It was a warm June evening when 19 year old Josephine Scannell was sitting by the window in No. 12 French's Quay. The young seamstress was sowing some garments when a bullet came crashing through the glass from the street outside and ended her life.
Frenchs Quay 1900s
It was a chaotic evening in the city. Shandon Street and Tuckey Street RIC Barracks were attacked by members of the First Cork Brigade. Up to 30 IRA Volunteers fired shots and flung tin can bombs at the barracks in a drive by attack. As they retreated towards South Gate Bridge after attacking Tuckey Street Barracks, they were pursued by a number of raging Auxileries who fired indiscriminately, injuring civilians and ultimately killing one.
Among those injured that evening were Mrs O'Connor and her one year old daughter and 12 year old daughter. Five year old Hugh Murray and Denis Lenihan were also caught up in the deadly street fighting but all survived.
Josephine, or Josie as she was better known, was one of five children and following her death, Josie's parents received £1,000 compensation. Her funeral to St Joseph's cemetery attracted hundreds of mourners. The tragic death of the 19 year old seamstress demonstrated that whether it be on the street or in the home, nowhere was safe during those turbulent times in Cork.
French's Quay in modern times.
Josie's grave in St Joesphs, Ballyphehane.
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