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12th May 1916
James Connolly (1868-1916): Born in Edinburgh in 1868, Connolly was first introduced to Ireland as a member of the British Army. Despite returning to Scotland, the strong Irish presence in Edinburgh stimulated Connolly’s growing interest in Irish politics in the mid 1890s, leading to his emigration to Dublin in 1896 where he founded the Irish Socialist Republican Party. He spent much of the first decade of the twentieth century in America, he returned to Ireland to campaign for worker’s rights with James Larkin. A firm believer in the perils of sectarian division, Connolly campaigned tirelessly against religious bigotry. In 1913, Connolly was one of the founders of the Irish Citizen Army. During the Easter Rising he was appointed Commandant-General of the Dublin forces, leading the group that occupied the General Post Office. Unable to stand to during his execution due to wounds received during the Rising, Connolly was executed while sitting down on 12 May 1916. He was the last of the leaders to be executed.
Seán MacDiarmada: Born in 1884 in Leitrim, MacDiarmada emigrated to Glasgow in 1900, and from there to Belfast in 1902. A member of the Gaelic League, he was acquainted with Bulmer Hobson. He joined the Irish Republican Brotherhood in 1906 while still in Belfast, later transferring to Dublin in 1908 where he assumed managerial responsibility for the I. R. B. newspaper Irish Freedom in 1910. Although MacDiarmada was afflicted with polio in 1912, he was appointed as a member of the provisional committee of Irish Volunteers from 1913, and was subsequently drafted onto the military committee of the I. R. B. in 1915. During the Rising MacDiarmada served in the G. P. O. He was executed on 12 May 1916.
Seán MacDiarmada: Born in 1884 in Leitrim, MacDiarmada emigrated to Glasgow in 1900, and from there to Belfast in 1902. A member of the Gaelic League, he was acquainted with Bulmer Hobson. He joined the Irish Republican Brotherhood in 1906 while still in Belfast, later transferring to Dublin in 1908 where he assumed managerial responsibility for the I. R. B. newspaper Irish Freedom in 1910. Although MacDiarmada was afflicted with polio in 1912, he was appointed as a member of the provisional committee of Irish Volunteers from 1913, and was subsequently drafted onto the military committee of the I. R. B. in 1915. During the Rising MacDiarmada served in the G. P. O. He was executed on 12 May 1916.
8th May 1916.
Éamonn Ceannt: Born in Galway in 1881, prior to the Rising Ceannt was an employee of the Dublin Corporation. He was a co-founder of the Irish Volunteers, partaking in the successful Howth gun-running operation of 1914. His involvement in republican activities was complemented by his interest in Irish culture, specifically Irish language and history, although he was also an accomplished uileann piper.As the commander of the Fourth Battalion of Irish Volunteers during the Rising, he took possession of the South Dublin Union, precursor to the modern-day St. James’s Hospital. He was executed on 8 May 1916.
4th May 1916.
Joseph Mary Plunkett: Born 1887 in Dublin, son of a papal count, Plunkett was initially educated in England, though he returned to Ireland and graduated from U. C. D. in 1909. After his graduation Plunkett spent two years travelling due to ill health, returning to Dublin in 1911. Plunkett shared MacDonagh’s enthusiasm for literature and was an editor of the Irish Review. Along with MacDonagh and Edward Martyn, he helped to establish an Irish national theatre. He joined the Irish Volunteers in 1913, subsequently gaining membership of the I. R. B. in 1914. Plunkett travelled to Germany to meet Roger Casement in 1915. During the planning of the Rising, Plunkett was appointed Director of Military Operations, with overall responsibility for military strategy. Plunkett was one of those who were stationed in the G. P. O. during the Rising. He married Grace Gifford while in Kilmainham Gaol following the surrender and was executed on 4 May 1916.
3rd May 1916.
Patrick Pearse: Pearse was born in Dublin in 1879, becoming interested in Irish cultural matters in his teenage years. In 1898 Pearse became a member of the Executive Commmittee of the Gaelic League. He graduated from the Royal University in 1901 with a degree in Arts and Law. Pearse’s literary output was constant, and he published extensively in both Irish and English, becoming the editor of An Claidheamh Soluis, the newspaper of the Gaelic League. He was a keen believer in the value of education, and established two schools, Coláiste Éanna and Coláiste Íde, devoted to the education of Irish children through the Irish language. One of the founder members of the Irish Volunteers, and the author of the Proclamation of Independence, Pearse was present in the G. P. O. during the Rising, and was Commander in Chief of the Irish forces. He was executed on 3 May 1916.
Thomas MacDonagh: A native of Tipperary, born in 1878, MacDonagh spent the early part of his career as a teacher. He moved to Dublin to study, and was the first teacher on the staff at St. Enda’s, the school he helped to found with Patrick Pearse. MacDonagh was well versed in literature, his enthusiasm and erudition earning him a position in the English department at University College Dublin. His play When the Dawn is Come was produced at the Abbey theatre. He was appointed director of training for the Irish Volunteers in 1914, later joining the I. R. B. MacDonagh was appointed to the I. R. B. military committee in 1916. He was commander of the Second Battalion of Volunteers that occupied Jacob’s biscuit factory and surrounding houses during the Rising. He was executed on 3 May 1916.
Thomas James Clarke: Born on the Isle of Wight in 1857, Clarke’s father was a soldier in the British army. During his time in America as a young man, he joined Clann na nGael, later enduring fifteen years of penal servitude for his role in a bombing campaign in London, 1883-1898. In 1907, having returned from a second sojourn in America, his links with Clan na nGael in America copper-fastened his importance to the revolutionary movement in Ireland. He held the post of Treasurer to the Irish Republican Brotherhood, and was a member of the Supreme Council from 1915. The first signatory of the Proclamation of Independence through deference to his seniority, Clarke was with the group that occupied the G. P. O. He was executed on 3 May 1916.
Thomas MacDonagh: A native of Tipperary, born in 1878, MacDonagh spent the early part of his career as a teacher. He moved to Dublin to study, and was the first teacher on the staff at St. Enda’s, the school he helped to found with Patrick Pearse. MacDonagh was well versed in literature, his enthusiasm and erudition earning him a position in the English department at University College Dublin. His play When the Dawn is Come was produced at the Abbey theatre. He was appointed director of training for the Irish Volunteers in 1914, later joining the I. R. B. MacDonagh was appointed to the I. R. B. military committee in 1916. He was commander of the Second Battalion of Volunteers that occupied Jacob’s biscuit factory and surrounding houses during the Rising. He was executed on 3 May 1916.
Thomas James Clarke: Born on the Isle of Wight in 1857, Clarke’s father was a soldier in the British army. During his time in America as a young man, he joined Clann na nGael, later enduring fifteen years of penal servitude for his role in a bombing campaign in London, 1883-1898. In 1907, having returned from a second sojourn in America, his links with Clan na nGael in America copper-fastened his importance to the revolutionary movement in Ireland. He held the post of Treasurer to the Irish Republican Brotherhood, and was a member of the Supreme Council from 1915. The first signatory of the Proclamation of Independence through deference to his seniority, Clarke was with the group that occupied the G. P. O. He was executed on 3 May 1916.
Saturday 29 April, 1916.
On Saturday a decision is made to seek terms of surrender. At 12.45 pm Nurse Elizabeth O Farrell emerges from the shop in Moore Street with a white flag. The shooting subsides and she is brought to General Lowe bearing a message from Pearse that he wants to discuss terms of surrender. General Lowe sends her back with a demand for unconditional surrender. At 2.30 pm Pearse, accompanied by Elizabeth O Farrell, surrenders to General Lowe at the top of Moore Street.
On surrender, Pearse is taken to General Maxwell who demands that he write out surrender orders for the other rebel commands around Dublin. Connolly is instructed to do likewise for the men under his command in the Irish Citizen Army. These orders are then taken to the different rebel positions in the city by Elizabeth O Farrell. By 3.45 pm on Saturday afternoon, the rising which began at noon on Monday has effectively come to an end. All rebels are now instructed to lay down their weapons and line up in O Connell Street.
AFTERMATH
The Easter Rising brought large scale death and destruction to the streets of Dublin. In all, 142 British soldiers and police were killed while 64 rebels were killed. A total of 254 civilians were killed during the week, many of them caught in crossfire. An estimated 2,000 people were injured during the fighting. In addition to the loss of life, large sections of the centre of Dublin had been destroyed especially in and around O Connell Street.
General Maxwell decided to pursue a tough policy against the leaders of the rising. Following court martial, Pearse, McDonagh and Clarke were executed by firing squad in Kilmainham Gaol on the morning of May 3rd. This was followed in later days by the execution of the remaining signatories of the Easter Proclamation and any others thought to have been involved in its planning. In addition, General Maxwell ordered the arrest and imprisonment of a further 3,500 people thought to be sympathetic to the rising. This meant that about three times the number who took part in the rising had now been arrested.
The executions continued until May 12th. At this stage, 15 of the leaders and those thought to have been involved in the planning of the rising were dead. The determination of General Maxwell to continue with these executions gradually started to shift public opinion onto the side of the rebels. By May 10th, newspapers such as The Irish Times andThe Irish Independent, both of which strongly condemned the rising, were calling for an end to the executions. General Maxwell ignored these calls and James Connolly and Sean MacDermott were executed on the morning of May 12th.
On Saturday a decision is made to seek terms of surrender. At 12.45 pm Nurse Elizabeth O Farrell emerges from the shop in Moore Street with a white flag. The shooting subsides and she is brought to General Lowe bearing a message from Pearse that he wants to discuss terms of surrender. General Lowe sends her back with a demand for unconditional surrender. At 2.30 pm Pearse, accompanied by Elizabeth O Farrell, surrenders to General Lowe at the top of Moore Street.
On surrender, Pearse is taken to General Maxwell who demands that he write out surrender orders for the other rebel commands around Dublin. Connolly is instructed to do likewise for the men under his command in the Irish Citizen Army. These orders are then taken to the different rebel positions in the city by Elizabeth O Farrell. By 3.45 pm on Saturday afternoon, the rising which began at noon on Monday has effectively come to an end. All rebels are now instructed to lay down their weapons and line up in O Connell Street.
AFTERMATH
The Easter Rising brought large scale death and destruction to the streets of Dublin. In all, 142 British soldiers and police were killed while 64 rebels were killed. A total of 254 civilians were killed during the week, many of them caught in crossfire. An estimated 2,000 people were injured during the fighting. In addition to the loss of life, large sections of the centre of Dublin had been destroyed especially in and around O Connell Street.
General Maxwell decided to pursue a tough policy against the leaders of the rising. Following court martial, Pearse, McDonagh and Clarke were executed by firing squad in Kilmainham Gaol on the morning of May 3rd. This was followed in later days by the execution of the remaining signatories of the Easter Proclamation and any others thought to have been involved in its planning. In addition, General Maxwell ordered the arrest and imprisonment of a further 3,500 people thought to be sympathetic to the rising. This meant that about three times the number who took part in the rising had now been arrested.
The executions continued until May 12th. At this stage, 15 of the leaders and those thought to have been involved in the planning of the rising were dead. The determination of General Maxwell to continue with these executions gradually started to shift public opinion onto the side of the rebels. By May 10th, newspapers such as The Irish Times andThe Irish Independent, both of which strongly condemned the rising, were calling for an end to the executions. General Maxwell ignored these calls and James Connolly and Sean MacDermott were executed on the morning of May 12th.
Friday 28 April, 1916.
Thursday night saw continuous shelling of O Connell Street while at the same time the cordon around the Four Courts and the GPO gradually tightened. By Friday morning much of the GPO is on fire and sections of the roof are collapsing. It is obvious to the rebels inside that they will have to evacuate the building. One plan being considered is to tunnel through adjoining buildings and join up with the Four Courts garrison. However, this is not possible because of the worsening military situation.
Eventually it is decided to try to escape via Henry Street and establish a new headquarters somewhere near here. The narrow streets around Henry Street and Moore Street are filled with smoke from the burning buildings. There is a great deal of confusion. In addition, nobody is quite sure exactly where the British military cordon is. Several groups of rebels try to make their way down Henry Street but come under heavy fire. One of the casualties is The O Rahilly who had come to Liberty Hall on Easter Monday.
Pearse and Connolly are in the last group to leave the GPO. Because of his injuries, Connolly is carried on a stretcher. They find shelter in a grocer's shop at the corner of Henry Place and Moore Street. Included in this group is Nurse Elizabeth O Farrell who later plays a key role in the surrender of the rebels.
Unknown to the rebels, General Sir John Maxwell arrives in Dublin from England at 2 pm that day. He now takes over command and issues a proclamation promising tough action against the rebels. The military are unaware that the GPO has been abandoned and continue their attacks on the building. By Friday night the GPO is nothing more than a shell.
Fierce street fighting continues especially in the North King's Street area as the military begin to close the cordon. With the increased military pressure, many rebels take to the roofs and operate as snipers. Moving from building to building, they are able to strike at will and prove difficult targets for the military.
Thursday night saw continuous shelling of O Connell Street while at the same time the cordon around the Four Courts and the GPO gradually tightened. By Friday morning much of the GPO is on fire and sections of the roof are collapsing. It is obvious to the rebels inside that they will have to evacuate the building. One plan being considered is to tunnel through adjoining buildings and join up with the Four Courts garrison. However, this is not possible because of the worsening military situation.
Eventually it is decided to try to escape via Henry Street and establish a new headquarters somewhere near here. The narrow streets around Henry Street and Moore Street are filled with smoke from the burning buildings. There is a great deal of confusion. In addition, nobody is quite sure exactly where the British military cordon is. Several groups of rebels try to make their way down Henry Street but come under heavy fire. One of the casualties is The O Rahilly who had come to Liberty Hall on Easter Monday.
Pearse and Connolly are in the last group to leave the GPO. Because of his injuries, Connolly is carried on a stretcher. They find shelter in a grocer's shop at the corner of Henry Place and Moore Street. Included in this group is Nurse Elizabeth O Farrell who later plays a key role in the surrender of the rebels.
Unknown to the rebels, General Sir John Maxwell arrives in Dublin from England at 2 pm that day. He now takes over command and issues a proclamation promising tough action against the rebels. The military are unaware that the GPO has been abandoned and continue their attacks on the building. By Friday night the GPO is nothing more than a shell.
Fierce street fighting continues especially in the North King's Street area as the military begin to close the cordon. With the increased military pressure, many rebels take to the roofs and operate as snipers. Moving from building to building, they are able to strike at will and prove difficult targets for the military.
Thursday 27 April, 1916.
By Thursday morning the cordon around the Four Courts and the GPO continues to tighten further. There is now continuous shelling and much of O Connell Street has either been destroyed or is on fire. The military now outnumber the rebels by an estimated 20 to 1. The GPO in particular is under sustained attack. While supervising the erection of a barricade in a nearby street, James Connolly is wounded in the ankle and has to be helped back to the GPO. At about 10 pm on Thursday evening, an oil depot opposite the GPO explodes sending flames high into the night sky.
The situation in Dublin is now critical. With most shops closed since Monday there is a widespread shortage of basic food items such as bread and milk.With large numbers of British soldiers in the city, the military has commandeered much of the available food. Even relatively wealthy families are forced to go out in search of food supplies.
A shortage of uniforms has meant that many of the rebels are dressed in civilian attire. Although this makes it easier for the rebels to move about, it makes movement for all civilians very dangerous. Looting continues between lulls in the fighting. These looters are in danger from both the rebels and the military.
Rumours swept Dublin during the rising. Most of these rumours such as those about the landing of Germans were false. The publication of newspapers was severely disrupted by the fighting. The Irish Times strongly condemned the rebellion saying 'sedition must be rooted out of Ireland once and for all'. The Irish Independent also condemned the rising calling it 'wicked and insane'. The rebels were keenly aware of the importance of getting their message across to the public and on the second day of the rebellion, they published their own newspaper Irish War News. This 'newspaper' was produced by the rebels with the aim of rallying support rather than telling exactly what was happening.
In the week after the rising, most newspapers were published again as normal. The Irish Times and The Irish Independent again condemned the rising and called for tough action against the leaders.
By Thursday morning the cordon around the Four Courts and the GPO continues to tighten further. There is now continuous shelling and much of O Connell Street has either been destroyed or is on fire. The military now outnumber the rebels by an estimated 20 to 1. The GPO in particular is under sustained attack. While supervising the erection of a barricade in a nearby street, James Connolly is wounded in the ankle and has to be helped back to the GPO. At about 10 pm on Thursday evening, an oil depot opposite the GPO explodes sending flames high into the night sky.
The situation in Dublin is now critical. With most shops closed since Monday there is a widespread shortage of basic food items such as bread and milk.With large numbers of British soldiers in the city, the military has commandeered much of the available food. Even relatively wealthy families are forced to go out in search of food supplies.
A shortage of uniforms has meant that many of the rebels are dressed in civilian attire. Although this makes it easier for the rebels to move about, it makes movement for all civilians very dangerous. Looting continues between lulls in the fighting. These looters are in danger from both the rebels and the military.
Rumours swept Dublin during the rising. Most of these rumours such as those about the landing of Germans were false. The publication of newspapers was severely disrupted by the fighting. The Irish Times strongly condemned the rebellion saying 'sedition must be rooted out of Ireland once and for all'. The Irish Independent also condemned the rising calling it 'wicked and insane'. The rebels were keenly aware of the importance of getting their message across to the public and on the second day of the rebellion, they published their own newspaper Irish War News. This 'newspaper' was produced by the rebels with the aim of rallying support rather than telling exactly what was happening.
In the week after the rising, most newspapers were published again as normal. The Irish Times and The Irish Independent again condemned the rising and called for tough action against the leaders.
Wednesday 26 April, 1916
By Wednesday morning, the military authorities have a better picture of the extent of the opposition they are facing and are now in a position to start putting down the rising. The deployment of artillery on the streets of Dublin proves to be a turning point for the military as it is now possible to literally demolish rebel positions. James Connolly had believed that artillery would never be used in this way because of the damage it would cause to the property of wealthy employers. The events of Wednesday are to prove him wrong and from now on the military outcome of the rising is not in doubt.
The first target for this artillery is Liberty Hall. Early on Wednesday morning, the gunship Helga anchors close to the Custom House and begins firing on Liberty Hall. Since the Lockout of 1913, the military and many of Dublin's employers have viewed the ITGWU (trade union) as little more than trouble makers. They believe that Connolly and his Irish Citizen Army have to be involved in the rising. The firing on Liberty Hall continues for sometime with the presence of the Butt Bridge preventing any real damage to the building. Eventually, the gunners find their target causing major damage to the building and surrounding tenements. Unknown to the military, Liberty Hall is deserted apart from a caretaker who emerges and runs for his life.
The military now step up its attacks paying particular attention to buildings which it believes have been taken over by rebels. One such building is Kelly's Fishing Tackle Shop on the corner of O Connell Street. The location of this building overlooking the quays makes it ideal for snipers. Using its superior firepower and numbers, the military are able to deal effectively with this threat. In spite of the ongoing danger, some civilians venture out to see what is happening. Looting continues between any lulls in the fighting.
Fierce fighting continues across Dublin. The military continues in its strategy of isolating these pockets of resistance. Areas around the Four Courts, the College of Surgeons, the South Dublin Union (St. James' Hospital) and Mount Street Bridge see some of the heaviest fighting. Meanwhile, British reinforcements continue to arrive at Kingstown (Dun Laoire). One such group, the Sherwood Foresters, are pleasantly surprised when they are greeted by well wishers on arrival in Kingstown. They commence to march on foot to Dublin coming under heavy fire from buildings near Mount Street Bridge. They are ordered forward by their commander even though they are unprepared for such an ambush. They suffer heavy casualties.
Inside the GPO, the deployment of artillery onto the streets of Dublin means that the relative calm of the previous two days has ended abruptly. There can be no doubt now about the intentions of the military. Despite this spirits remain high and there is still contact between the different rebel positions.
By Wednesday morning, the military authorities have a better picture of the extent of the opposition they are facing and are now in a position to start putting down the rising. The deployment of artillery on the streets of Dublin proves to be a turning point for the military as it is now possible to literally demolish rebel positions. James Connolly had believed that artillery would never be used in this way because of the damage it would cause to the property of wealthy employers. The events of Wednesday are to prove him wrong and from now on the military outcome of the rising is not in doubt.
The first target for this artillery is Liberty Hall. Early on Wednesday morning, the gunship Helga anchors close to the Custom House and begins firing on Liberty Hall. Since the Lockout of 1913, the military and many of Dublin's employers have viewed the ITGWU (trade union) as little more than trouble makers. They believe that Connolly and his Irish Citizen Army have to be involved in the rising. The firing on Liberty Hall continues for sometime with the presence of the Butt Bridge preventing any real damage to the building. Eventually, the gunners find their target causing major damage to the building and surrounding tenements. Unknown to the military, Liberty Hall is deserted apart from a caretaker who emerges and runs for his life.
The military now step up its attacks paying particular attention to buildings which it believes have been taken over by rebels. One such building is Kelly's Fishing Tackle Shop on the corner of O Connell Street. The location of this building overlooking the quays makes it ideal for snipers. Using its superior firepower and numbers, the military are able to deal effectively with this threat. In spite of the ongoing danger, some civilians venture out to see what is happening. Looting continues between any lulls in the fighting.
Fierce fighting continues across Dublin. The military continues in its strategy of isolating these pockets of resistance. Areas around the Four Courts, the College of Surgeons, the South Dublin Union (St. James' Hospital) and Mount Street Bridge see some of the heaviest fighting. Meanwhile, British reinforcements continue to arrive at Kingstown (Dun Laoire). One such group, the Sherwood Foresters, are pleasantly surprised when they are greeted by well wishers on arrival in Kingstown. They commence to march on foot to Dublin coming under heavy fire from buildings near Mount Street Bridge. They are ordered forward by their commander even though they are unprepared for such an ambush. They suffer heavy casualties.
Inside the GPO, the deployment of artillery onto the streets of Dublin means that the relative calm of the previous two days has ended abruptly. There can be no doubt now about the intentions of the military. Despite this spirits remain high and there is still contact between the different rebel positions.
Easter Sunday April 23, 1916.
Ireland 1916 - Ireland is part of the British Empire and the Union Jack flag flies from public buildings. Post boxes are painted red and many Irishmen join the British army to serve in far flung places such as India. In Europe, World War I rages and thousands of Irish soldiers are fighting in the trenches against the German Kaiser William. In Ireland, there is renewed interest in Irish culture and literature. A growing number of people believe that Ireland is a distinctive country and not just a region of the United Kingdom.Most Irish people believe that while remaining within the British Empire, Ireland should be allowed to make many its own laws. This is called Home Rule. In the North East of Ireland, Unionists are opposed to this and want to remain completely within the United Kingdom with its parliament in Westminster. However, the support of Irish M.P.s for the British government in parliament means that there is a promise of Home Rule - after the end of the war.
Unionists do not like this and organise the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) to oppose the introduction of Home Rule. Guns are imported and the UVF practise drilling and training. In response to this, the Irish Volunteers are founded with the aim of ensuring that Home Rule is introduced at the end of the war. They practise drilling and training. However, they have limited supplies of weapons.
The Irish Republican Brotherhood (IRB), a more militant group, has infiltrated the Irish Volunteers and other organisations associated with the Gaelic revival. With its connections to the Fenians, the IRB is not satisfied with Home Rule and instead wants a completely independent Ireland. With Britain at war in Europe, the IRB is convinced that now is the time to stage an armed uprising. Planning for a rising begins and there are hopes of getting guns from Germany. A nationwide rising involving thousands of Irish Volunteers is planned for Easter Sunday. The IRB keeps its plans secret from the leadership of the Irish Volunteers.
THE LEADERS
Patrick Pearse - Father born in England. Came to Ireland and worked as a sculptor. His son Patrick had a keen interest in Irish culture. Involved with many cultural organisations. Joined the Irish Volunteers and also became a member of the IRB. Qualified as a barrister. Also a poet and writer.
Thomas Clarke - Born on the Isle of Wight to Irish parents. At 57, the oldest of the leaders. Long time member of the IRB. Spent 15 years in prison in England. Travelled to America. Returned to Ireland in 1907 and opened a small shop in Parnell Street. Frequent meeting place for those planning the rising.
James Connolly - Born in Scotland to Irish parents. After some time in the British Army became a trade unionist. Involved with the 1913 Lockout when workers were locked out by employers after demanding higher wages. Leader of Irish Citizen Army set up to defend workers against attacks.
Thomas McDonagh - Born in County Tipperary. Joined the Gaelic League. Met Pearse while on a visit to Aran Islands. Taught at St. Enda's, Pearse's school. Interested in theatre and writing.
Sean Mac Diarmada - Born in County Leitrim. Worked in Glasgow as a gardener and then as a tram conductor. Moved to Dublin and became friendly with Thomas Clarke. Travelled throughout Ireland as an organiser for the IRB.
Eamonn Ceannt - Born in County Galway. A teacher in the Gaelic League. Keen interest in Irish music and played the uilleann pipes. A member of the IRB, he also helped to set up the Irish Volunteers.
Joseph Plunkett - A poet. Interested in theatre. Suffered from poor health. Regarded as one of the main military planners of the rising.
PLANS FOR A RISING
The leadership of the IRB have planned a rising for Easter Sunday. The aim is to have a ship from Germany called the Aud land 20,000 rifles in Kerry sometime before Sunday. These weapons will then be distributed to the Irish Volunteers around the country who are scheduled to meet on Sunday under the pretext of holding a training session. The intention is that a nationwide uprising will then take place with the hope, perhaps, of further military assistance from Germany. All of these plans are being kept secret from Eoin MacNeill, leader of the Irish Volunteers.
Problems emerge when the Aud fails to make contact with the IRB in Kerry. The ship is eventually challenged by the British Navy and the captain has no choice but to sink the Aud and her cargo of weapons on Easter Saturday. Roger Casement, one of those responsible for importing the arms, is also captured by the police. In a further blow, Eoin MacNeill becomes aware of plans for the rising. He is angry that the Irish Volunteers are being used in this way and places a newspaper advertisement cancelling Sunday's 'parades'.
There is widespread confusion amongst the volunteers with most now believing that Sunday's meeting has been cancelled. Without the turn out of the Irish Volunteers and the weapons on board the scuttled Aud, the prospects for Sunday's planned rising do not look very good. The leaders meet, unsure as to whether to postpone the rising to another time. However, despite the setbacks they decide to press ahead and reschedule the rising for Easter Monday.
FINAL PREPARATIONS
Final preparations now begin. A proclamation is drafted and plans are made to have it printed. This will be similar to a poster and when the rising begins, it is intended to tell the general public why the rising is taking place. It is decided to print the proclamation in Liberty Hall, the headquarters of James Connolly's trade union. There have been numerous raids on Liberty Hall and some of the printing equipment has been confiscated by the police.The printers work throughout the night hoping they will not be discovered. They eventually print 2,500 copies of the proclamation.The Easter Proclamation is a radical document. As well as declaring the right of the Irish people to an independent Ireland, it also asserts the equality of men and women. The Easter Proclamation also bears the names of those who planned the Uprising.
Ireland 1916 - Ireland is part of the British Empire and the Union Jack flag flies from public buildings. Post boxes are painted red and many Irishmen join the British army to serve in far flung places such as India. In Europe, World War I rages and thousands of Irish soldiers are fighting in the trenches against the German Kaiser William. In Ireland, there is renewed interest in Irish culture and literature. A growing number of people believe that Ireland is a distinctive country and not just a region of the United Kingdom.Most Irish people believe that while remaining within the British Empire, Ireland should be allowed to make many its own laws. This is called Home Rule. In the North East of Ireland, Unionists are opposed to this and want to remain completely within the United Kingdom with its parliament in Westminster. However, the support of Irish M.P.s for the British government in parliament means that there is a promise of Home Rule - after the end of the war.
Unionists do not like this and organise the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) to oppose the introduction of Home Rule. Guns are imported and the UVF practise drilling and training. In response to this, the Irish Volunteers are founded with the aim of ensuring that Home Rule is introduced at the end of the war. They practise drilling and training. However, they have limited supplies of weapons.
The Irish Republican Brotherhood (IRB), a more militant group, has infiltrated the Irish Volunteers and other organisations associated with the Gaelic revival. With its connections to the Fenians, the IRB is not satisfied with Home Rule and instead wants a completely independent Ireland. With Britain at war in Europe, the IRB is convinced that now is the time to stage an armed uprising. Planning for a rising begins and there are hopes of getting guns from Germany. A nationwide rising involving thousands of Irish Volunteers is planned for Easter Sunday. The IRB keeps its plans secret from the leadership of the Irish Volunteers.
THE LEADERS
Patrick Pearse - Father born in England. Came to Ireland and worked as a sculptor. His son Patrick had a keen interest in Irish culture. Involved with many cultural organisations. Joined the Irish Volunteers and also became a member of the IRB. Qualified as a barrister. Also a poet and writer.
Thomas Clarke - Born on the Isle of Wight to Irish parents. At 57, the oldest of the leaders. Long time member of the IRB. Spent 15 years in prison in England. Travelled to America. Returned to Ireland in 1907 and opened a small shop in Parnell Street. Frequent meeting place for those planning the rising.
James Connolly - Born in Scotland to Irish parents. After some time in the British Army became a trade unionist. Involved with the 1913 Lockout when workers were locked out by employers after demanding higher wages. Leader of Irish Citizen Army set up to defend workers against attacks.
Thomas McDonagh - Born in County Tipperary. Joined the Gaelic League. Met Pearse while on a visit to Aran Islands. Taught at St. Enda's, Pearse's school. Interested in theatre and writing.
Sean Mac Diarmada - Born in County Leitrim. Worked in Glasgow as a gardener and then as a tram conductor. Moved to Dublin and became friendly with Thomas Clarke. Travelled throughout Ireland as an organiser for the IRB.
Eamonn Ceannt - Born in County Galway. A teacher in the Gaelic League. Keen interest in Irish music and played the uilleann pipes. A member of the IRB, he also helped to set up the Irish Volunteers.
Joseph Plunkett - A poet. Interested in theatre. Suffered from poor health. Regarded as one of the main military planners of the rising.
PLANS FOR A RISING
The leadership of the IRB have planned a rising for Easter Sunday. The aim is to have a ship from Germany called the Aud land 20,000 rifles in Kerry sometime before Sunday. These weapons will then be distributed to the Irish Volunteers around the country who are scheduled to meet on Sunday under the pretext of holding a training session. The intention is that a nationwide uprising will then take place with the hope, perhaps, of further military assistance from Germany. All of these plans are being kept secret from Eoin MacNeill, leader of the Irish Volunteers.
Problems emerge when the Aud fails to make contact with the IRB in Kerry. The ship is eventually challenged by the British Navy and the captain has no choice but to sink the Aud and her cargo of weapons on Easter Saturday. Roger Casement, one of those responsible for importing the arms, is also captured by the police. In a further blow, Eoin MacNeill becomes aware of plans for the rising. He is angry that the Irish Volunteers are being used in this way and places a newspaper advertisement cancelling Sunday's 'parades'.
There is widespread confusion amongst the volunteers with most now believing that Sunday's meeting has been cancelled. Without the turn out of the Irish Volunteers and the weapons on board the scuttled Aud, the prospects for Sunday's planned rising do not look very good. The leaders meet, unsure as to whether to postpone the rising to another time. However, despite the setbacks they decide to press ahead and reschedule the rising for Easter Monday.
FINAL PREPARATIONS
Final preparations now begin. A proclamation is drafted and plans are made to have it printed. This will be similar to a poster and when the rising begins, it is intended to tell the general public why the rising is taking place. It is decided to print the proclamation in Liberty Hall, the headquarters of James Connolly's trade union. There have been numerous raids on Liberty Hall and some of the printing equipment has been confiscated by the police.The printers work throughout the night hoping they will not be discovered. They eventually print 2,500 copies of the proclamation.The Easter Proclamation is a radical document. As well as declaring the right of the Irish people to an independent Ireland, it also asserts the equality of men and women. The Easter Proclamation also bears the names of those who planned the Uprising.
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