It came in the form of a simple text from his forever sidekick and good friend Gerard Gearon that said our chara has passed.
Even though we all knew Seán was very ill with cancer, he was one of those people that when the news finally comes it is still a shock. Because men and women as full of life, of courage, of love and of intelligence like Seán Clinton always strike us that they are invincible. Finding out our heroes are mere mortals is always a shock.
And that's what Seán was to Republicans of my generation, no matter the affiliation or particular strategy you adhere to now. He was someone we looked up to because unlike a lot of people Seán didn't just talk the talk, he walked the walk. And not just when it was the popular thing to do.
Whether it was in the Provisional IRA or in what came after it, Seán was to the forefront. He was a leader. He was a Volunteer's Volunteer. He wouldn't ask someone to do what he wouldn't do himself. In fact if he asked anyone to do anything, he would be with them making sure it was done right - not sitting somewhere safe waiting on word back.
As a teenager I knew who Seán Clinton was, and had heard the stories. These will no doubt be told over and over again in the coming days. The way he not only defended the communities of the Lower Ormeau, the Market and Short Strand from loyalists - but retaliated against them as well. How he had been an operator against the forces of the State. And of course, how he was "The Last Gunman" from the famous picture in 1997 of an IRA Volunteer in the Lower Ormeau that he was proud to hail from.
When Republicans in Belfast reorganised in the aftermath of treacherous decisions, most notably with regards to policing, Seán was the leader. He brought a common sense, no frills, no waffle, task based approach to leadership - qualities honed when in a leadership position previously within the Provisional IRA.
When Martin McGuinness infamously said that he didn't know where those opposed to Sinn Féin were "when the war was on", we only had to look at people like Seán that fought the war to know that McGuinness was a liar.
As I got to know Seán it was clear he had a very sharp and astute mind, naturally inquisitive and not afraid to ask difficult questions - of friend and foe. He was also proof that you can be a realist and an idealist.
Outside of politics he had an interest in GAA, Celtic and, like most of the Clintons, boxing. Boxing skills were something he needed on the odd night out too, and he wont mind me saying that. Especially on one infamous night in Ardoyne, but others can tell that story!!
Seán loved his family first and foremost and was a committed family man. His loss will be felt most keenly by them and my deepest condolences go to them. The last time I spoke to him was in the airport as they were heading over together to watch Celtic, despite the toll his illness was taking on him. It was clear that he was grateful for every minute he was getting to enjoy with them all after his diagnosis. Even then the first words out of his mouth were concern for others, "still getting tortured by them cunts?" and asking about another comrade who was having a hard time of it. My heart is broke for them all and hope they have the strength over the next while.
They say don't meet your heroes, for they'll disappoint you. Well they're liars. Because Seán Clinton was one of mine and I not only got to meet him, I got to know him and love him. He fought his illness like he fought the occupation of our country. With pride, dignity and thinking of those around him.
Unfortunately it was a battle he could not win. He will be a big loss to his friends, family and the Republicans he called his comrades. We were all the better for knowing him.
Slán Seán, another good guy gone 💚
Even though we all knew Seán was very ill with cancer, he was one of those people that when the news finally comes it is still a shock. Because men and women as full of life, of courage, of love and of intelligence like Seán Clinton always strike us that they are invincible. Finding out our heroes are mere mortals is always a shock.
And that's what Seán was to Republicans of my generation, no matter the affiliation or particular strategy you adhere to now. He was someone we looked up to because unlike a lot of people Seán didn't just talk the talk, he walked the walk. And not just when it was the popular thing to do.
Whether it was in the Provisional IRA or in what came after it, Seán was to the forefront. He was a leader. He was a Volunteer's Volunteer. He wouldn't ask someone to do what he wouldn't do himself. In fact if he asked anyone to do anything, he would be with them making sure it was done right - not sitting somewhere safe waiting on word back.
As a teenager I knew who Seán Clinton was, and had heard the stories. These will no doubt be told over and over again in the coming days. The way he not only defended the communities of the Lower Ormeau, the Market and Short Strand from loyalists - but retaliated against them as well. How he had been an operator against the forces of the State. And of course, how he was "The Last Gunman" from the famous picture in 1997 of an IRA Volunteer in the Lower Ormeau that he was proud to hail from.
When Republicans in Belfast reorganised in the aftermath of treacherous decisions, most notably with regards to policing, Seán was the leader. He brought a common sense, no frills, no waffle, task based approach to leadership - qualities honed when in a leadership position previously within the Provisional IRA.
When Martin McGuinness infamously said that he didn't know where those opposed to Sinn Féin were "when the war was on", we only had to look at people like Seán that fought the war to know that McGuinness was a liar.
As I got to know Seán it was clear he had a very sharp and astute mind, naturally inquisitive and not afraid to ask difficult questions - of friend and foe. He was also proof that you can be a realist and an idealist.
Outside of politics he had an interest in GAA, Celtic and, like most of the Clintons, boxing. Boxing skills were something he needed on the odd night out too, and he wont mind me saying that. Especially on one infamous night in Ardoyne, but others can tell that story!!
Seán loved his family first and foremost and was a committed family man. His loss will be felt most keenly by them and my deepest condolences go to them. The last time I spoke to him was in the airport as they were heading over together to watch Celtic, despite the toll his illness was taking on him. It was clear that he was grateful for every minute he was getting to enjoy with them all after his diagnosis. Even then the first words out of his mouth were concern for others, "still getting tortured by them cunts?" and asking about another comrade who was having a hard time of it. My heart is broke for them all and hope they have the strength over the next while.
They say don't meet your heroes, for they'll disappoint you. Well they're liars. Because Seán Clinton was one of mine and I not only got to meet him, I got to know him and love him. He fought his illness like he fought the occupation of our country. With pride, dignity and thinking of those around him.
Unfortunately it was a battle he could not win. He will be a big loss to his friends, family and the Republicans he called his comrades. We were all the better for knowing him.
Slán Seán, another good guy gone 💚
⏩Daimhin Ó Fionghail is a republican activist.
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