Image (Above): "IRB Soldiers on Rooftops," Unknown Author, 1916
Easter Sunday
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"A dozen rifles are more effective than a thousand resolutions in Parliament." - IRB Organ in 1914
Easter Sunday was the planned date of the Rising. However, Eóin MacNeill was against a rebellion due to the IVF’s beliefs. Consequently, he delayed the rebellion one day. With such late notice, many rebels already committed violence in Dublin, raising suspicion from the British forces.
"On Good Friday evening I got written instructions from Pearse to the effect that the Rising would start at 6pm on Easter Sunday. I do not remember who brought me this dispatch. Two men came with it and I remember I had to acknowledge it. At about 4pm on Easter Sunday evening a man called Benson arrived with a verbal message to say that the Rising was off."
- Seán Boylan, IRB Member |
"Easter Sunday Independent Newspaper," National Library of Ireland, 1916
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"Cathal O'Shannon Interview," RTÉ Archives, 1964
* This downloadable video complies with NHD rules. |
"No, men and women of the Irish race, we shall not fight for England. We shall fight for the destruction of the British Empire and the construction of an Irish Republic." - James Larkin, Irish Rebel |
Easter Monday
"Proclamation of the Irish Republic," Omeka RSS, 1916
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"IRISHMEN and IRISHWOMEN: In the name of god and of the dead generations from which she recieves her old tradition of nationhood, Ireland, through us, summons her children to her flag and strikes for her freedom."
- Proclamation of the Irish Republic The Easter Rising started in various parts of Dublin, with the Proclamation of the Irish Republic being preached to 400 members of the IRB. The rebels succeeded in taking over many British landmarks including the General Post Office, which became the official rebel headquarters.
"The GPO was more than a headquarter, it was a home. A home for the future Ireland successors and rulers. A home for an Irish democracy, not a British tyranny."
- Éamon de Valera, Commandant in the Rising |
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"If you strike at, imprison, or kill us, out of our prisons or graves we will still evoke a spirit that will thwart you, and perhaps, raise a force that will destroy you! We defy you! Do your worst!" - James Connolly |
"Desmond Ryan Interview," RTÉ Archives, 1964
* This downloadable video complies with NHD rules. |