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Aspects of Dun Laoghaire Rathdown at the time of the 1916 Rising  By Catherine Malone

11th September 2019 By Roots Ireland Editor

Aspects of Dun Laoghaire Rathdown at the time of the 1916 Rising 
By Catherine Malone
Contact: cmalone@dlrcoco.ie – DLR Heritage & Genealogy Centre


In 1916, Kingstown (now Dun Laoghaire Rathdown), still wore the
mantle of a prosperous Victorian town with elegant squares, rows of fine terraced houses, mansions and private villas, dotted throughout the region. Many of the inhabitants of the larger houses were successful merchants and entrepreneurs. The more modest homes were those of working class families, mainly employed in building work or in the local stone quarries.
The 1901 Census records a large proportion of local men and woman were employed as gardeners and domestic servants, in the big houses.
As a busy maritime port with major commercial, mail and passenger services, the town received a steady flow of visitors. An added attraction was the Kingstown Regatta, an annual event that attracted visitors and yachting enthusiasts from all over the world. This celebrated event was hosted by the Royal St. George, then, one of the more exclusive yachting clubs, bordering the harbour.
The population, at this time, were mainly unionist, devoted to
maintaining the bond with Great Britain. Some nationalists were content with the promised Home Rule, already on the statute books. They were satisfied with improved economic conditions and reforms, that saw some Catholics reaching middle class status. However, a small body of nationalists believed that Home Rule did not go far enough, and the only way to an independent Ireland was through rebellion…


Rebellion 1916
Over 170 people from Dun Laoghaire and environs, took part in the Easter Rising 1916. Among them were many prominent leaders, who were born or associated with the area prior to 1916-
Padraig Pearse (1879-1916) born in Dublin. Founder of St Enda’s
School (Scoil Enna) in Renelagh, a suburb of Dublin, in 1908. The pupils were taught in both Irish and English. Two years later the school moved to Rathfarnham, County Dublin, now the Pearse Museum.
William Pearse, brother of Padraig, along with Thomas MacDonagh and Joseph Plunkett, all leaders in the Rising, were teachers at St. Enda’s… On Easter Monday 1916, Pearse stood outside the General Post Office, Sackville Street (now O’Connell Street), Dublin, and read the proclamation of the Irish Republic to a small gathering, many of whom were unaware of what was happening! The document, fresh off the press, was signed by six other members of the military force-  Thomas J. Clarke,
Sean MacDiarmada, James Connelly, Thomas MacDonagh, Eamonn Ceannt and Joseph Plunkett. The long awaited insurrection was now a reality.


Sir Roger Casement (1864-1916) born Doyle’s Cottage, Sandycove, Co. Dublin. Casement worked for the British Consular Service, where he received an knighthood for his work in the Belgian Congo. He later became disillusioned with the British establishment, and returned to Ireland offering his services to the Irish cause. He travelled to Germany as envoy for Ireland, seeking support and military aid for the forthcoming rebellion…
On 10th April 1916, the German cargo ship “Aud” left the port of
Lubeck with a shipload of rifles bound for Ireland. However, the plan was foiled. As the ship neared Tralee Bay, Co. Kerry, there was no response to the agreed signal of a flashing light. The Captain of the “Aud”, Karl Spindler, had no alternative but to leave Irish waters. Later the arms ship was cornered by British sloops, small warships on patrol, and escorted to Queenstown, now Cobh, in Co. Cork. Casement, later travelling by submarine U19, bound for Banna Strand, Co. Kerry, was arrested and sent to England to await trial. He was found guilty and sentenced to death for high treason. He was executed on 3 August 1916.


Eamonn DeValera (1882-1975) born in New York, U.S.A. Gaelic
scholar and avid supporter of the Irish language movement in Dublin. He was educated at Blackrock College, Co. Dublin, excelling in the subjects of Irish and mathematics. He subsequently became professor of mathematics at the Teachers Training College, Glasthule, Co. Dublin, where he remained up to 1916…
As a member of the Irish Volunteer Force, he led the Second Battalion at Boland’s Mill, a large bakery overlooking the main road from the port of Dun Laoghaire to the city. This was a strategic position, as over two thousand British troops had to set up camp nearby, while awaiting orders to march into the city. DeValera was the last to leave his post following news of surrender. He was reprieved from execution because of his US
nationality. De Valera , later served Taoiseach (Prime Minister), and subsequently President of Ireland.

Countess Markieviez (1868-1927) born Constance Gore-Booth in
London, into a family of wealth and title, both she and her sister Eva were brought up in the genteel manner appropriate to the upper classes at the time. Constance was popular in both English and Irish society where she was befriended by William Butler Yeats, and Maud Gonne. Following her marriage to the polish Count, Casimir Markieviez, she returned to Ireland. Her admiration for Jim Larkin, an Irish patriot, and his passionate oratory in support of the working classes, inspired her
interest in nationalism. She became a member of Sinn Féin in 1909. Markievicz co-founded Na Fianna, an Irish boy scout movement, which she also funded…
Constance bought a small cottage in Sandyford, Co. Dublin, at the foot of the Dublin mountains. Here she lived on and off, initially pursuing her hobbies of painting and walking. However, the cottage and surrounding area was to become the perfect training camp for the boy scouts, many of whom went on to join the volunteer forces, that fought by her side during the Rising. On Easter Monday 1916, Markieviez was posted as second in command at St. Stephen’s Green Garrison, mainly because of
her ability with firearms. The garrison saw little action as the main focus was on Mount Street Bridge and the city centre. Following capture, she avoided execution because of her gender.


Patrick Moran (1888-1921), born in Crossna, Co. Roscommon. Moran lived and worked in Blackrock and Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin, prior to the 1916 Rebellion. A labour activist and strong supporter of the nationalist cause, he was sworn into the secret association of the Irish Republican Brotherhood, and subsequently became part of the volunteer force stationed at Jacob’s biscuit factory during the Rising. Following the orders to surrender, he was arrested by the British and sent to a
number of prisons in England and Wales. Although Moran avoided execution in 1916, he was later tried and sentenced to death by hanging for the alleged shooting of a British soldier. He was executed in March 1921 despite evidence of his innocence.

Major John MacBride (1868-1916) born in Westport, Co. Mayo.
On Easter Monday 1916, MacBride left his home in Spensor Villas,
Glasthule, Co. Dublin, to attend a meeting of Irish volunteers, at St Stephen’s Green. He had no previous connections with the volunteer force, but knew their Commander Thomas MacDonagh, whom he had fought alongside in the Boar War 1901. Due to his wartime experience, he was posted second in command at Jacob’s biscuit factory. The garrison saw little action, but following orders to surrender, MacBride was captured, tried, and sentenced to death.  During interrogation, MacBride claimed that he came upon the skirmishes in Dublin by accident. Most likely, an attempt to save his comrade Thomas MacDonagh.


Note: Photos, illustrations and memorials covering all conflicts, available at above address.

Filed Under: Blog and News

New Wexford Records Added

2nd August 2019 By Roots Ireland Editor

We are delighted to announce the addition of around 30,000 records for New Ross Roman Catholic parish, County Wexford, including almost 25,000 baptisms and almost 5,000 marriages.

Baptisms 1790 – 1902 
Marriages 1765 – 1906 
 

For a full list of sources for Wexford and to search these records, go to www.wexford.rootsireland.ie.

Filed Under: Blog and News

Tracing Your Irish Ancestors – Family History Conferences 2016

19th November 2015 By Roots Ireland Editor

Following on from our successful 2015 conference programme, the Ulster Historical Foundation will be hosting two family history conferences in June and September 2016. Both events will combine a varied and exciting mix of research opportunities in the archives (including the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland, the National Library, the National Archives and the Registry of Deeds in Dublin), talks from acknowledged experts and a choice of tours to a number of historic sites, including Kilmainham Gaol and Trinity College, Dublin, Barons Court, the palatial country house of the Duke of Abercorn in County Tyrone, Titanic Belfast and the world famous Giant’s Causeway.

The Foundation’s popular conferences are therefore ideally suited to the keen family historian who will be given assistance by our experienced genealogists throughout the week and also those who favour learning more about the Ireland of their ancestors as we travel through our verdant countryside en route to our selection of famous sites and locations.

Our June event will run from 15-22. For more information and guidance on how to register please visit http:www.ancestryireland.com/family-history-conference/summer-2016/

The website for our second event to be held from 4–10 September 2016 should be operational very soon.

Feedback from the delegates who attended our recent conferences has been extremely positive with many considering a return to our shores in 2016. We hope that you will also join us in 2016 for a truly memorable experience.

 

Filed Under: Blog and News

Lecture on Revolution and the Irish Country House: burnings and enforced exile 1919–23

18th November 2015 By Roots Ireland Editor

The Christmas lecture, Revolution and the Irish Country House: burnings and enforced exile 1919 – 23  by Terence Dooley, Maynooth University, will take place on Monday, 14 December at  7.15 p.m. (please note earlier time) followed by optional dinner in The Gold Saloon and Drawing Room

The burning of Irish country houses during the War of Independence and Civil War was a phenomenon which until the publication of Terence Dooley’s book, The decline of the big house in Ireland in 2001, had received little or no attention from historians.  This talk provides an insight into the motivation for the burning of country houses nationwide.  Drawing on new research from papers in private possession it also provides an in-depth insight into the fate of two country house families caught up in revolutionary change between 1919 and 1923.

Light refreshments served from 6.30pm
Admission fee per lecture:  €10.00 payable prior to the lecture or on the night
Admission fee for Christmas lecture including dinner in The Gold Saloon & Drawing Room: €50.00

(Dinner for the Christmas Lecture must be booked and paid for in advance) 


Please note that as numbers for dinner are limited places must be booked and paid for in advance.  Seating in the Gold Saloon will be filled on a first come, first served basis.
Enquiries to Carton House only at Telephone: (01) 6517708 and Email:  sales@cartonhouse.com

Filed Under: Blog and News

Irish Georgian Society and the Institute of Conservators-Restorers in Ireland study day

17th November 2015 By Roots Ireland Editor

The Irish Georgian Society and the Institute of Conservators-Restorers in Ireland’s Heritage Housekeeping: philosophy and practice study day, takes place in the Saloon at Russborough, County Wicklow on Thursday 26th November (cost €90 including lunch).

Katy Lithgow, the Head Conservator for the National Trust UK will deliver the keynote paper.  This will be a highly practical day with advice on the storage, display, cleaning and care of all aspects of collections from paintings and paper to furniture and textiles.

Bookings can be made through the Irish Georgian Society website http://www.igs.ie/uploads/Heritage_Housekeeping_booklet.compressed_(1).pdf

Filed Under: Blog and News

My Adopted Soldier

12th November 2015 By Roots Ireland Editor

This new website is a unique archive of Irish Soldiers in World War I which was researched and compiled by secondary school History students in Ireland.

Check the site out at My Adopted Soldier

James Lyle Hay, Co. Galway from www.myadoptedsoldier.com

James Lyle Hay, Co. Galway from www.myadoptedsoldier.com

 

Filed Under: Blog and News

Foremost and ready. Kildare and the 1916 Rising

12th November 2015 By Roots Ireland Editor

The latest book from James Durney, well-known historian and author, is now available. It tells the story of Co. Kildare and its involvement in the 1916 Rising, providing a chronological account of the days before, during and after the Easter Rising. This study records Co. Kildare’s huge involvement in these momentous events and reveals a story that has not previously been told using many sources available for the first time, along with eyewitnesses’ testimonies.

On Easter Monday 1916 1,600 men, women and children went out to fight for an independent Ireland. They faced the most powerful empire in the world. The battle raged in Dublin for six days and resulted in 485 deaths and the destruction of many parts of the city. While mainly a Dublin affair many of the Volunteers were from outside the city; two dozen Kildare men and women took part in the Rising, including fifteen who walked from Maynooth to the General Post Office. Several Kildare natives and residents were killed on all sides in the Rising, while dozens more were wounded or imprisoned in the aftermath.

The subsequent execution of the leaders of the Rising awakened a generation to the cause of Irish freedom. In the succeeding War of Independence and Civil War the Kildare men of 1916, including Domhnall Ua Buachalla, Tom Harris, Pat Colgan, Michael Smyth and Éamonn Ó Modhráin, would play their part.

This book is aimed at the general reader or anyone interested in the history of Co. Kildare and the 1916 Rising. It is a vital source for teachers, students and researchers who are interested in this period of Irish history.

Foremost and Ready. Kildare and the 1916 Rising will be formally launched on Friday, 20th November 2015 at 7.30 p.m. in the Council Chamber, Naas Town Hall by Cllr. Fiona O’Loughlin, chair of the Co. Kildare Decade of Commemorations Committee. All welcome.

Foremost and Ready: KIldare and the 1916 Rising

The book is available in all good bookshops.

 

Filed Under: Blog and News

Lecture on Castletown house, Maynooth, Co. Kildare

11th November 2015 By Roots Ireland Editor

On Monday, 16 November 8.00 pm Jeanne Meldon (vice-chair and a director of the Castletown Foundation) will speak on teh topic:

From green pastures to designed landscape: new reflections on the evolution of the
Castletown demesne and the role of the forgotten Conolly 

Castletown today comprises a large demesne with parkland, riverside walks, woodland and areas under tillage. In the 17th and 18th centuries the Castletown lands were much more extensive and included much of the town of Celbridge as well as lands to the north and west of the current demesne. The mid to late 18th century period in the history of the designed landscape is well known. This presentation covers the earlier period of William (Speaker) Conolly and Katherine, and also of his eventual heir, William Junior, in many respects the ‘forgotten’ Conolly. It attempts to map the outline of the demesne lands at the time of the acquisition of Castletown and the surrounding lands, and charts the accompanying story of growth and shrinkage as fortunes changed and resources dwindled over the centuries.

How extensive were the lands purchased by Conolly in 1709? It has previously been suggested that the demesne did not extend to the Liffey until after the 1760’s; this paper suggests that this was in fact not the case.  Were the 1740’s and 1750’s the fallow period that has often been suggested or did the Speaker’s nephew have a greater role than has hitherto been believed; to what extent were the influences of his wife, Anne Wentworth, brought to bear on the Conolly landscape of Castletown? These are some of the questions explored in this presentation, which uses much of the documentary evidence that survives in the Castletown papers in the Irish Architectural Archive.

Light refreshments served from 7.15pm

Admission fee:  €10.00

Enquiries to Carton House only. Telephone: (01) 6517708 

email:  sales@cartonhouse.com

Filed Under: Blog and News

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