After the events of Easter Sunday, 1916, the nationalist leaders that supported an independent Irish Republic were all quickly court-martialed, then brutally shot (executed) at Dublin's Kilmainham Gaol (prison) by the British.
Within that prison (marked by a cross) stood the Irish heros, Eamonn Ceannt, Tom Clarke, Cornelius Colbert, James Connolly, Edward Daly, Sean Mac Diarmada, Sean J. Heuston, Michael Mallin, Major John McBride, Thomas McDonough, Michael O'Hanrahan, Patrick Pearse, William Pearse and Joseph Plunkett. All were marched (blindfolded) into this prison courtyard, then executed at point-blank range by British solders. James Connolly was so badly injured in previous fighting that he could not stand, so he was placed in a chair, and then shot. Thomas Kent was later shot in Cork, Ireland, and Roger Casemen was hanged in London, England.
Despite its military failure - mainly because of the overpowering force of British troops in Dublin - this event, this 'Easter Rising" is rightfully judged as the most significant inspiration in the eventual creation of the Irish Republic. If you ever travel to Dublin, Ireland, don't miss touring Kilmainham Gaol. And when you stand in the central courtyard and see this cross (there are two) you can't help but feel proud of the men that died here, and it's a moment that will stay in your mind for a very long time.
1 comment:
thanhs for a very timeful reminder of IRELAND and her people and strugle....was born there in the north in 1941....lived through a lot but nothing compared to the last 30 or so years....left IRELAND in 1969 with wife and 4 young kids for AUSTRALIA a good life there....children all grown up...so now we are enjoying life in THIALAND for the last 2 years
thanks again (briagc@gmail.com)
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