Signatory	English Name	Irish Name	Born	Date Shot
X	Patrick Pearse	Padraic Mac Pharais	1879	3 May 1916
X	Thomas MacDonagh	Tomas Ni Donnachada	1876	3 May 1916
X	Thomas Clarke	Tomas O Cleirigh	1858	3 May 1916
X	Joseph Plunkett	Joseph O Pluingcead	1887	4 May 1916
-	Edward Daly	Eamonn O Dalaigh	1891	4 May 1916
-	Michael O’Hanrahan	Micheal O Hannrachain	1877	4 May 1916
-	William Pearse	Liam Mac Pharais	1881	4 May 1916
-	John MacBride	Sean Mac Giolla Bhride	1865	5 May 1916
-	Con Colbert	Conchuir O Colbaird	1888	8 May 1916
X	Eamonn Ceannt	Eamonn Ceannt	1881	8 May 1916
-	Michael Mallin	Micheal O Meallain	1874	8 May 1916
-	Sean Hueston	Sean Mac Aodha	1891	8 May 1916
X	James Connolly	Seamus O Conghaile	1868	12 May 1916
X	Sean MacDermott	Sean Mac Diarmada	1884	12 May 1916

Source: http://www.stephen-stratford.co.uk/easter.htm

Eamonn Ceannt was born in 1881 in Galway, but was raised and educated in Dublin.

In a memorandum sent by General Sir John Maxwell to the then British Prime Minister, Herbet Asquith, the following description was provided for Eamonn Ceannt:

This man was one of the signatories to the Declaration of Irish Independence. He was on the Executive Committee and Central Council of the Irish Volunteers and attended all their meetings. He was an extremist in his views and identified himself with all pro-German movements. He held the rank of Commandant in the rebel army and was in command at the South Dublin Union in the capture of which the British troops suffered heavily, losing both officers and men. He was armed at the time of his surrender.

Eamonn Ceannt was tried by Field General Courts Martial on 3-4 May 1916. The proceedings are contained in the PRO document WO 71/348.

Court Martial Proceedings

The members of the courts martial were Brigadier-General C.G. Blackader (President), Lieutenant-Colonel G. German and Lieutenant-Colonel W.J. Kent.

To the charge of " ... did take part in an armed rebellion and in the waging of war against His Majesty the King, such act being of such a nature as to be calculated to be prejudicial to the Defence of the Realm and being done with the intension and for the purpose of assisting the enemy."

The 1st witness was Major J.A. Armstrong who stated

I was at Patricks Park on 30 April 1916. The British troops were fired on, the fire came from the neighbourhood of Jacob's Factory. Several casualties occured. I was under fire. I was present about 5pm when the party from Jacob's Factory surrendered. I directed an officer to make a list of the unarmed men. The accused surrendered as one of the party and was at the head of it, his name was not on the unarmed list. There was an armed list made and his name appears at the head and from information he gave he his described as Commandant. I asked him to give orders and he did so, they were obeyed.

When cross-examined by the accused, Major Armstrong confirmed that the two lists of men: armed and unarmed, were made after the groups of men were disarmed. Armstrong stated that the accused did not have a rifle but a revolver or automatic pistol which he removed from a pocket and placed on the ground.

Eamonn Ceannt called three witnesses in his defence: John McBride, Richard Davys and Patrick Sweeney. One of the other witnesses due to be called was Thomas MacDonagh, but he was executed by firing squad during the early morning of 3 May 1916.

The 1st witnesss called by Eamonn Ceannt in his defence was John McBride who stated

I know the accused intimately. I should be in no doubt as to his identity. I remember Sunday 30 April 1916 and preceding days, I was in Jacob's factory, I left it on Sunday afternoon between 4 and 5pm. The accused was not in my company before I left. It was impossible for the accused to be in Jacob's factory without my knowledge, he had no connection with the party that occupied Jacob's factory.

When John McBride was cross-examined he stated that he saw the accused in the area of St Patrick's Park when the group under his command surrendered, and that he did not see the accused at any time between Easter Monday and Sunday 30 April 1916. He also confirmed that he did not have any knowledge that the accused was the Commandant of the 4th Battalion.

Both Richard Davys and Patrick Sweeney confirmed that they had not seen the accused in Jacob's Factory, however Richard Davys stated that he saw the accused in the area of St Patrick's Park.

Following his last witness Eamonn Ceannt made the following statement

Three witnesses who were in Jacob's Factory from Monday 24 April 1916 to about 5pm on Sunday 30 April have sworn that I was not in Jacob's Factory during any of that period and was not one of a party which surrendered from Jacob's Factory on Sunday 30 April. Another witness who was not available [Thomas MacDonagh] whould have been able to corroborate these three. The evidence makes it quite clear that I can't have had anything to do with the firing from the neighbourhood of Jacobs which resulted in casualties to British troops at St Patrick's Park as referred to. I don't accuse Major Armstrong of endeavouring to mislead the Court but it's clear that he was deceived in thinking that I was attached in any way to the Jacobs party which as deposed fired on British troops in the neighbourhood of Patrick's Park. He had admitted that his plan of making a list of armed men was by a process of elimination of the unarmed men from the whole list on parade and from recollection. He had admitted that the list of armed men was compiled after all men had been disarmed. I submit tha this evidence is not conclusive except insofar as it concerned the unarmed men and is not evidence as to the men who were armed. I claim at least that there is reasonable doubt and the benefit of the doubt should be given to the accused. In regard to my carrying arms there is no positive or direct evidence except that Major Armstrong believes I carried a revolver or automatic pistol which he says I took from my pocket and laid upon the ground. As to my having surrendered to the military authorities this is sufficiently proved by my presence at Richmond Barracks and is hereby freely admitted. As to the accusation that I did an act " ... with the intention and for the purpose of assisting the enemy ..." I content myself with a simple denial. The Crown did not even tender evidence in this regard. I gave away my automatic pistol. The Volunteer uniform more often that not does not indicate the rank of the wearer. The witness I intended to call and could not be found from the description I gave to the Police would have proven that I did not come from the neighbourhood of Jacob's Factory. I came at the head of two bodies of men but was only connected with one body.

Court Martial Verdict

Eamonn Ceannt was found guilty and sentenced to death by shooting. The sentenced was confirmed by General Maxwell.

Between 3.45 and 4.05am on 8 May 1916, Eamonn Ceannt was shot in the former stone breakers yard at Kilmainham Prison. His remains were later buried in Arbour Lane Cemetery.

†

Thomas Clarke was born in 1858 on the Isle of Wright, the son of a British army sergeant and Mary Palmer from Cloghern, Co. Tipperary.

In a memorandum sent by General Sir John Maxwell to the then British Prime Minister, Herbet Asquith, the following description was provided for Thomas Clarke:

This man was a signatory to the Declaration of Irish Independence. He was one of the most prominent leaders in the Sinn Fenn movement in Dublin. He was present with the rebels in the GPO, Sackville Street, where some of the heaviest fighting took place and was proved to have been in a position of authority there. On 20 May 1885, under the name of Henry H. Wilson, he was sentenced in London to Penal Servitude for life for treason felony, and was released on licence on the 20 September 1898. He exercised a great influence over the younger members of the organisation with which he was connected.

Thomas Clarke was tried by Field General Courts Martial on 2 May 1916. The proceedings are contained in the PRO document WO 71/347.

Court Martial Proceedings

The members of the courts martial were Brigadier-General C.G. Blackader (President), Lieutenant-Colonels G. German and W.J. Kent.

To the charge of " ... did take part in an armed rebellion and in the waging of war against His Majesty the King, such act being of such a nature as to be calculated to be prejudicial to the Defence of the Realm and being done with the intension and for the purpose of assisting the enemy." Thomas Clarke pleaded not guilty.

The 1st witness was 2nd Lieutenant S.L. King (12th Royal Enniskillen Fusiliers) who stated

Between 10 and 11am Tuesday 25 April 1916 I was in Sackville Street, 2 men rushed across from the direction of the Post Office, and took me prisoner taking me into the main entrance of the Post Office. While I was detained there I often saw the prisoner. He appeared to be a person in authority although he was not in uniform. Some of the men obtained a key from him at different times and some wore uniform. I have no doubt that he was one of the rebels.

When cross-examined by Thomas Clarke, 2nd Lieutenant King confirmed that he had been well treated during his term of imprisonment.

Thomas Clarke did not call any witnesses or make a statement in his defence.

Court Martial Verdict

Thomas Clarke was sentenced to death by shooting. This sentence was confirmed by General Maxwell. Between 3.30 and 4am on 3 May 1916, Thomas Clarke was shot in the former stonebreakers yard at Kilmainham Prison. His remains were later buried in Arbour Lane Cemetery.

†

Con (or Cornelius) Colbert was born in Co. Limerick in 1888.

In a memorandum sent by General Sir John Maxwell to the then British Prime Minister, Herbet Asquith, the following description was provided for Con Colbert:

This man was one of the most active members of the Sinn Fein organisation. He was a associate with all the leaders and took a prominent part in the organisation of the rebel army in which he held the rank of Captain. He was armed at the time of his surrender and came from the neighbourhood of houses from which heavy fighting had taken place earlier in the day.

Con Colbert was tried by Field General Courts Martial on 4 May 1916. The proceedings are contained in the PRO document WO 71/352.

Court Martial Proceedings

The members of the courts martial were Colonel D. Sapte (President), Major W.R. James and Major D.B. Frew.

To the charge of " ... did take part in an armed rebellion and in the waging of war against His Majesty the King, such act being of such a nature as to be calculated to be prejudicial to the Defence of the Realm and being done with the intension and for the purpose of assisting the enemy."

The 1st witness was Major J.A. Armstrong who stated

On 30 April 1916 I was present at Bride Street and Patrick's Park where the British troops were fired upon. The accused was one of a party which surrendered about 5pm. He was dressed in a Volunteer Captain's uniform and was armed. These officers were armed with pistols or revolvers. These men who surrendered came from the direction in which firing had taken place.

Con Colbert did not call any witnesses in his defence but made the following statement:

I have nothing to say.

Court Martial Verdict

Con Colbert was found guilty and sentenced to death by shooting. This sentence was confirmed by General Maxwell. Between 3.45 and 4.05am on 8 May 1916, Con Colbert was shot in the former stonebreakers yard at Kilmainham Prison. His remains were later buried in Arbour Lane Cemetery.

†

James Connolly

Introduction

Along with other Irish Volunteers, Connolly seized the General Post Office in Dublin on 24 April 1916. During the action at the Post Office, Connolly was shot in the thigh. Following the end of the rebellion on 29 April 1916, James Connolly was detained by the British Forces. Connolly’s Field General Court-Martial (FCGM) was convened by General Sir John Maxwell, commanding British Forces in Ireland, on 8 May 1916. The trial itself took place on 9 May 1916.

In a memorandum sent by General Sir John Maxwell to the then British Prime Minister, Herbet Asquith, the following description was provided for James Connolly:

This man has been a prominent leader in the Larkinite or Citizen Army for years. He was also a prominent supporter of the Sinn Fein movement. He held the rank of Commandant General of the Dublin Division in the rebel army, and had his headquarters at the GPO from which place he issued orders. On the 24 April he issued and signed a general order to "The Officers and soldiers in Dublin of the Irish Republic" stating that " ... the armed forces of the Irish Republic had everywhere met the enemy and defeated them." This man was also a signatory to the Proclamation of Irish Independence.

Court Members

The court consisted of three members: Colonel D. Lapte (President), Lieutenant-Colonel A.M. Bent, 2^nd Royal Munster Fusiliers, and Major F.W. Woodward, DSO, Loyal North Lancs. Regiment.

The Charges

James Connolly was charged with two offences:

• Did an act to wit did take part in an armed rebellion and in the waging of  war against His Majesty the King, such act being of such a nature as to be calculated to be prejudicial to the Defence of  the Realm and being done with the intention and for the purpose of assisting then enemy.
• Did attempt to cause disaffection among the civilian population of His Majesty.

1^st Witness

2^nd Lieutenant S.L. King, 12 Res. Battalion, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers states:

In Sackville Street Dublin about 11am on 25^th April 1916 I was taken prisoner by the rebels and taken upstairs in the General Post Office. There were 2 other Officers confined in the same room. There were many armed rebels in the building. I saw firing from the Hotel Metropole.

I saw the accused, in uniform and equipped with a revolver etc., going across to the Hotel Metropole. I saw him pointing out as if to order a window to be broken in the Hotel which was done, and fire opened from the window. I saw the accused on 3 or 4 occasions near the General Post Office.

Cross-examined by the accused.

I was in the Post Office from 25^th to 28^th April when I was marched out of it by some of the rebels. We were very well treated generally by the rebels. The window broken gave a good field of fire across Sackville Street. The uniform the accused wore was the green Volunteers uniform with strips on his arm, and a wide hat. I can’t remember any feathers in it.

Re-examined by the prosecutor.

When we were put out of the Post Office we were told to run for our lives and we were fired on by the rebels, and 2 of us hit. I can’t state whether the British troops were firing at the time.

2^nd Witness

Captain H.E. de C. Wheeler, Res. of Officers states:

I saw the accused, James Connolly, in bed at the Dublin Castle Hospital on the 29^th April 1916 between 3 & 4pm. I had previously seen the rebel leader P.H. Pearse surrender at the top of Moore Street off Great Britain Street. I produce a document which I brought to the accused from Pearse, which he signed in my presence.

3^rd Witness

2^nd Lieutenant S.H. Jackson, 3^rd Royal Irish Regiment states:

On the 1^st May 1916, I searched the rebel John McBride and found the document I produce to the court. It purports to be signed by James Connolly and I consider the signature the same as that shown to me by this court (signature on Exhibit X).

4^th Witness

2^nd Lieutenant A.D. Chailman, 14^th Royal Fusiliers states:

About 12pm on 24 April 1916 I was in the General Post Office Dublin when about 300 armed rebels entered and seized the Post Office and made me prisoner. I saw the accused present among them. The accused ordered me to be tied up in the Telephone Box. This was done. I was kept there about 3 hours. One of the rebels came in and asked me how I was getting on. I replied that I was about suffocated. Apparently the man went to the accused. I then heard the accused say "I don’t care a damm what you do with him." The words were obviously concerned with me. I was kept in the General Post Office until 28^th April 1916. On the 25^th and 26^th April from the window of the room I was in, I saw the accused giving orders about firing from the Hotel Metropole. I heard him give orders for firing on more than one occasion.

Cross-examined by the accused:

I think I last saw the accused on 26^th April. Up to that I had frequently seem him. The rebels did their best for us whilst we were in the Post Office. The accused was in dark green uniform with a distinctive hat with cock’s feathers in it. The distinctive uniform was very noticeable from the other Volunteer uniforms. I saw the accused close while he was in the Post Office. I did not actually hear the accused order me to be tied up in the box. One of the rebels went up to the accused and on his instruction I was tied up.

Defence

The accused in his defence states:

I read this written document.

James Connolly also stated that a copy of his courts-martial proceedings be given to his wife. The court directed him to apply to C-in-C Irish Command.

Medical Condition

James Connolly was shot in the thigh during the fighting at the Post Office. He was kept in Dublin Castle Hospital up to his execution. This room is now known as the James Connolly Room.

The Connolly Room, Dublin Castle (Stephen Stratford 1998).

The following statement was given by two doctors at the hospital:

We certify that during the entire period of James Connolly’s detention as a patient in the Dublin Castle Hospital he has been perfectly rational and in complete possession of his faculties. His mental condition has been and still is perfectly normal and his mind, memory and understanding entirely unimpaired and that he is fit to undergo his trial.

The statement was signed by R.J. Tobin, FRCS, in medical charge of the patient, and P.J. O’Farrell, LRCP & S.

Verdict & Sentence

James Connolly was found guilty of the 1^st charge, and sentenced to death with no recommendation for mercy. He was found not guilty of the 2^nd charge. The decision of the court was promulgated to James Connolly at Dublin Castle Hospital on 10^th May 1916. Two days’ later, on 12^th May 1916, James Connolly was executed by firing squad in the stone-breakers’ yard at Kilmainham Jail.

Exhibits X, Y and Z

Exhibit X: Document signed by P.H. Pearse, J. Connolly & T. MacDonagh.

In place of this exhibit in the proceedings document was found the following piece of paper:

Received from the Judge Advocate-General a document signed by P.H. Pearse, James Connolly & Thomas MacDonagh, which was attached as Exhibit X to the proceedings of the F.G.C.M held at Dublin on James Connolly on 9 May 1916.

Lost 2 July 1918. Signed: J.G. Maxwell, Lieutenant-General.

Exhibit Y: Letter signed by James Connolly

Date: 24 April 1916.

The Officers & Soldiers in Dublin of the Irish Republic.

Comrades,

We Salute you. This day the flag of the Irish Republic has been hoisted in Dublin and the armed forces of the Irish Republic have everywhere set the enemy and defeated them - North, South, East and West. The Irish Army has been in action all day, and at no single point has it been driven in, nor lost a single position it has taken up. In the name of Ireland we salute you. This is the greatest day in Irish history and it is you who have made it so.

Signed: James Connolly

Commandant-General

Dublin Division.

Exhibit Z: Statement submitted by James Connolly in his defence.

I don’t wish to make any defence except against charges of wanton cruelty to prisoners. These trifling allegations that have been made in that direction if they record facts that really happened deal only with the almost inevitable incidents of a hurried uprising and overthrowing of long established authorities, and no where show evidence of a set purpose to wantonly injure unarmed prisoners.

We went out to break the connection between this country and the British Empire and to establish an Irish Republic. We believe that the call we thus issued to the people of Ireland was a holier calling and a holier cause than any call issued to them during this war having any connection with the war. We succeeded in proving that Irishmen are ready to die endeavouring to win for Ireland their national rights which the British Government has been asking then to die to win for Belgium. As long as that remains the case the cause of Irish Freedom is safe. Believing that the British Government has no right in Ireland, never had any right in Ireland, and never can have any right in Ireland. The presence in any one generation of even a respectable minority of Irishmen ready to die to affirm that truth makes that Government for ever an usurpation, and a crime against human progress. I personally thank God that I have lived to see the day when thousands of Irishmen and boys, and hundreds of Irish women & girls, were equally ready to affirm that truth and seal it with their lives if necessary.

†

Edward Daly (known as Ned) was born in 1891 in Co. Limerick, the only son in a family with nine daughters, in a family with a history of republicanism. His Father had taken part in the 1867 Fenian Rising, his Uncle (John Daly) was sentenced to Life Imprisonment in 1884 (serving 12 years) and Thomas Clarke was his brother-in-law.

In a memorandum sent by General Sir John Maxwell to the then British Prime Minister, Herbet Asquith, the following description was provided for Edward Daly:

This man was one of the most prominent extremists in the Sinn Fein organisation. He held the rank of Commandant and was in command of the body of rebels who held the Four Courts where heavy fighting took place and casualties occured. He admitted being at the meeting of officers which decided to carry out the orders of the executive council and commence the armed rebellion.

Edward Daly was tried by Field General Courts Martial on 3 May 1916. The proceedings are contained in the PRO document WO 71/344.

Court Martial Proceedings

The members of the courts martial were Brigadier-General C.G. Blackader (President), Lieutenant-Colonels G. German and W.J. Kent.

To the charge of " ... did take part in an armed rebellion and in the waging of war against His Majesty the King, such act being of such a nature as to be calculated to be prejudicial to the Defence of the Realm and being done with the intension and for the purpose of assisting the enemy." Edward Daly pleaded not guilty.

The 1st witness was Lieutenant Halpin (3rd Sherwood Foresters) who stated

I was arrested opposite the Four Courts on Monday 24 April and I was taken into the Four Courts and detained in Custody until the following Saturday. I first saw the accused on Thursday 27 April, he was armed and in uniform. I don't know if he was in authority. There was firing from the Four Courts while I was there.

When cross-examined by Edward Daly, Lieutenant Halpin confirmed that he had been well treated during his term of imprisonment.

The 2nd witness was Lieutenant A.P. Lindsay (5th Inniskillen Fusiliers) who stated

I was arrested on Tuesday 25 April by the rebels at the Four Courts and was fired on prior to arrest. Another officer with me was wounded. We were both taken into the Four Courts and confined there. I saw the accused during my confinement. I did not see the accused giving any orders. I saw him on Thursday, Friday and Saturday and had conversation with him. On Saturday I was informed that Commandant Daly wanted to see me. Commandant Daly is the accused. He said that he intended to make a counter attack as the position was hopeless. I told him it was useless and that he had better surrender. He said that he could not surrender without orders from his superior.

When cross-examined by Daly, Lieutenant Lindsay went on to say

He told me he had had a conference with the officers and that a counter attack had been decided upon. He also said that he did not expect anyone who took part in this counter attack would come back alive. He said that the object of making this counter attack was to save the lives of as many people as possible in the building.

Edward Daly did not call any witnesses but made the following statement in his defence

The reason I pleaded "Not Guilty" was because I had no dealings with any outside forces. I had no knowledge of the insurrection until Monday morning 24 April. The officers including myself when we heard the news held a meeting and decided that the whole thing was foolish but that being under orders we had no option but to obey.

Court Martial Verdict

Edward Daly was sentenced to death by shooting. This sentence was confirmed by General Maxwell. Between 4 and 4.30am on 4 May 1916, Edward Daly was shot in the former stonebreakers yard at Kilmainham Prison. His remains were later buried in Arbour Lane Cemetery.

†

Sean Heuston was born in Dublin on 21 February 1891, the son of a clerk. Like Con Colbert, Sean Heuston was educated at the Christian Brothers' School, North Richmond Street, Dublin. After becoming 16 years' old in 1907, Sean Heuston joined the Great Southern & Western Railway Company as a clerk. After six years with the company, Heuston transferred to the Traffic Manager's Office in Dublin's Knightbridge (now Heuston) Rail Station.

In a memorandum sent by General Sir John Maxwell to the then British Prime Minister, Herbet Asquith, the following description was provided for Sean Heuston:

This man was in command of the Mendicity Institute, Usher's Island. One British Officer and nine men were killed by the fire from the building which had to be carried by assault. Twenty-three rebels were captured in it amongst them this man, and large stores of revolver and rifle ammunitions and bombs were found. Orders and despatches were also discovered showing that this man was in constant communication with the leaders. In all of these despatches he described himself and was described as Captain.

Sean Heuston, W. O'Dea, P. Kelly and J. Crenigan were tried together by Field General Courts Martial on 4 May 1916. The proceedings are contained in the PRO document WO 71/351.

Court Martial Proceedings

The members of the courts martial were Colonel E.W.S.K. Maconchy (President), Lieutenant-Colonel Bent and Major F.W. Woodward.

To the charge of " ... did take part in an armed rebellion and in the waging of war against His Majesty the King, such act being of such a nature as to be calculated to be prejudicial to the Defence of the Realm and being done with the intension and for the purpose of assisting the enemy."

All four defendants pleaded not guilty.

The 1st witness was Captain A.W. MacDermot (7th Royal Dublin Fusiliers) who stated

On 26 April I was present when the Medicity Institution was taken by assault by a party of the 10th Royal Dublin Fusiliers. Twenty-three men surrendered on that occasion. I identify the four prisoners as having been in the body of men who surrendered. They left their arms except their revolvers in the Mendicity Institute when they surrendered. Some of them still wore revolvers. One officer of the 10th Royal Dublin Fusiliers was killed and 9 men wounded by fire from this Institute on the 24th April. I searched the building when they surrendered. I found several rifles, several thousand rounds of ammunition for both revolvers and rifles. I found 6 or 7 bombs charged and with fuses in them ready for use.

I found the following papers: An order signed by James Connolly, one of the signatories to the Irish Republic Proclamation, directing "Capt. Houston" (Sic) to "Seize the Mendicity at all costs." Also papers detailing men for various duties in the Mendicity Institute. All these papers are headed "Army of the Irish Republic." Also two message books signed by Heuston "Capt." One contains copies of messages sent to "Comdt. General Connolly" giving particulars of the situation in the Institute. The other message book contains copies of messages commencing on the 22nd April two days before the outbreak. One message contains a reference to MacDonagh who is stated to have just left Heuston. Another is a message to "all members of D Coy. 1st Batn." stating that the parade for the 23rd is cancelled and all rumours are to be ignore. Another message dated the 23rd states "I hope we will be able to do better next time."

Capt. MacDermot then testified that Heuston commanded the party of men who surrendered.

The 2nd witness was Lieutenant W.P. Connolly (10th Royal Dublin Fusiliers) stated

I was present when 23 men surrendered on the 26th April at the Mendicity Institute. I identify the four prisoners before the court as being amongst them. The leader was J.J. Heuston. I was present when the troops were fired on from the Mendicity Institute on the 24th April, when Lieutenant G.A. Neilan* was killed and 6 men wounded to my knowledge. Heuston was without a coat when he surrendered and also had no hat on. He was not in the uniform of the Irish Volunteers. I was present when the building was searched and found arms and ammunition in it and also the documents now before the court. Among the arms there were some old German Mausers. Among the ammunition there were two cardboard boxes of "Spange" German ammunition.

[*Lieutenant G.A. Neilan (10th Royal Dublin Fusiliers) was subsequently buried in Glasnevin Cemetery.]

When cross-examined by Sean Heuston, Lieutenant Connolly was not able to say exactly where, in the building, he had found the message books.

In his defence W.O'Dea stated

I was perfectly ignorant of what was going to occur. I understood it was an ordinary route march when I was called out as we had been told for some time previously that the best equipped Company was to get a prize at the Easter Manoeuvres. It was to have taken place on Easter Sunday but was postponed. I do not know why it was postponed. I turned out in full uniform but I took it off when we were about to surrender.

In his defence Sean Heuston stated

The message in the notebook produced saying "I hope we will be able to do better next time" is not mine.

In his defence P. Kelly stated

I did not know anything about the rebellion beforehand or what I was coming out for. I came out because I was asked to. I thought it was for manoeuvres. I did not fire any shots.

In his defence J. Crenigan stated

I did not know what I was called out for. I though it was for manoeuvres. I am 16 years old.

Court Martial Verdict

The court found all four defendants guilty. Heuston, O'Dea and Kelly were sentenced to death by shooting. Crenigan was sentenced to two years' imprisonment, with a recommendation for mercy on account of his age.

General Maxwell commuted the death sentences on O'Dea and Kelly to three years' imprisonment. The death sentence passed on Heuston was confirmed by General Maxwell.

Between 3.45 and 4.05am on 8 May 1916, Sean Heuston was shot in the former stonebreakers yard at Kilmainham Prison. His remains were later buried in Arbour Lane Cemetery.

†

John MacBride was born on 8 May 1865 in Co. Mayo, into the family of a middle-class merchants.

In a memorandum sent by General Sir John Maxwell to the then British Prime Minister, Herbet Asquith, the following description was provided for John MacBride:

This man fought on the side of the Boers in the South African was of 1899 and held the rank of Major in that Army, being in command of a body known as the Irish Brigade. He was always one of the most active advocates of the anti-enlistment propaganda and the Irish Volunteer movement. He was appointed to the rank of Commandant in the rebel army, and papers were found in his possession showing that he was in close touch with the other rebel leaders and was issuing and receiving despatches from rebels in various parts of the city. He voluntarily stated at his trial that he had been appointed second-in-command of portion of the rebel forces and considered it his duty to accept that position. He was accompanied by over 100 men at the time of his surrender. He had great influence over the younger men in the associations with which he was connected.

John MacBride was tried by Field General Courts Martial on 4 May 1916. The proceedings are contained in the PRO document WO 71/350.

Court Martial Proceedings

The members of the courts martial were Brigadier-General C.G. Blackader (President), Lieutenant-Colonel G. German and Lieutenant-Colonel W.J. Kent.

To the charge of " ... did take part in an armed rebellion and in the waging of war against His Majesty the King, such act being of such a nature as to be calculated to be prejudicial to the Defence of the Realm and being done with the intension and for the purpose of assisting the enemy."

The 1st witness was Major J.A. Armstrong who stated

I was present at St. Patrick's Park on 30 April. The British troops were fired upon and there were several casualties. The fire came from the neighbourhood of Jacob's Factory. I was present when the prisoners from Jacob's Factory surrendered at 5pm. I recognise the accused as one of them. He gave his rank as an officer. I had a list of the unarmed men made before the party was disarmed and the accused does not appear on that list. I was present when a Summary of Evidence was taken and I gave the same evidence as I have given now to the best of my belief. The accused didn't cross-examine me but he was in uniform.

When cross-examined by MacBride, Armstrong confirmed that the accused was a member of the party that surrendered but that Armstrong did not produce a list with MacBride's name on it.

The 2nd witness was 2nd Lieutenant S.H. Jackson (3rd Royal Irish Regiment) who stated

I recognise the accused as John MacBride. He gave his name as Major John MacBride. I was in charge of the searching party in the gymnasium. The accused handed his note book to me there, the date being 1 May 1916.

John MacBride declined to cross-examine this witness.

The only witness called by MacBride in his defence was Mrs. Allan (8 Spencer Villas, Glenaquary) who stated

I have known the accused for 25 years. I remember you leaving my house last Easter Monday morning dressed in civilian clothes. I remember receiving a letter from the accused's brother Dr. MacBride saying that he was coming up from Castle Bar and asking the accused to meet him at the Wicklow Hotel Dublin. I remember the accused saying that he was going to lunch with his brother and would be back about 5pm. I remember that Dr. MacBride was to be married the following Wednesday and that the accused was to be best man. I have never seen him in uniform nor has he got such a thing so far as I know.

John MacBride then made the following statement:

On the morning of Easter Monday I left my home at Glengeary with the intention of going to meet my brother who was coming to Dublin to get married. In waiting round town I went up as far as St Stephen's Green and there I saw a band of Irish Volunteers. I knew some of the members personally and the Commandant told me that an Irish Republic was virtually proclaimed. As he knew my rather advanced opinions and although I had no previous connection with the Irish Volunteers I considered it my duty to join them. I knew there was no chance of success, and I never advised or influenced any other person to join. I did not even even know the positions they were about to take up. I marched with them to Jacob's Factory. After being a few hours there I was appointed second-in-command and I felt it my duty to occupy that position. I could have escaped from Jacob's Factory before the surrender had I so desired but I considered it a dishonourable thing to do. I do not say this with the idea of mitigating any penalty they may impose but in order to make clear my position in the matter.

Court Martial Verdict

John MacBride was found guilty and sentenced to death by shooting. This sentence was confirmed by General Maxwell. At 3.47am on 5 May 1916, John MacBride was shot in the former stonebreakers yard at Kilmainham Prison. His remains were later buried in Arbour Lane Cemetery.

†

Sean MacDermott was born in Co. Leitrim on 28 February 1884, the son of a farmer.

In a memorandum sent by General Sir John Maxwell to the then British Prime Minister, Herbet Asquith, the following description was provided for Sean MacDermott:

This man signed the Declaration of Irish Independence. He was one of the most prominent of the leaders of the Irish Volunteers and attended at the meetings of the Executive and Control Councils. He wrote and sent despatches and mobilisation orders for and to the rebels during the rebellion and he surrendered with a body of rebels in Sackville Street with whom he had been operating for the previous week.

Sean MacDermott was tried by Field General Courts Martial on 3 May 1916. The proceedings are contained in the PRO document WO 71/344.

Court Martial Proceedings

The members of the courts martial were Colonel D. Sapte (President), Lieutenant-Colonel Bent and Major F.W. Woodward.

At his trial, Sean MacDermott faced two charges to which he pleaded not guilty:

1. " ... did take part in an armed rebellion and in the waging of war against His Majesty the King, such act being of such a nature as to be calculated to be prejudicial to the Defence of the Realm and being done with the intension and for the purpose of assisting the enemy."
2. "Did attempt to cause disaffection among the civilian population of His Majesty."

The 1st Witness was Constable Daniel Hoey (Dublin Metropolitan Police) who stated

I have known the accused by the name of John McDermott, or in the Irish form Sean MacDiarmada, for 3.5 years. The accused associated with leaders of the Irish Volunteers, Thomas Clarke, P.H. Pearse, Joseph Plunkett, Frank Fahy, Joe McGuinness, E.J. Duggan and others. They held executive meetings once a week and General Council meetings once a month at HQ Irish Volunteers, 2 Dawson Street. The accused and those mentioned attended these meetings. The accused visits an office in 12 D'Olier Street Dublin frequently. It has the name Sean MacDiarmada on a plate. I have seen some of the others mentioned visiting there; Thomas J. Clarke had a tobacconist's shop at 75a Parnell Street. This shop was frequented by leading members. I have seen the accused there frequently. I did not see the accused at Liberty Hall, the headquarters of the General Transport and Workers Union.

After being questioned by the accused the witness made the following statement:

I have only known the accused to associate with Irish Volunteer leaders during the last 12 months. I have known him for 3.5 years but at first he did not so associate as far as I know. I do not know all the objects of the Gaelic league but I understand the Irish Language is one of them. I do not know his connection with the Gaelic League, I have not enquired into it. I have not seen the accused at the Hd. Qrs. Gaelic league.

The report of the Central Executive meeting of the Irish Volunteers is published in the "Irish Volunteer". A paper known as Nationality is published at 12 D'Olier Street. This is the accused's principal means of livelihood. There are several offices in 12 D'Olier Street. Clarke's shop sells papers etc as well as tobacco. He did a good business there. I have seen the accused visit many public houses and remain a considerable time.

The 2nd witness was Lieutenant W.H. Ruxton (3rd Royal Irish Regiment) who stated

I was on duty in Parnell Street on the 29th April 1916 when 3 parties of rebels: two armed and one partially armed with knives and some ammunition, surrendered. The accused was one of the two armed parties who surrendered between 6 and 7 pm. The accused spoke to me and said he would not be able to march far on account of his leg. I asked him why he could not march. One of the others told me his leg was paralysed. I asked the accused "How did you get into this affair". The accused replied to the effect that he had his place in the organisation. The parties came from the direction of the General Post Office. They were sent on to the Rotunda. I am positive the accused is the man I spoke to.

When Lieutenant Ruxton was cross-examined by the accused he stated that there were about 200 men in the accused's party. They were not all armed. I did not see any arms in the accused's possession.

The 3rd witness 2nd Lieutenant S.A.L. Downing (3rd Royal Irish Regiment) who stated

I was on duty on 29th April 1916 in Sackville Street. I took the names of about 23 of the rebels after they had laid down their arms. The accused was in that party and is shown on the list, but I do not know if he actually gave the name.

When cross-examined by the accused, 2nd Lieutenant Downing admitted that he did not pay particular attention to the surrender of arms and did not see the accused with any arms.

The 4th witness was Lieutenant-Colonel H.F. Eraser (21st Lancers) who stated

I was present in the Richmond Barracks Dublin on the 30th April 1916, and identify the accused as one of those confined there, but not necessarily on that date. All papers taken from the prisoners on this occasion were handed to me. I identify the paper produced as one of those handed in to me in the gymnasium on that day.

The 5th witness was Edward Gaunon (Warden Mountjoy Prison Dublin) who stated

I identify the accused as John McDermott who was confined in Mountjoy Prison Dublin in May/June 1915. I produce the cash and property book, in which the accused signed his name Sean McDiarmada on the 26th May 1915. The spelling is the same as on the document now shown to me. Except for the S, there is a strong resemblance between the signatures.

When cross-examined by the accused Gaunon admitted that he was not a fluent Irish scholar.

The 6th witness was Captain Henry de Courcey Wheeler who stated

On 7 May 1916 at about 6.30pm I searched ...

[part of record is missing]

... the voice of a man named McDermott, not the accused, but a man I had not known before, I did not attend the weekly meetings of the Irish Volunteers, nor any of their meetings. I sent them their accounts by post.

Court Martial Verdict

Sean MacDermott was found guilty of the 1st charge and not guilty of the 2nd. He was sentenced to death by shooting. The sentence was confirmed by General Maxwell.

At 3.45am on 12 May 1916, Sean MacDermott was shot in the former stonebreakers yard at Kilmainham Prison. His remains were later buried in Arbour Lane Cemetery.

†

Thomas MacDonagh was born on 1 February 1878 at Cloughjordan, Co. Tipperary, the son of school teachers.

In a memorandum sent by General Sir John Maxwell to the then British Prime Minister, Herbet Asquith, the following description was provided for Thomas MacDonagh:

This man was a M.A of the National University in Ireland and a tutor in English Literature in the University College Dublin. He took an active part in the Sinn Fein movement since its inauguration and was a prominent officer and Director of Training. He was also a signatory to the Declaration of Irish Independence. He signed a document headed "Army of the Irish Republic" which set out the various "Commands" and described himself there as "Commandant General and member of the Provisional Government of the Irish Republic". He was in command of the party of the rebels who occupied and held Jacob's Biscuit Factory from the neighbourhood of which the British troops were fired on and numerous casualties occured.

Thomas MacDonagh was tried by Field General Courts Martial on 2 May 1916. The proceedings are contained in the PRO document WO 71/346.

Court Martial Proceedings

The members of the courts martial were Brigadier-General C.G. Blackader (President), Lieutenant-Colonels G. German and W.J. Kent.

To the charge of " ... did take part in an armed rebellion and in the waging of war against His Majesty the King, such act being of such a nature as to be calculated to be prejudicial to the Defence of the Realm and being done with the intension and for the purpose of assisting the enemy." Thomas MacDonagh pleaded not guilty.

The 1st witness was Major J.A. Armstrong (1st Royal Inniskillen Fusiliers) who stated

I was present at St. Patricks Park Dublin on 30 April 1916. There were British troops there and I saw them fired on. I was under fire myself. The shots came from the direction of Jacob's Factory. There were several casualties among the British troops. At a later hour I saw the accused coming from the direction of Jacob's Factory under a white flag. He made several journeys through our lines - about 5pm he surrendered with over 100 others to General Carleton. He was acting as an officer when he surrendered. I made a list of the unarmed men and the accused was not on that list. He made a statement to me that he was a Commandant. He was subsequently sent under escort to Richmond Barracks.

Thomas MacDonagh then cross-examined the witness and asked if he knew why MacDonagh had come out of the building? Major Armstrong stated that he did not know that the accused had come out at the invitation of General Lowe. Also MacDonagh had told him that there was no point searching him as he had already destroyed any documents in his possession.

Thomas MacDonagh did not call any witnesses in his defence but made the following statement:

I did everything I could to assist the officers in the matter of the surrender telling them where the arms and ammunition were after the surrender was decided upon.

Court Martial Verdict

Thomas MacDonagh was sentenced to death by shooting. This sentence was confirmed by General Maxwell. Between 3.30 and 4am on 3 May 1916, Thomas MacDonagh was shot in the former stonebreakers yard at Kilmainham Prison. His remains were later buried in Arbour Lane Cemetery.

†

Michael Mallin was born in Dublin in 1874. Mallin was a silk weaver by trade, an union organiser (being Secretary of the Silk Weavers' Union from 1909) and a shop owner. However, due to poverty the shop was forced to close in 1913.

In a memorandum sent by General Sir John Maxwell to the then British Prime Minister, Herbet Asquith, the following description was provided for Michael Mallin:

This man was second-in-command of the Larkinite or Citizen Army with which organisation had had been connected since its inception. He was in command of the rebels who occupied Stephen's Green and the College of Surgeons. At these places serious encounters took place and there were many casualties both amongst the military and civilians. He surrendered on 30 April 1916 and was accompanied by a body of 109 rebels all of whom were armed.

Michael Mallin was tried by Field General Courts Martial on 3 May 1916. The proceedings are contained in the PRO document WO 71/353.

Court Martial Proceedings

The members of the courts martial were Colonel E.W.S.K. Maconchy (President), Lieutenant-Colonel Bent and Major F.W. Woodward.

At his trial, Michael Mallin faced two charges to which he pleaded not guilty:

1. " ... did take part in an armed rebellion and in the waging of war against His Majesty the King, such act being of such a nature as to be calculated to be prejudicial to the Defence of the Realm and being done with the intension and for the purpose of assisting the enemy."
2. "Did attempt to cause disaffection among the civilian population of His Majesty."

The 1st Witness was No. C212 Police Constable John O'Connell (Dublin Metropolitan Police) who stated

I know the prisoner Michael Mallin. There is a paper called "The Workers Republic" in which it has been stated th the prisoner is Chief of the Staff of the Citizen Army. I have known the prisoner about 9 or 10 months. I have seen marching with the Citizen Army and he has marched with James Connolly and the Countess Markievicz and has led them in company with James Connolly.

When cross-examined by Mallin the witness said that he did not know whether the prisoner was in command James Connolly when marching with the Citizen Army. I never saw him as a drill instructor or a band instructor. I never heard him make any speech at all. I have only seen it in the paper that the prisoner was Chief of the Staff of the Citizen Army.

When asked by the court's President to explain the relationship between the Citizen Army and the Irish Volunteers the witness said that the Citizen Army and the Irish Volunteers are two distinct bodies. The Citizen Army is under the control of James Connolly. There is a slight difference in the uniform of the two armies.

The 2nd Witness was No. C128 Police Constable C. Butler (Dublin Metropolitan Police) who stated

I know the prisoner now before the Court and have known him for 6 or 8 months. I have seen him marching with the Citizen Army wearing the uniform in which he is now dressed. On one or two occasions he wore a revolver on his waistbelt. He marched with James Connolly at the head of the Army and also with the Countess of Markievicz. I saw him on Easter Monday about 11.50 am he was in front of Liberty Hall dressed as he is now. He seemed to be busy generally organising the Citizen Army and there was a large crowd present.

When asked by the accused what he was doing, the witness stated that he led a section across the footbridge in the direction of St. Stephen's Green and the College of Surgeons. The witness also stated that the accused appeared to be on friendly terms with the police present at the scene.

The 3rd witness was Captain H.E. Wheeler who stated

I was on duty on 30th April outside the College of Surgeons. A body of prisoners surrendered to me between 12.30 p.m. and 1 p.m. The prisoner and the Countess of Markievicz came out of a side door of the College. The prisoner was carrying a white flag and was unarmed but the Countess was armed. The prisoner came forward and viluted and said he wished to surrender and this is the Countess Markievicz. He surrendered and stated he was the Commandant of the garrison. I took over the garrison which consisted of prisoner, Countess Markievicz, 109 men and 10 women. I found them in the College and they laid down their arms under my directions.

In his defence, Michael Mallin stated

I am a silk weaver by trade and have been employed by the Transport Union as band instructor. During my instruction of these bands they became part of the Citizen Army and from this I was asked to become a drill instructor. I had no commission whatever in the Citizen Army. I was never taken into the confidence of James Connolly. I was under the impression we were going out for manoeuvres on Sunday but something altered the arrangements and the manoeuvres were postponed till Monday. I had verbal instructions from James Connolly to take 36 men to St. St. Stephen's Green and to report to the Volunteer officer there. Shortly after my arrival at St. St. Stephen's Green the firing started and the Countess of Markievicz ordered me to take command of the men as I had been so long associated with them. I felt I could not leave them and from that time I joined the rebellion. I made it my business to save all officers and civilians who were brought in to St. Stephen's Green. I gave explicit orders to the men to make no offensive movements and I prevented them attacking the Shelborne Hotel. I also indignantly repudiate any idea of assisting Germany

The 1st Witness produced in Mallin's defence was Mr L.J. Kettle who stated

The prisoner prevented my death by shooting. I was treated with every possible consideration and also I saw he did the same for any other prisoners who were brought in.

When cross-examined by the prosecution, the witness said that he had been taken prisoner on Monday afternoon 24th April and was taken first to Stephen's Green and Mallin appeared to be in command. I heard a good deal of firing but actually did not see the firing myself. The witness then added that although he could have been released at anytime but was finally released after the surrender.

Court Martial Verdict

Michael Mallin was found guilty and not guilty of the 1st and 2nd charges respectively, and was sentenced to death by shooting. This sentence was confirmed by General Maxwell. Between 3.45 and 4.05am on 8 May 1916, Michael Mallin was shot in the former stonebreakers yard at Kilmainham Prison. His remains were later buried in Arbour Lane Cemetery.

†

Patrick Pearse was born on 10 September 1879 in Dublin, the first son of an English monumental sculptor. He was was the older brother of William Pearse.

In a memorandum sent by General Sir John Maxwell to the then British Prime Minister, Herbet Asquith, the following description was provided for Patrick Pearse:

This man was a member of the Irish Bar and was Principal of a college for boys at Rathfarnham, Co Dublin. He had taken an active part in the volunteer movement from its inception, and joined the Sinn Fein or Irish Volunteers when that body became a separate organisation. He was a member of the Central Council of the Irish Volunteers and a regular attendant at the meetings of that body. He was one of the signatories to the Declaration of Irish Independence which document contains the following passage "... She now seizes that moment and fully supported by her exiled children in America and by gallant allies in Europe ... she strickes in the full confidence of victory ... ". He was "Commandant General of the Army of the Irish Republic" and "President of the Provisional Government", and as such, issued a Proclamation to the people of Ireland which was printed and distributed in Dublin and elsewhere.

Patrick Pearse was tried by Field General Courts Martial on 2 May 1916. The proceedings are contained in the PRO document WO 71/345.

Court Martial Proceedings

The members of the courts martial were Brigadier-General C.G. Blackader (President), Lieutenant-Colonels G. German and W.J. Kent.

To the charge of " ... did take part in an armed rebellion and in the waging of war against His Majesty the King, such act being of such a nature as to be calculated to be prejudicial to the Defence of the Realm and being done with the intension and for the purpose of assisting the enemy." Patrick Pearse pleaded not guilty.

The 1st witness was 2nd Lieutenant S.O. King (12th Royal Inniskillen Fusiliers) who stated

I was on duty at the Rotunda Dublin on Saturday 29 April. The Sinn Fein was firing at the soldiers. The accused came from the neighbourhood from which the shots were being fired. The accused was in the same uniform in which he is now with belt, sword and revolver on and 3 with ammunition. The accused surrendered to General Lowe.

Patrick Pearse then cross-examined the witness and asked if he was a prisoner in our hands and how were you treated? 2nd Lieutenant King confirmed that he was a prisoner and that he had been well treated.

The 2nd witness was Constable Daniel Coffey (Dublin Metropolitan Police) who stated

I was present when the accused Pearse was in custody at Irish Command HQ at about 5pm on Saturday 29 April. I identify him as a member of the Irish Volunteers. I have seen him several times going through the city with bodies of men and acting as an officer.

Patrick Pearse declined to examine this witness.

Patrick Pearse did not call any witnesses in his defence but made the following statement:

My sole object in surrendering unconditionally was to save the slaughter of the civil population and to save the lives of our followers who had been led into this thing by us. It is my hope that the British Government who has shown its strength will also be magnamimous and spare the lives and give an amnesty to my followers, as I am one of the persons chiefly responsible, have acted as C-in-C and President of the Provisional Government. I am prepared to take the consequences of my act, but I should like my followers to receive an amnesty. I went down on my knees as a child and told God that I would work all my life to gain the freedom of Ireland. I have deemed it my duty as an Irishman to fight for the freedom of my country. I admit I have organised men to fight against Britain. I admit having opened negotiations with Germany. We have kept our word with her and as far as I can see she did her best to help us. She sent a ship with men. Germany has not sent us gold.

Court Martial Verdict

Patrick Pearse was sentenced to death by shooting. This sentence was confirmed by General Maxwell. Between 3.30 and 4am on 3 May 1916, Patrick Pearse was shot in the former stonebreakers yard at Kilmainham Prison. His remains were later buried in Arbour Lane Cemetery.

†

William Pearse was born on 15 November 1881 in Dublin, the third son of his Father's second marriage. He was also the brother of Patrick Pearse.

In a memorandum sent by General Sir John Maxwell to the then British Prime Minister, Herbet Asquith, the following description was provided for William Pearse:

This man was a brother of P.H. Pearse, the President of the Irish Republic. He was associated with the Sinn Fein movement from its inception. He held the rank of Commandant in the rebel army. He was present in the GPO during the fighting and was acting as an officer and surrendered with the rebels in Sackville Street.

William Pearse was tried by Field General Courts Martial on 3 May 1916. The proceedings are contained in the PRO document WO 71/358.

Court Martial Proceedings

The members of the courts martial were Colonel E.W.S.K. Maconchy (President), Lieutenant-Colonel A.M. Bent and Major F.W. Woodward.

To the charge of " ... did take part in an armed rebellion and in the waging of war against His Majesty the King, such act being of such a nature as to be calculated to be prejudicial to the Defence of the Realm and being done with the intension and for the purpose of assisting the enemy."

William Pearse was the only person tried for his part in the Easter Uprising who pleaded guilty. He also tried with three other men: John Dougherty, John McGarry and J.J. Walsh who all pleaded not guilty.

The 1st witness was 2nd Lieutenant S.L. King (12th Royal Inniskillen Fusiliers) who stated

On Tuesday 25 April at 11am I was seized by two armed men outside Clery's shop opposite the General Post Office. John Dougherty was one of the two. He held a revolver at me and told me if I did not put my hands up h would blow my brains out. He took me to the General Post Office where I was held as a prisoner till Friday night. I was in uniform. I saw each of the other prisoners in the GPO while I was there and during that time the Post Office was held against His Majesty's troops by men firing against the troops. There was another officer there Lieutenant Chalmers who was wounded, also in uniform. I know that William Pearse was an officer but do not know his rank. I do not know what McGarry's position was. He was not in uniform. J. Walsh did not appear to be in any authoritive position but was dressed in uniform. I saw Pearse, McGarry and Walsh wearing equipment, belts and pouches. Dougherty had a revolver but no equipment. It was Dougherty who threatened to blow my brains out, not the man with him. I am quite certain that I saw McGarry with equipment on.

John Dougherty did not call any witnesses in his defence but made the following statement:

I did not say that I would blow Lieutenant King's brains out.

William Pearse did not call any witnesses in his defence but made the following statement:

I had no authority or say in the arrangements for the starting of the rebellion. I was throughout - only a personal attache to my brother P.H. Pearse. I had no direct command.

John McGarry did not call any witnesses in his defence but made the following statement:

I had no intension of assisting the enemy. I had no position or rank of any sort. I was employed as a messenger I did not know of the rebellion until the Post Office was taken. I had no rifle.

J.J Walsh did not call any witnesses in his defence but made the following statement:

During the past eighteen months I have held no official position either big or little in the Irish Volunteers or any other national movement and my whole attension was confined to business. I gave it up at the time of the split between the Redmondites and the Irish Volunteers. I mean my official position. I remained in the Volunteers as a private and on being mobilised on Monday I knew nothing whatever of the intension of the mobilisation. I fired on nobody during the time in the Post Office. I had no arms whatever. I was told off to attend to the water and sand arrangements in case of fire.

Court Martial Verdict

All four men were sentenced to death by shooting. The sentences on Dougherty and Walsh were commuted to terms of ten years penal servitude and the sentence on McGarry was commuted to eight years penal servitude. However the sentence on William Pearse was confirmed by General Maxwell.

Between 4 and 4.30am on 4 May 1916, William Pearse was shot in the former stonebreakers yard at Kilmainham Prison. His remains were later buried in Arbour Lane Cemetery.

†

The trial of Joseph Plunkett took place on 3 May 1916. The trial followed Plunkett’s detention after the Easter Rebellion, which started on Easter Monday 24 April 1916. The suppression of the rebellion was completed on 29 April 1916. The Field General Court Martial was convened by General Sir John Maxwell, commander-in-chief of the British forces in Ireland, on 2 May 1916. The trial was conducted in camera.

In a memorandum sent by General Sir John Maxwell to the then British Prime Minister, Herbet Asquith, the following description was provided for Joseph Plunkett:

This man was also a signatory to the Declaration of Irish Independence. He was a member of the Central Council of the Sinn Fein Volunteers and took part in their meetings and parades. His residence was a training ground and arsenal for the rebels. This man, being of good education, exercised great influence for evil over the other members. He took an active part in the fighting in and around the GPO where the British troops suffered severely. He held the rank of Captain.

The following notes were taken from the PRO document WO 71/349.

Court Members

The court consisted of three members: Colonel E.W.S.K. Maconchy, CB, CIE, DSO (President), Lieutenant-Colonel A.M. Bent, CMG, 2/Royal Munster Fusiliers and Major F.W. Woodward, DSO, Loyal North Lancs. Regiment.

The Charge

Joseph Plunkett was charged with the following offence:

Did an act to wit did take part in an armed rebellion and in the waging of war against His Majesty the King such act being of such a nature as to be calculated to be prejudicial to the Defence of the Realm and being done with the intention and for the purpose of assisting the enemy.

Joseph Plunkett pleaded not guilty to this charge.

1^st Witness

Major Philip Holmes, 5^th (attached 3^rd) Battalion, Royal Irish Regiment, states after being sworn:

I identify the prisoner as a man who was one of the leaders of a large company of Sinn Feiners who surrendered on the evening of 29 April 1916. They surrendered at the northern end of Sackville Street in the area to which the Sinn Feiners who had been in the Post Office for several day had retired when the Post Office was burnt. The Sinn Feiners in the Post Office had been firing on the troops for several days & killed & wounded a number of soldiers. He was dressed in the green uniform he is now wearing with a Captain’s badge of rank on his sleeves when he surrender. The party at the head of which he surrendered was armed.

2^nd Witness

Sergeant John Bruton, Dublin Metropolitan Police states:

I know the prisoner Joseph Plunkett. The headquarters of the Irish Volunteer movement was at No. 2 Dawson Street. I have seen him on two occasions entering & leaving No. 2 Dawson Street dressed, as well as I could see, in the uniform of the Irish Volunteers on at least one occasion. His name appears on the Proclamation issued by the Irish Volunteers & I believe him to be a member of the Executive Council.

cross-examined by the prisoner:

How do you know the Proclamation was issued by the Irish Volunteers?

Answer:

I know that the names of the men which appear at the foot of the Proclamation are connected with the Irish Volunteers. They include P.H. Pearse, Edward Kent, Thomas MacDonagh and John MacDermott who are members of the council of the Irish Volunteers & who constantly attended meetings at No. 2 Dawson Street.

3^rd Witness

Lieutenant-Colonel H.S. Hodgkin, DSO, 6^th Sherwood Foresters states:

I saw the prisoner when he surrendered on the 29 April. He was wearing a sword & pistol.

Defence

In his defence the prisoner states:

I have nothing to say in my defence but desire to state that the proclamation referred to in Sergeant Bruton’s evidence is signed by persons who are not connected with the Irish Volunteers and the Proclamation was not issued by the Irish Volunteers.

Outcome

Joseph Plunkett was found guilty and sentenced to death with no recommendation for mercy. The finding of the court-martial was promulgated to Joseph Plunkett later in the day.

The Marriage

At about 5pm on Wednesday 3 May 1916, a young lady drove up to a jeweller's shop in Grafton Street. The jeweller had put his stock away for the night, and was about to shut the shop. The lady asked for any kind of wedding ring. The jeweller went over his stock, and gave the lady a ring.

At 1.30am on 4 May 1916, Grace Gifford was led into the small chapel of Kilmainham Jail and stood waiting until the handcuffed Josef Plunkett was brought in, and led up the aisle to stand beside her at the chapel's altar. As there was no electricity available, the marriage ceremony was conducted by Reverend Eugene MacCarthy, using candles for light. Twenty British soldiers, with fixed bayonets, lined the walls of the chapel. Immediately after the conclusion of the ceremony Joseph Plunkett was taken away.

Before Plunkett's execution by firing squad, Grace was allowed to see him for a further ten minutes. During this time, 15 soldiers stood guard in the cell, and the duration of the meeting was timed by a soldier with a watch.

In the Irish Times of Friday 5 May 1916, there appeared the following marriage notice:

PLUNKETT and GIFFORD - May 3, 1916, at Dublin, Joseph Plunkett to Grace Gifford.

One hour after this last meeting , Joseph Plunkett, together with Edward Daly, Michael O'Hanrahan and Wllie Pearse (Patrick Pearse's bother) were executed by firing squad in the high-walled, former stonebreakers’ yard at Kilmainham Jail.

Grace Gifford was the sister of Thomas Macdonagh's wife. He was also executed by firing squad at Kilmainham, for his part in the rebellion.

†

Michael O'Hanrahan was born in New Rose, Co. Wexford in 1877, spending his early years in Carlow before moving to Dublin.

In a memorandum sent by General Sir John Maxwell to the then British Prime Minister, Herbet Asquith, the following description was provided for Michael O'Hanrahan:

This man was employed at the office of the Headquarters of the Irish Volunteers. He was one of the most active members of that body, took part in all their parades and was a constant associate with the leaders of the rebellion. He was arrested in uniform and armed, and there had been heavy fighting and casualties amongst the British troops in the neighbourhood of the place where this man with others surrendered. He was an officer in the rebel army.

Michael O'Hanrahan was tried by Field General Courts Martial on 3 May 1916. The proceedings are contained in the PRO document WO 71/357.

Court Martial Proceedings

The members of the courts martial were Brigadier-General C.G. Blackader (President), Lieutenant-Colonel G. German and Lieutenant-Colonel W.J. Kent.

To the charge of " ... did take part in an armed rebellion and in the waging of war against His Majesty the King, such act being of such a nature as to be calculated to be prejudicial to the Defence of the Realm and being done with the intension and for the purpose of assisting the enemy."

The 1st witness was Major J.A. Armstrong who stated

I was present at St. Patrick's Park on 30 April. The British troops were fired upon and there were several casualties. The fire came from the neighbourhood of Jacob's Factory. The same day a surrender was arranged. I saw the surrender being arranged by Mr. MacDonagh. Over 100 men arrived from Jacob's Factory as a result of the surrender and another large body arrived from the same direction as a result of the surrender. The accused belonged to one of the parties. He was in uniform and armed. After his removel to Richmond Barracks, he said that he was an officer.

When cross-examined by the accused Major Armstrong stated that all the officers appeared to be armed with pistols or revolvers. Armstrong was also unable to say if O'Hanrahan was armed but stated that his name did not appear on a list of those people found to have been unarmed.

Michael O'Hanrahan did not call any witnesses in his defence but made the following statement:

As a soldier of the Republican army acting under the orders of the Proivisional Goverment of that Republic duly constituted I acted under the orders of my superiors.

Court Martial Verdict

Michael O'Hanrahan was found guilty and sentenced to death by shooting. This sentence was confirmed by General Maxwell.

Between 4 and 4.30am on 4 May 1916, Michael O'Hanrahan was shot in the former stonebreakers yard at Kilmainham Prison. His remains were later buried in Arbour Lane Cemetery.

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