Ursula Ní Shionnáin
Ursula Ní Shionnáin is a prominent member of the socialist republican party Éirigí, who was convicted by the Special Criminal Court in 2014 for unlawful possession of firearms and served four and a half years in prison. After her release, she worked as an intern for Catherine Connolly in Leinster House, gaining recognition for her academic achievements, including a doctorate in the Irish language. Her case has sparked discussions surrounding employment opportunities for individuals with criminal convictions and the importance of giving second chances.
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Recent news mentions
Ursula Ní Shionnáin was employed by Catherine Connolly and was jailed for firearms offences in 2014.
Matt Cooper’s acerbic presidential election remark pays off – The Irish Times
Ireland· 2025-10-25
Ursula Ní Shionnáin was convicted of a firearms offence and later employed by Catherine Connolly.
five takeaways from the latest debate – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-10-15
Ms Ní Shionnain went to work for Ms Connolly very soon after being released from prison.
Catherine Connolly ‘broke rules’ over former Eirigí member, says Minister for Justice – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-10-08
Ursula Ní Shionnain was a prominent member of the socialist republican party Éirigí.
Five takeaways from Sunday’s presidential debate – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-10-05
Ms Connolly employed Ursula Ní Shionnain shortly after her release from a prison sentence handed down by the Special Criminal Court.
Jim Gavin ‘looking into’ allegation he owes former tenant €3,300 – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-10-05
Ursula Ní Shionnain was hired by Catherine Connolly despite having served a prison sentence for possession of arms and ammunition.
Connolly says she spoke to prison visiting committee before hiring Éirigí member – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-10-04
Ursula Ní Shionnain was hired by Catherine Connolly despite her past conviction.
Next presidential election TV debate should be a decidedly more lively affair – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-10-04
Ursula Ní Shionnain was convicted by the Special Criminal Court and served time for serious firearm offences.
Deep division emerges amongst parties over Connolly’s hiring of convicted woman – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-10-03
Ursula Ní Shionnain was mentioned as a former member of Éirígí who was sentenced to six years in jail for unlawful possession of firearms.
Elijah Burke removed from Catherine Connolly event after attempted interruption – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-10-03
Ursula Ní Shionnáin, who was jailed for firearms offences by the Special Criminal Court in 2014, was still claimed as a member by the socialist republican group Éirígí in 2018.
Éirígí says Ursula Ní Shionnáin still member in 2018 when employed by Catherine Connolly in Leinster House – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-10-02
Ursula Ní Shionnáin was sentenced to six years in jail in 2014 and is now a language planning officer.
Catherine Connolly defends move to hire woman with Special Criminal Court conviction – The Irish TimesIreland· 2025-10-02
