John Heuston (b. 1951)

Track 1: The Heuston family from Ardfinnan in Co. Tipperary is discussed; their trade as weavers, and their Fenian background, are also outlined. John Heuston explains that his grandfather emigrated to New York in 1898, joining the United States Army. Track 2: Seán Heuston was born in Gloucester Street in north inner city Dublin in 1891. John Heuston explains that his information on the Heuston family came from Seán’s brother, Michael Heuston, who was a Dominican priest. Having gained prior permission from his religious superiors, Michael Heuston went to Kilmainham Jail, at the request of his brother Seán, on the eve of his execution following the 1916 Rising. John Heuston explains that Seán Heuston’s grandfather joined the British Army in the years following the Famine. Track 3: Contains an explanation of the family circumstances of Seán Heuston – he had two sisters, Mary, who became a Dominican nun, and Teresa, who lived on in the family home in Fontenoy Street, off Dorset Street, Dublin. She held all the Heuston family papers until, in later years, she gave them to her neighbour, Mrs. Gilchrist, who later had them deposited in Kilmainham Jail. Track 4: The Heuston name and its meaning to him is described by John Heuston, who also mentions that Seán Heuston was one of the youngest participants in the Rising to be executed. A discussion follows on the naming of Heuston Railway Station in Dublin, and on a piece of furniture with connections to the patriot.