Of the seven signers of the 1916 Proclamation Eammon Ceannt is likely, and unjustly, the least known. He did not possess the eloquence of Padraig Pearse nor the charisma of a James Connolly, but what he did possess a single-hearted devotion to Ireland and her people’s freedom and a willingness to sacrifice all in their cause. He deserves to be far better recognized as one of … [Read more...] about Eamonn Ceannt, Impassioned Heart of the Rising
Scholarship
Con Colbert, Forgotten Hero of 1916
In the aftermath of the Easter Rising, 16 men were executed for taking part in the fight for Ireland’s freedom. Naturally, the majority of the attention falls upon the leader and the signatories of the Proclamation. It would, however, be a grave injustice to not remember the other gallant men who willingly made the ultimate sacrifice for Ireland; among the foremost would be … [Read more...] about Con Colbert, Forgotten Hero of 1916
Jeremiah O’Donovan Rossa, the Ashes from which the Phoenix of 1916 Rose
Jeremiah O'Donovan Rossa was born Jeremiah O'Donovan in Reenascreena, County Cork on 10 September 1831. While he was the son of tenant farmers, the family could trace their ancestry back to nobler days when before the English confiscation of Irish land they had held the parish of Kilmeen, the honorary title "Rossa" coming from the town of Rossmore in that parish. Rossa saw the … [Read more...] about Jeremiah O’Donovan Rossa, the Ashes from which the Phoenix of 1916 Rose
Major John MacBride; Accidental Rebel, Committed Patriot
Since the time of the Greeks, the myths and legends of heroes have followed a consistent pattern. The hero enjoys initial success and is catapulted to fame to only just as quickly have everything taken away from him and to fall from grace; then in the time of dire need the hero reemerges and asserts his nobility of character often by his personal sacrifice in the face of … [Read more...] about Major John MacBride; Accidental Rebel, Committed Patriot
Who Fears to Speak of Easter Week?
On Friday, April 24th 2015 we will mark the 99th Anniversary of the Easter Rising and the declaration of the Irish Republic. There has already been considerable commentary, which shall only intensify over the course of the coming year, as to the significance of the proclamation and the motives of the signers and key participants. There is a great deal of material for those who … [Read more...] about Who Fears to Speak of Easter Week?