William Rynne

Who is William Rynne?

William Rynne, known as "Willie" Rynne, was an Irish Republican who fought in the 1916 Rising. He was born in Clouna South, Ennistymon, County Clare. His parents were David Rynne and Bridget Gallery/Rynne. As a young man he worked in a drapery store in Dundalk, Co. Louth and joined the Irish Volunteers. He was active in the 1916 Rising. After the rising he initially held at Richmond Barracks in Dublin. He was transferred to Wakefield Detention centre in England on 12 May 1916. In 1917, as Captain of the Dundalk Volunteers, Rynne was active in the South Armagh by-election protecting Sinn Féin voters from attacks by members of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, who supported the Irish Parliamentary Party candidate. He was captured by the Black and Tans during the Irish War of Independence but escaped while being transported for his execution. He moved to the U.S.A. and never returned to Ireland.