War of Independence veteran dies aged 105
A 105-year-old War of Independence veteran who served alongside Michael Collins, died today.
Lieutenant Colonel Sean Clancy, a former Commanding Officer of the Fifth Infantry Battalion, fought against British forces in the Dublin Brigade of the Volunteers from 1919 to 1921.
The Co Clare native also shared the historic moment in Dublin Castle in 1922 with Collins when Britain handed over power to the new Irish Government.
In a statement the Defence Forces said: “It is with great regret the Defence Forces mourn the death of Lieutenant Colonel Sean Clancy at the age of 105 years.
“At the time of his death Lieutenant Colonel Clancy was the oldest surviving person receiving a military service pension for his role in the War of Independence.”
Lt Col Clancy died in a Dublin nursing home.
After serving in the War of Independence, Lt Col Clancy signed up to join the National Army on May 22, 1922.
He was commissioned as a lieutenant the following year and held a number of posts during the Civil War years and in the Emergency.
Lt Col Clancy retired on age grounds in July 1959 after years as Commanding Officer of the Fifth Infantry Battalion.
He was honoured on his 104th birthday last year when Defence Forces Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Jim Sreenan hosted a lunch in McKee Barracks the present home of the Fifth Infantry.
Lt Col Clancy was also one of a handful of veterans of the War of Independence and the Civil War who attended the 90th anniversary commemorations of the Easter Rising in Dublin earlier this year.
