JFK+50: Volume 5, No. 1929
ARMED REVOLT AGAINST BRITISH RULE IN IRELAND BEGINSDublin, Ireland (JFK+50) One century ago today, April 24, 1916, the Irish Republican Brotherhood, a secret organization of nationalists, launched an armed uprising against British rule here in Dublin.
The revolt, which occurred on Easter Monday, was led by Patrick Pearse*.
After seizing the General Post Office and attacking British government headquarters, the IRB proclaimed the independence of Ireland.
A counteroffensive late in the day, however, put the success of the rising in doubt and the British government was able to crush the Easter Rising by April 29. Pearse and fourteen other nationalists were executed by firing squad and became martyrs for the cause of Irish independence.
*Patrick Henry Pearse (1879-1916) was born in Dublin & became involved with the Gaelic revival. PHP joined the Gaelic League and edited its newspaper 'The Sword of Light."
PHP earned a BA at the Royal University of Ireland & enrolled as a Barrister-at-Law. In 1905, he was called to the bar. PHP joined the IRB in 1913 & in 1915 became a member of the Secret Council.
PHP was executed at the age of 36 for his involvement in the Easter rising.
Bust of Patrick Henry Pearse
Tralee County Kerry
Photo by Kglavin (2005)
www.commons.wikimedia.org/
Flag Flown Over Dublin GPO
Made by Mary Shanno
National Museum of Ireland. Dublin
Photo by Scolaire (2008)
