born June 6, 1880, Dublin, Ire.
died Nov. 16, 1965, Dublin
Irish statesman, first president (192232) of the Irish Free State.
Early attracted to Sinn Féin, he took part in the 1916 Easter Rising and was interned briefly by the British. As president he restored settled government in Ireland. He continued in office despite various crises until Eamon de Valera 's victory in 1932. In 1944 he resigned as head of the United Ireland Party ( Fine Gael ). His son Liam (b. 1920) served as prime minister in 197377.