Joseph McGuinness

McGuinness was born on 12 April 1875 in Cloonmore townland, Tarmonbarry, County Roscommon, to Martin McGuinness, farmer, and Rose Farrell. After a period in the United States, he lived in Longford town after his return from the USA in 1902. He became involved in the local Conradh na Gaeilge branch. He subsequently moved to Dublin, where he ran drapery shops. He also joined the Irish Volunteers, serving as a lieutenant in ‘C’ company, 1st battalion, which was commanded by Ned Daly. His wife, Katherine Farrell, was a member of the central branch of Cumann na mBan. ==Political career==

McGuinness, as a member of the Irish Volunteers, took part in fighting in the Four Courts during the Easter Rising in 1916. According to some reports, he was second-in-command in the Four Courts. After the defeat of the uprising, McGuinness was sentenced to ten years' penal servitude (later reduced to three), and was transferred to HM Prison Lewes with other fighters. . He was re-elected unopposed at the 1921 general election in the new Longford–Westmeath constituency; he died before the 1922 general election. He voted in favour of the Anglo-Irish Treaty in January 1922. At a subsequent election, his seat was taken by his brother Francis McGuinness. ==References==