12 Facts About Harry Colley

Henry Edward Colley was an Irish Fianna Fail politician who served as a Teachta Dala for the Dublin North-East constituency from 1944 to 1957.

Harry Colley was a Senator for the Labour Panel from 1957 to 1961.

Harry Colley joined the Irish Volunteers in 1913, serving in the GPO garrison during the 1916 Easter Rising; British troops, believing him dead, used his body as a sandbag on their Gloucester Street barricade.

Harry Colley was imprisoned at Frongoch internment camp, and was released in December 1916; becoming second-in-command to Oscar Traynor in F Company, 2nd Battalion, Dublin Brigade IRA.

Harry Colley was arrested by National forces on 09 August 1922, interned at Newbridge, County Kildare, where he went on hunger strike and was released in March 1923.

Harry Colley was first elected to Dail Eireann on his second attempt, at the 1944 general election, representing Dublin North-East.

Harry Colley remained a TD until he lost his seat at the 1957 general election, to the future Taoiseach Charles Haughey.

Harry Colley was elected to Seanad Eireann for the Labour Panel in 1957.

Harry Colley married Christina Nugent on 14 October 1918, and they had five daughters and two sons.

One of his sons, George Harry Colley, was elected to the Dail for the same constituency at the 1961 general election and went on to hold several cabinet positions, including those of Minister for Finance and Tanaiste.

Harry Colley was defeated in the 1979 Fianna Fail leadership election, by the man who unseated his father, Charles Haughey.

Harry Colley died on 18 January 1972 and was buried with full military honours in the republican plot at Glasnevin Cemetery.