Padraic Pearse

Padraic Pearse was born in 1879, to an Irish mother and English father. Significant dates in his life were:

Summer 1898: co-opted to the Executive Committee of the Gaelic League; first visit to Aran

1899: taught a weekly class in Irish in the then Jesuit University College Dublin; James Joyce was one of his pupils for a time.

11 November 1913 : Irish Volunteers' first meeting, which Pearse attended. This was a non-political organization.

December 1913: swore the oath of the Irish Republican Brotherhood, infiltrated the Irish Volunteers.

8 February 1914: left Ireland from Cóbh for America to raise funds for the school he founded, St Enda's. Returned in May.

September 1915: appointed to the Supreme Council of the IRB.

April 1916: preparations became intense for rising on Easter Sunday; Pearse issued General Orders for manoeuvres on 3 April.

25 April 1916 (Easter Monday): walked from Liberty Hall with James Connolly to the General Post Office with soldiers. Occupied GPO for five days; was one of seven who signed the Proclamation of Independence.

28 April 1916: issued manifesto, signed as "P.H. Pearse Commandant General, Commanding-in-Chief, the Army of the Irish Republic and President of the Provisional Government".

29 April 1916 (Friday): unconditional surrender of GPO and Provisional forces to the British Army. Pearse taken to Arbour Hill Barracks, moved to Richmond Barracks for court-martial.

3 May 1916: killed by firing-squad 3.30 am, as was his brother Willie. Both buried in quick lime in Arbour Hill.

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