Francis (Frank) Lawless (1870-1922) TD and patriot, came from an illustrious nationalistic farming family from Saucerstown, Swords. The Lawless family would have been seen as ‘strong’ farmers in the Swords area. The Lawlesses were involved in every local Irish organisation including the Gaelic League, the GAA and Feiseanna.

Frank Lawless, like many of his family, was a fine singer and performer. He was elected president of Fingallians in 1902 having played himself for their team. He was a senior officer in the Fingal Volunteers, playing a pivotal role in the 1916 rising. He was elected a Sinn Fein TD 1919-1922 and was pro-Treaty.

Frank Lawless was tragically killed, aged 51, in an accident involving a horse - drawn cart. His funeral saw both Eamonn de Valera and Michael Collins both in attendance, united in their grief.

Mp2911198@gmail.com.