordained in 1896. In 1901 he became curate to the Pro-Cathedral and was present there in 1916 when the Rebellion broke out. He was known to the volunteers and respected by them, so much so that Eoin MacNeill had sent him a letter after his decision to countermand the order to mobilise stating that anyone with influence, including Flanagan, should advise the men to go home and take off their uniforms.
Shortly after the outbreak of the Rebellion Flanagan was called to the nearby GPO by a young lady who told him there was a Volunteer dying. Max Caulfield in his book 'The Easter Rebellion' noted how "he went back into the church to pick up the Viaticum, and, accompanied by a friend, set off for the Post Office by a circuitous route. The military allowed him to pass through their lines in Great Britain Street and near Moore Street without difficulty. But while negotiating the latter street, a sniper, whether military or rebel he was unable to tell opened fire on them and his friend was shot dead. Father Flanagan, despite the bullets which continued to fly around him, knelt and anointed the dead man. Then, shaken, but still determined to fulfil his priestly duty if God so willed, he pressed on towards Henry Street where the rebels spotted him and signalled him to enter through buildings at the rear of the Post Office… He was led to the wounded Volunteer and after attending to him, saw Pearse, who urged him to stay, pointing out that the men felt the need of a chaplain."
Here he stayed for the remainder of the Rebellion servicing the spiritual and medical needs of the rebels. Various members of the GPO Garrison recalled in later years the brave actions of Flanagan during that week
"…not alone did he minister to the GHQ wounded since Monday but also to the non-combatants and British soldiers who fell in the streets. Apparently without a thought for his own personal safety…" Towards the end of the Rebellion the GPO wounded were removed from their positions and led by Father Flanagan towards the Jervis Street Hospital. Before leaving Flanagan was approached by The O'Rahilly who asked him for a Last Absolution and blessing saying "Father, I am afraid we'll never meet again in this world." O'Rahilly's words would prove to be prophetic and Flanagan went on his way leading the casualties to hospital. One eye witness recorded that "… their safe arrival was due in large messure to the efforts of Father Flanagan first in the Coliseum (Prince's Street) when the fire attacked it, next in getting by the blazing barricade in Prince's Street and especially by his tact in treating with the British forces encountered en route." Following the Rebellion and the War of Independence he was appointed Parish Priest of Fairview and Marino where he facilitated and carried out large amounts of charity work. This portrait was painted by Leo Whelan in 1932, the year of the 31st International Eucharistic Congress, held in Dublin. During which he was commissioned to carry out a number of works. A student of William Orpen, Whelan became recognised as a talented and respected portrait artist. He painted many of the well known Republican leaders and figures of the period including Richard Mulcahy, Michael Collins and Thomas Ashe, the latter portrait being sold by Whyte's for €40,000.

Canon John Flanagan died on 16 December 1935 and is buried in Glasnevin Cemetery. His funeral was attended by large numbers including the Lord Mayor of Dublin Alfie Byrne, W. T Cosgrave and veterans of the GPO Garrison. The large obituaries which the national newspapers published shortly after his death bear testament to the amazing life which he led and the impact he had on Dublin.


22 by 17in.