Seán French was first elected to Cork Corporation in January 1920 with a paltry 73 first preference votes. In the turbulent period that followed he was arrested in September 1922 and served 13 months in Newbridge Internment Camp and Mountjoy Prison. 

Perhaps French's greatest legacy is that he did so much to bind together all classes and creeds in the best interests of Cork city. He has the unique distinction of being Cork's longest-serving first citizen, serving 12 terms.