96
Patrick Hugh Holahan Volume 1 (1910-1916)

Patrick Hugh Holahan Biography Volume 1

Embed Size (px)

DESCRIPTION

 

Citation preview

Page 1: Patrick Hugh Holahan Biography Volume 1

PatrickHughHolahan

Volume1(1910-1916)

Page 2: Patrick Hugh Holahan Biography Volume 1
Page 3: Patrick Hugh Holahan Biography Volume 1

3

Preface

This document is intended to provide a complete account of the patriotic activities of Paddy Holahan in the period 1910-1916. It attempts to join up all the various sources of information available online and physical documents in the possession of family members. The Bureau of Military History witness statements provide much of the contents of this document.

Specifically it attempts to determine dates, places and actions where Paddy was during the various historical events. This should be interesting and useful as we move to the centenary commemorations. There are some contradictions in witness accounts as is natural.

It should be noted that Paddy Holahan did not submit a Witness Statement to the Bureau of Military History. The Bureau of Military History was established in January 1947 by Oscar Traynor TD, Minister for Defence and collected its statements over the next ten years. Paddy Holahan died in 1946.

It does not attempt to fully describe the various significant events – there are plenty of books available; few of these are quoted since they rely on the same sources as this document. It is intended that this document will be updated as more information becomes available.

Note on spelling:

The witness statements are text searchable and have been copied-and-pasted in most cases. They are many misspellings from the original document or from computer translation - only some of which have been corrected. In some cases the words in the original documents cannot be read in which case we mark with “XXX”.

Note on name spelling:

Spelling of names is problematic and I have left the spelling of names unchanged in all cases.

“Holahan” is the correct spelling of Paddy Holahan’s name as this is the one he uses in all cases. This is also the spelling used by his parents in the 1901 and 1911 census. In most third party documents his name is spelled as “Holohan” or “Houlihan”. In most cases he is referred to as “Paddy” but his brother Garry always called him “Pat.”

Garry, his brother, used “Holohan” when referencing himself and his brothers and cousins and in some cases he uses the Irish form of his own name Gearóid Ua h-Uallacháin.

Other Holahans, Holohans and Houlihans:

There were many Holahans (of all spellings) involved in various nationalist activities in Ireland. In Dublin there were four. The brothers Garry & Paddy had two cousins called Hugh & Patrick (Paddy). There is plenty room for confusion but I believe this document is accurate in this matter.

For extra confusion, the author of this document is also called Patrick Hugh Holahan (the grandson of the original), I refer to myself as Paddy Holahan (b. 1966) to eliminate confusion.

Please contact me with any further information, comments or corrections.

Paddy Holahan (b. 1966)

Dublin, Ireland

[email protected]

+353-86-811 7446

Page 4: Patrick Hugh Holahan Biography Volume 1

4

References, Sources, Index & Acknowledgements

This document is based on quotes and excerpts from a variety of source materials. I have used ISO 690 to reference sources in the bibliography at the end of this document. This simply means that a number in brackets (e.g. [12] ) is used to indicate the number of source document in the bibliography.

Most of the references are from online resources. There is much other material available offline but this perhaps can be used to update the document at a later date.

I have made extensive references to the Bureau of Military History Witness Statements. Some people have multiple witness statement documents so I quote the document number as well as the witness name. See www.bureauofmilitaryhistory.ie

I have also made extensive references to Military Archives www.militaryarchives.ie especially Military Service Pension Collections (MSPC).

The Index is an important part of this document – I hope that all names and locations are indexed correctly (allowing for spelling variations) to allow for better referencing with other relatives and commemoration events.

I’d like to acknowledge the work of the Bureau of Military History and the work to make the collection available searchable online.

Most importantly I am the custodian of a wide range of family documents & photos given to me by my grandmother Johanna Holahan (wife of Paddy Holahan) and my father (Sean Holahan) and my Uncle Fr. Ciarán. I hope to publish digitised versions of all documents for the extended family.

Page 5: Patrick Hugh Holahan Biography Volume 1

5

Contents

Preface ................................................................................................................................................ 3

References, Sources, Index & Acknowledgements ............................................................................ 4

Fianna Éireann ........................................................................................................................................ 7

Howth Gun Running .............................................................................................................................. 13

Kilcoole Gun Running ....................................................................................................................... 17

Irish Republican Brotherhood ............................................................................................................... 18

Fianna & Irish Volunteers ...................................................................................................................... 20

1916 Easter Rising ................................................................................................................................ 22

Magazine Fort Attack ........................................................................................................................ 23

Four Courts Garrison ........................................................................................................................ 27

Surrender .......................................................................................................................................... 47

Richmond Barracks ........................................................................................................................... 54

Knutsford ........................................................................................................................................... 58

Frongoch ........................................................................................................................................... 59

Patrick & Hugh Holahan ........................................................................................................................ 64

Appendix 1 - Sworn Statement to Advisory Committee 1935 ............................................................... 65

Appendix 2 – Evidence from Oscar Traynor on behalf of Paddy Holahan ........................................... 67

Appendix 3 - “The Road to Freedom” by Paddy Holahan ..................................................................... 70

Appendix 4- Recollections of Easter Week by Paddy Holahan (25) ..................................................... 73

Appendix 4 – Fianna Éireann Memories(45) ........................................................................................ 82

Further Reading:- .................................................................................................................................. 85

Bibliography .......................................................................................................................................... 86

Works Cited ........................................................................................................................................... 89

Figures .................................................................................................................................................. 92

Index ...................................................................................................................................................... 93

Page 6: Patrick Hugh Holahan Biography Volume 1

6

Page 7: Patrick Hugh Holahan Biography Volume 1

7

Paddy Holahan was born on October 2nd, 1897 to Patrick Holahan and Brigid Byrne.

Fianna Éireann

Na Fianna Éireann was founded in Dublin in 1909 by Countess Constance Markievicz and Bulmer Hobson. In 1910 Paddy Holahan and his older brother Garry joined the Sluagh Emmet of Fianna Éireann at 10 Beresford Place

Paddy Holahan (1)

Fianna Eireann, like many notable organisations, commenced simply. In the autumn of 1909, a few youths and one remarkable personality, the late Countess Markievicz, a Sligo woman who had married a Polish artists, came together in a hall at 34, Lr. Camden Street to start a boy’s organisation, a youth-movement if you like, to be governed by the boys themselves, who were to be bound together by a simple promise – to work for the independence of Ireland

Paddy Holahan (2)

“It was a non-sectarian body, and each boy made a promise to work for the Independence of Ireland and never to join England’s armed forces. As far as my memory serves me, out of the hundreds of Boys of the Fianna I only know 3 who joined England’s army. No opportunity was lost in bringing the Fianna into the eye of the Public and bringing them into touch with the Gaelic and Irish Ireland Movement. Lectures were given by Con Colbert, Bulmer Hobson, and other on the Life of Wolf Tone, Emmett and the leaders of the past, arrangements were made to bring them to the Emmet & Tone Commemoration Concerts, to Bodenstown and to any place the would instil into their minds, that Ireland was their country and was worth fighting for. I do not want to give the impression that it was all play, not it was far from that, a lot of Hard Work was put in training and Marching and making the boys acquainted with their City and the country side surrounding it. So on any Sunday morning the different Sluagh could be seen wending their way up the Dublin Mountains or out to BekeaXXX where the Countess had a large house at the time.”

Paddy Holahan (3)

Robert Holland (4) “Con Colbert, Sean Heuston, Gerry and Paddy Holohan, Paddy O'Daly, Hugo and Dery McNeill, Brian McNeill were other people in the organisation who became prominent afterwards.”

Page 8: Patrick Hugh Holahan Biography Volume 1

8

Donal O’Hannigan (5) “Liam Mellows, Con Colbert, Paddy Ryan, Paddy and Garry Holohan, Sean Houston and others used to meet at 41 Parnell Sq. and undergo drill and instruction in arms.”

Sean Prendergast (6) “on the night of my initiation into Sluaigh Emmet at No. 10 (by-the-by we always referred to our parade hall as "No. 10" I got a severe shock, and was surprised to witness an "all in" fight, for that was what it appeared to me, between the two brothers, Paddy and Garry Holohan.”

“Among the boys who formed our Sluaigh Emmet at that time were the brothers Paddy and Garry Holohan, the brothers Joe, George, Eddie and Matty Connolly, Jack Poole, Mick Mackey, Tommy Meehan, Danny Gregan, Fred Holmes, the brothers Fran and Willie O'Brien, Peadar Browne, Peter Byrne, Tommy McGrane, Seán Burke, Jimmy Seville, Willie Kinsella and others.”

Our Sluaigh of the Fianna did not, however, remain long in Liberty Hall. We found premises in Nelson St. Hall, which led into the grounds attached to St. Jospeh's Church, Berkeley St. We, in the meantime, had "lost" our Captain, Mick Lonergan, who had gone to the United States, his place being taken by Frank Reynolds. He in turn was later placed in charge of a new Sluaigh which had been formed in Sandwith St. and known as the Wolfe Tone Sluaigh. Garry Holohan was now our Captain. Garry Holohan later became Officer of a new Sluaigh formed at 20. Skippers' Alley, situated at the rere of the Franciscan Church, Merchants Quay..[18]

James Carrigan (7) “I joined Fianna Éireann about November or December of 1913, immediately after the strike. It was known as Sluagh Emmet. A lad named Paddy Houlihan was the officer in charge with Garry Houlihan and Peadar Brown.”

Seumus Kavanagh (8) “It was either in this [1910] or the following year that another branch of the Irish National Boy Scouts was formed at No. 10 Beresford Place, which was the headquarters of the Irish Transport Workers' Union. This branch of the National Boy Scouts was, as far as I can remember, officered by Paddy Houlihan, Garry Houlihan, Eamonn Creegan, who, I think, had been in the British Army. They met there regularly each week, and from then on the movement commenced to spread.”

Michael Lonergan (9) “At that first meeting Madame Marckievicz was present, also I believe, Dr. Pat McCartan, a group of women and a few men,one of was old Councilor Paul Cregan, long since dead, I suppose. He had a son Denis (Dinny), who was given to wearing of the kilts, day and night. Others whom I think were present at that meeting were Tom Donohue (now a priest), Sheamus McCashin and a lad Lamed Shalloe. The Houlihan Brothers, Garry end Paddy, Sean Heuston, and others did not come in until later, but I know for certain that Con Colbert was at the first meeting.”

The Fianna were involved in many a varied activities both promoting “Irish-Ireland” and protesting British rule:

Paddy Holahan:

“In 1911, King George was coming to Dublin for a Coronation visit, an event which was XXX with delight by the Shoneens of the Country the City was decorated with Flags, Banners, and all classes of decoration and the XXXX were favouXXX in their coats. The people attached to the Irish Ireland movement decided on XXXX but it was like a call in the wilderness, the Fianna were organised each sections and went from and too different parts of the City finally

Page 9: Patrick Hugh Holahan Biography Volume 1

9

down+ bearing the flags, decorations, Grafton Street was lined with poles bearing standards which were pulled down during the night” (2)

During this time he was assisted Sean McDermott in editing the “Irish Freedom” newspaper (10) (11)

Paddy Holahan (1)

The months following August 1914 were devoted to strenuous efforts to improve the Irish Volunteer organisation and training and to procure arms. The Fianna organiser, Liam Mellows, went to the Irish Vols. As organiser and, especially in the West of Ireland, the organisation made great strides under his guidance. He was hampered as were other organisers by constant attention from the policy. He was finally arrested and deported, only to make a dramatic escape and to return from exile in time to lead the Rising in Galway.

About this time also, our greatest diversion was breaking up British Army recruiting meetings which were being held all over the city. Our efforts were so successful that the authorities finally abandoned such meetings.

So far as we in Dublin were concerned, the biggest event of 1915 was the funeral of O’Donovan Rossa, who by the part he played in organising the Fenians, in their activities, in the long searing imprisonment he suffered, had become a symbol of all that heroic men of ’67 had stood for.

Figure 1 – 1915? Fianna Ard Fheis (unconfirmed)

Sean Prendergast (6) In one of the official photographs taken in 1913 appears the Countess Markievicz, Liam Mellows, Bulmer Hobson, Eamon Martin, Con Colbert, Seamus McGowan, Gerry and Paddy Holohan, the writer [Sean Prendergast] etc.

Another photograph taken at the Annual Árd Fheis in 1914 showed a large group including the Countess Markievicz, Pádraig Ó Riain (our General Secretary), Eamon Martin and his brother Christy, Seán Heuston, Barney Mellows, Paddy and Gerry Holohan, Percy Reynolds and his brother Jack, Mr. Sutton, Joe Robinson, Peadar Brown, Tommy McGrane, Tommy Crimmins, Thos. O'Donoghue, Willie Christian, myself, Seán Burke, Willie Christian, Dan MacArt, Andy Dunne, Ross Mahon, delegates from Limerick, Cork, Wexford, Belfast, Glasgow. Liam Mellows was absent owing to his being on Fianna and Volunteer organising in the country.

Page 10: Patrick Hugh Holahan Biography Volume 1

10

Figure 2 Positions of Garry, Paddy from Garry's Memoirs

.

Page 11: Patrick Hugh Holahan Biography Volume 1

11

Sean Prendergast (6) “Among the boys of the Sluaigh of which Seán Heuston was Capt. were 1st Lieutenant Paddy Holohan, Seán Burke, Tommy Meehan, James Cerrigan, Seán O'Neill, Jimmy O'Hanlon, action Leaders Tommy McGrane and Peadar Browne, Seán Conway, Dermot O'Sullivan, The Brothers Dermot and Donogh O'Moore, - Ridgeway, the Brothers Jack and Peter Byrne, Patk. O'Connor, Jimmy Cashin, Patrick White, Willie Murphy, Eddie Connolly, Jimmy Seville, Joe Cullen, Dan Mac Art, Ross Mahon, Joe Cullen. Sean Prendergast was 2nd Lieutenant.”

“Towards the end of 1914 our Sluaigh of Fianna was fated to remove to new premises - this time to 28 Nth. Frederick St.”

Garry Holohan (12)

In 1945, about June or July, I got an invitation through a boy named Mullen from a solicitor named Ryan in Castlebar, to send down a section of the Fianna to give a display in the asylum grounds. I think about 20 of us went. Sean Heuston was in charge of the drill display. Eamon Martin, Pat Holohan and I were also there. It was a great week-end. We were met at ths tation by Dr. McBride, the brother of Major McBride who was executed in 1916. The O’Rahilly inspected the Volunteers from all the surrounding districts. We have a display of section drill, signalling, and first-aid, and we brought our new trek car and tents.”

Page 12: Patrick Hugh Holahan Biography Volume 1

12

Page 13: Patrick Hugh Holahan Biography Volume 1

13

Howth Gun Running

The Howth gun running took place in Ireland on 26 July 1914. It was a key step in providing arms to the Irish Volunteers, and played a role in the run-up to the Easter Rising of 1916. Guns and ammunition were bought on the continent and sailed on the yacht “Asgard” to Howth. The Fianna were heavily involved with unloading and securing the weapons from the Asgard.

Figure 3 - Paddy Holahan with bugle

Page 14: Patrick Hugh Holahan Biography Volume 1

14

From “Sealed Orders” - (13)An account of the part taken by the Fianna in the gun-running at Howth on 26th July, 19I4 told by Corporal Willie Nelson1, who took part.

“I was awakened by a loud knocking at the hall door. I awoke slowly; and wondered who the disturber of the Sabbath morn was. I yawned, stretched myself, and finally looked at the clock. It was five minutes to seven. I then began debating with myself, for, being a member of the Sluagh committee, I have an aptitude for debate-s-as to whether the disturber was the post, a seller of the "Sunday Freeman," or an early rising milk-man. I pride myself for having a logical mind-a .gift which Madame was the first person to discover I possessed. I reasoned like this. It cannot be the post, for he only gives two short raps and departs ; neither can it be a milkman, for every sane milkman supplements his knocking by melodiously rattling his can on the curb. I was about to turn over and leave the honour with the seller of newspapers when the knocking grew louder and more persistent. Curiosity impelled me to get up, an don looking out of the window, to my astonishment, I saw my leader, Paddy Holohan, renewing his attacks on the knocker with great vigour.

“ Hello, Paddy," said I, "What's the row about."

"You lazy beggar;" he shouted back,

"I have been knocking here for the last half hour, and I might as well have been knocking at the Morgue for all the notice was taken of it."

1 According to “Howth Gun Running by FX Martin” Willie Nelson is a pseudonym of Padraic O’Riain

Page 15: Patrick Hugh Holahan Biography Volume 1

15

Then in sterner tones he commanded :- "You are to parade in the Hardwicke Street Hall at half-past nine, and bring rations for a day's march with you" ; and, muttering something about sealed orders from the military council, he bolted off.

Garry Holahan (12) “It was arranged that Sean Heuston, Pádraig Ó’Riain, my brother Pat and I were to call at Thompson’s garage in Shaw Street to collect our own trek car, which was loaded down with batons, Pat, Sean Heuston and I were there on time, and we pulled the car around to Beresford Place, where we met Pádraig coming to meet us.”

Paddy Holahan (1)

In the meantime the batons had been unloaded from the trek-car and were issued to a detail of Volunteers whose duty it was to keep the pier closed while the yacht was being unloaded. The motor-cars available were run down the pier, were loaded with rifles by many willing hands and then set off immediately for Dublin. The Volunteers were then given rifles but no ammunition. The Fianna trek-car, loaded with both rifles and ammunition, took its place in the column and the return march to the city began.

The enthusiasm of the men at having real rifles in their hands instead of dummies knew no bounds and bystanders echoed their enthusiasm. I remember well as we passed a stationery tram seeing a priest blessing our ranks and shouting at the top of his voice “God bless you”

The whole operation was carried out with precision and efficiency without a trace of fuss or confusion. We had forgotten our weariness from our outward march and no-one thought anything of the march home or of the opposition we might meet.

At the junction of the tramlines and Howth Road near Kilbarrack we were met by a large force of D.M.P. who had been rushed out in special trams. On sight of the policy you could almost feel the wave of determination sweeping over the ranks of newly-armed men. Not a word was spoken not a pace was shortened, but one could notice a stiffening of muscles as each man took a tighter firmer grip on his rifle.

The police realising their powerlessness offered no opposition but simply fell in and marched alongside. At Raheny some North County Volunteer units branched off from the Main body without hindrance. Nothing further of note occurred until we reached the junction of the Cresent and Howth Road near Fairview. At this point we were confronted by a detachment of the Scottish Borders who were immediately joined by the police who had escorted us from Kilbarrack. Our column was brought to a halt and the Asst. Commissioner of Police, Harrell, demanded the surrender of the rifles Several Fianna officers drew their revolvers and some of the men asked to have the ammunition from the trek car distributed. The moment was tense but a clash was avoided for while a Volunteer Officer kept the Asst. Commissioner of Policy talking, the Volunteers retired back up Howth Road & by crossing the fields some got back into the city and then dumped their rifles at Croydon Park, the H.Q. of the Citizen Army or in adjacent houses. The Fianna retired to Mrs Reddin’s house in Artane where their arms were safely stored.

As you, no doubt, are aware, when the military were returning to barracks they were followed by a jeering crowd, who scoffed at them for having let the gun-runners slip through their fingers. This so enraged them that at Batchelors Walk they opened fire on the crowd at point blank range, killing three and wounding a large number. The day’s work was not yet finished for, after tea, some of us were mobilized to search the vicinity of the hold up and recover the rifles which had been dumped in the fields or nearby houses and bring them to the city. This mission was completed without incident and thus ended one of the first rounds of our fight.

Robert Holland (14) “The Sunday of the Howth gun-running about 30 members of the Fianna who were over 12 years of age were mobilised for Parnell Square at 9.30 in the morning. We proceeded to Howth marching along with the Volunteers. I would say 400 men were in the Volunteers mobilisation. At Howth some of us were detailed to get food ready, but before it was ready a

Page 16: Patrick Hugh Holahan Biography Volume 1

16

man whom I believe was Captain White asked for boys who knew the semaphore and morse signalling. Six of us were picked out. Paddy and Garry Holohan, Barney Mellows, two others and myself composed the party and we were brought up to the Hill of Howth At this time I saw a yacht about two miles out in the bay together with a number of small boats. Captain White was looking through a telescope and turned around and asked one of the group to send a message to the yacht. The message was "We are ready, are you?" This message was signalled by morse and after a short delay it was sent again in semaphore. We received a message back but I did not know what it was. Captain White then told us it was alright and we proceeded back to the town. When we got down we could see the yacht coming into the harbour and as far as I can recollect the Volunteers on the Pier were formed up in double file. Rifles were passed out of the yacht to the Volunteers on Piers, and were also packed into three or four cabs. We filled a track-car which was really a hand cart with ammunition and rifles and then lined up for home”

Sean Prendergast (6) “ we entered Howth village and passed the sea front until we came to the corner of the road on the right which leads to Howth Hill where we were halted. We perceived Seán Heuston in deep and earnest conversation with Bulmer Hobson. Seán Houston called Paddy Holohan and Sean Prendergast and gave orders to run as fast as we could along the pier, and if we saw a white yacht to blow our bugles as hard as we could. Paddy and I ran that long stretch of ground up to almost the mouth of the harbour where the lighthouse was situated. There before us was the "white Yacht". Paddy, by the way, had beaten me to it. He was taller, head and shoulders over me, and had bigger strides.”

On returning from Howth there was conflict with the police

From “Sealed Orders” (13)“Before I had time to realize what had happened the road in front of us was almost clear, and I saw the police with batons and rifles rushing upon us. Then Padraic rushed out in front and shouted to us to come on. His voice was harsh and he shouted and cursed most horribly. We dashed out to meet the police. I was near Paddy Holohan and O'Connor. They, too, were cursing and shouting defiantly. Everything was confusion.”

Page 17: Patrick Hugh Holahan Biography Volume 1

17

Kilcoole Gun Running

Garry Holahan took part in Kilcoole Gun Running, but there is no reference to Paddy.

Page 18: Patrick Hugh Holahan Biography Volume 1

18

Irish Republican Brotherhood

The IRB was a secret organisation that ultimately staged the 1916 Easter Rising with James Connolly’s Citizen Army.

Bulmer Hobson (15) “As the boys grew older, certain selected ones were recruited into the I.R.B. at the age of 17 and upwards, and after my election as Dublin Centre of the I.R.B. in 1912, I formed a Special Fianna Circle of the I.R.B., the members of which continued as members of the Fianna, which was, of course, an open organisation. Included in the members of that Fianna Circle of the I.R.B. were, as far as I can remember: Con Colbert, Paddy Ward, Eamon Bulfin, Eamon Martin, Michael Lonergan, Liam Mellows, Barney Mellows, Frank Burke, Paddy Houlihan, Garry Houlihan, Pádraig O Riain, and Archie Heron. The head of that Circle was Con Colbert, who was executed in 1916.”

Eamon Martin (16) In 1911 Paddy Ward and myself were sworn in. Lieu Mellows was sworn in at Easter 1912, Lonergan the same year, Garry Holohan in 1913, his brother Paddy a few years later and by this time I would say every senior officer throughout the country had become a member.

Thomas Slater WS 263 “About 1911 the Fianna came into being and the I.R.B. organisation took a great interest in it. They ordered as many of the younger as possible to attend classes in Camden Street where the Fianna were in existence, for the purpose of learning drill. The Instructors at those classes were, Con Colbert, Eamon Martin and Sean Heuston. The younger members of the I.R.B. attended those classes fairly regularly, and in 1913 when the organisation of the Volunteers was formed, those men were ordered to hand in their names to the Volunteer Organisation, and being well up in drill, were given positions of authority in the Volunteers.”

Paddy Holahan (1)

Up to now, the Irish Party in the House of Commons had taken no interest in the Volunteers but about this time John Redmond, the leader of the Irish Party demanded to be allowed to appoint members to the Executive Council. The I.R.B. Volunteers could not afford a split and so they were compelled to given in to the demand and Redmond appointed members of his party to the council.

Shortly afterwards, in August, the Great War broke out and this caused a great change in the position of the volunteers. The Home Rule bill which had been passed in the British Parliament was shelved for the duration. This bill had completely satisfied Redmond and he believed that as soon as the war was over it would be put into operation. He then advocated that the Volunteers should offer their services to England to fight in France. This policy was not acceptable to the I.R.B. who had originated the movement and so the inevitable split occurred the majority following Redmond. There were now two bodies of volunteers, the National Volunteers led by Redmond and the Irish Volunteers pledged to fight for a free Ireland. It was about this time that the I.R.B. which controlled the Irish Volunteers, and whose membership was increasing, definitely decided to revolt before the war was over.

Page 19: Patrick Hugh Holahan Biography Volume 1

19

John Kenny (17) Early in 1912, my brother, Michael, and I joined the Irish National Guards, an off-shoot of Fianna Éireann with rooms then in Blackhall Place. Among the members of the 'Guards' at one period or another who took part in the national struggle for independence were: Bob, George and Bill Oman, Tom (now a priest) and Eddie Donohoe, Joe and Mattie Gahan, Jack Bannon, Jack Murphy, Dick Gibson, John Conway, Jim and Dick Seville, Paddy Lalor, Alex. Thompson, Frank Bolster, Sáen Howard (who was killed in action in 1916), Tommy Bryan (who was executed by the British with five others in Mountjoy Jail on 14th March, 1921), Hugh Early, Paddy Houlihan, afterwards Comdt. 1st Battalion, Dublin Brigade, Seán Kennedy, the two Mason brothers, Walter Williams, Ted Tuite, Seán (Gurra) Byrne, Mattie Kelly, my younger brother, Michael, and myself. It was from Blackhall Place that we marched to Bodenstown churchyard to honour the memory of Wolfe Tone. We marched openly through the streets of Dublin in uniform, with dummy rifle to which were affixed French bayonets, carried at the 'slope' in true military fashion, and dragging a hand-truck behind us in which our tent and other supplies were stored. I remember that we met with a company of British soldiers who were marching to Dublin, and our leader, a man named Finlay, halted our march, as did also the British commander. Both men approached each other and exchanged greetings, and the British officer appeared highly interested in our exploit. We duly arrived at Sallins on time, paid our respects at the grave of Wolfe Tone and were transported back to Dublin that night. There were no incidents. In 1913 we moved to rooms in York St., and later, at the inaugural meeting of the Irish Volunteers in the Rotunda Rooms, most of us attended and joined up. Although there were many speakers on that occasion, I can only remember Jim Larkin and Tom Kettle, which is passing strange in the light of later events.

We later moved our rooms, for the last time, to North Great Georges St. Jack Bannon, Dick Gibson, John Conway, Dick Seville, Walter Williams, Mattie Kelly, my brother and I joined 'E' Company, 1st Battalion, where we made acquaintance with many afterwards noted figures, among whom were: Pierce Beasley, Dermot Hegarty, Fionán Lynch, Con Collins, Tom Byrne, the Shouldice brothers, the O'Reilly brothers (whose father was a Fenian), Johnny O'Connor, Paddy Houlihan, and Tom Sheridan, to mention only a few.

Page 20: Patrick Hugh Holahan Biography Volume 1

20

Fianna & Irish Volunteers

Eamon Martin (16) With the founding of the Irish Volunteers in 1913 the contributory value of the Fianna was immediately recognised. wherever a Company was formed the Fianna was in a position to, and did, supply an officer as Instructor.

In Paddy Holahan’s letter to the Minister for Defence (dated) 31.3.35 (Appendix XXX) he states

“After the formation of the Volunteers I was selected by Sean McDermott to attend Volunteer officer classes at Tara Street Baths and Larkfield”

Larkfield refers to Larkfield in Kimmage , a suburban farm or property with extensive grounds that was used as a training camp for the Irish Volunteers.

Paddy Holahan sworn statement to Military Pensions Board

“I was an office in Fianna Eireann, a 1st Lieutenant. I was attached to “C” Company, 2nd Battalion, under Vice-Commandant Hunter. Easter Sunday Rising was called off after Proclamation. We had been instructed in the use of bombs by Commandant McDonagh”

Pre-1916, Paddy Holahan was attached to 2nd Battalion, “C” company. As we learn later, from Easter Monday onwards he served with the 1st Battalion. The Military Pensions board requested personnel roll for 2nd Batallion for 1916 but there is no list for “C” company (see

http://mspcsearch.militaryarchives.ie/docs/files/PDF_Membership/8/RO1%20-%20150/MA-MSPC-RO-13.pdf). In the list provided by Nicholas Laffan (1st Battalion, “G” company) there were two Fianna Boys listed – Garry Holahan being one. A tear in the paper seems to hide the name of Paddy Holahan. (18)

Thomas Slater (19) The first officer was Tom MacDonagh. I was 1st Lieutenant and Bob Price was 2nd Lieutenant. The drill was held in 41 Parnell Square. The first Commandant of the 2nd Battalion was Tom MacDonagh. The Vice-Commandant was Tom Hunter. I was Adjutant when the Battalion was formed. Michael O'Hanrahan was Quartermaster. The next thing was to get an outdoor drilling place, and through the good offices of the Capuchin Friars, Father Matthew Park was made available for outdoor drilling and for learning to shoot.”

Thomas MacDonagh took over charge of the 2nd Battalion actively, and he instilled discipline, punctuality and sobriety into the Volunteers. He was very particular as regards these three things. One of the things that often said regarding punctuality was that the Volunteers when told to mobilise at a certain place at a certain time should arrive on parade as if they had come out of the ground, so that it a stranger was on the spot two or three minutes before the appointed hour there would be nothing unusual to be seen. The Volunteers were to appear as if out of nowhere. That was very important training, and it was a feature of the Volunteers, even the pre-1916 Volunteers. They saw the importance of it and took various measures to ensure punctuality such as correct timing of watches knowing the time necessary to walk to and from different points in the city, etc. Another thing MacDonagh did was to select men to serve as engineers, that is to say men employed at any of the building, or engineering or allied trades. They were organised in engineering groups in the Companies and were given lectures and training in military engineering.

Thomas Slater (19) “About 1911 the Fianna came into being and the I.R.B. organisation took a great interest in it. They ordered as many of the younger as possible to attend classes in Camden Street where the Fianna were in existence, for the purpose of learning drill. The Instructors at those classes

Page 21: Patrick Hugh Holahan Biography Volume 1

21

were, Con Colbert, Eamon Martin and Sean Heuston. The younger members of the I.R.B. attended those classes fairly regularly, and in 1913 when the organisation of the Volunteers was formed, those men were ordered to hand in their names to the Volunteer Organisation, and being well up in drill, were given positions of authority in the Volunteers.”

Sean Pounch (20) “The Fianna training brought the boys into close contact with the Volunteers of the city, especially the ones of their local units and, as they grew up, were transferred into such units fully trained and equipped. The older or senior members of Fianna were also in charge of Volunteer companies and thus We find Con Colbert, Sean. Houston, Semen Martin, Garry Holohan, Liam Mellows and others fully occupied in Volunteer circles and much in the same way I was very active with the Cumann na mBan up to the day of the Rising, the only difference being that while they formed a permanent part of. The Volunteers and fought as such, I had definitely arranged and trained. the Cumann na mBan to take the field as a unit under their own officers, and I made them f1ly understand this position, as I told them would be out with the Fianna and Volunteers and would not be able personally to direct their effort. This will explain fully how it came about that the Fianna were so strongly represented in every post and fire point of the 1916 rising.”

Major General Aodh O’Neill (21) “The revival of national consciousness in Ireland came to a head much more rapidly than anyone could have hoped for when the Fianna was founded in 1909. Four years later, in November, 1913, the great Irish Volunteer movement was inaugurated. This was the Fianna's: first real test, and th value of its training became quickly apparent. The country realised that a young trained army had grown up practically unseen and unheard. All over Ireland the officers and older boys threw themselves into the new Volunteer movement. The early officers and instructors of the Volunteers were confined to practically two classes, viz., those who had served in the Fianna and those who had served in the British Army.”

The following Fianna Officers were elected to the first Provisional Committee of the Irish Volunteer Force: Liam Mellows, Bulmer Hobson and Padraig Ó Riain. .In Dublin numerous Fianna Officers received Volunteer Commissions, of whom the most notable were Seán Heuston, Con Colbert, Padraig Ó’Dálaigh, Patrick Houlihan, Seamus Kavanagh and Leo Henderson.

Bulmer Hobson (15) Prior to the formation of the Irish Volunteers in 1913 there was no serious effort to arm the Fianna. Side arms, i.e. bayonets, were common, but there were no firearms. On the foundation of the Irish Volunteers, five members of the Fianna became members of its Provisional Committee on my suggestion, viz., Pádraig O’Riain, Con Colbert, Eamon Martin, Michael Lonergan and Liam Mellows.

Page 22: Patrick Hugh Holahan Biography Volume 1

22

1916 Easter Rising

The Rising was supposed to take place on Easter Sunday, but a cancellation order was issued and it was postponed to the following day.

Paddy Holahan sworn statement to Pension Board (Appendix XXX)

I went to the Father Matthew Park on Easter Sunday morning, for rifle practice. Tom Hunter came along. He showed me the order for forbidding parade. I went to Liberty Hall, and acted as orderly to Tom Hunter. Mick O'Hanrahan was sent for. He was not at home. He was at Mass, and I got him. We were in Liberty Hall till 2.30 or so. I came back to my own house, Eddie Martin and a few others brought word that we were to carry on our own work as usual on the following morning.

Paddy Holahan (22)

Paddy Holahan (22)

Page 23: Patrick Hugh Holahan Biography Volume 1

23

Magazine Fort Attack

A plan was proposed to attack the Magazine Fort in the Phoenix Park to procure weapons and then blow it up to signal the start of the rebellion.

Figure 4 Magazine Fort Phoenix Park

The attack was planned by Paddy Daly. James Connolly objected to it just being a Fianna group and was told that Connolly would get him few hefty men.

Paddy Holahan (3)

Page 24: Patrick Hugh Holahan Biography Volume 1

24

Paddy, Gary and a few others slept at the Holahan home at 8 Rutland Cottages on Sunday night and on Monday went to James Connolly’s office in Liberty Hall to get Irish Volunteers to help with the Magazine Fort attach. Paddy Holahan took an order to the 1st Batallion to get a few men[6] .

Garry Holohan (12) “I think Paddy Daly, Pat Holohan, Eamon Martin and I went down to James Connolly’s office and told him our trouble. He got four orders typed out, one for each battalion, for six or eight men.

“I think Paddy Daly went to the 2nd Battalion, Pat to the 1st…”

Frank Henderson (23) “I immediately queried the order, and the words I used to Daly were, "Who is James Connolly?" Daly got annoyed, and I reminded him of the warning that had been given to us by Commandant MacDonagh that we were only to take orders from our own superior officers. Daly then said to me, "Look at the other side of the order", and on the other side of the order, which was written on a single sheet of paper, was a note signed by MacDonagh himself instructing me to carry out any orders given to me by James Connolly. Volunteer Bob Gilligan was then assigned to the job and went off.”

Paddy O’Daly went to Liberty Hall around 10:30/11 and spoke to Connolly. Someone informed him that Ned Daly had people at Liberty Hall for him.

[I am questioning whether there are two people Patrick (Paddy) O’Daly and Paddy Daly – needs more investigation.]

Garry Holohan (24) “Thirty or forty of us took part in the Magazine Fort attack; these included Paddy Boland, Costello, who was killed during the week, Eamon Martin, Christy Martin, paddy Daly, my brother Pat, Barney Mellows, Seán Ó Briain from Aran, Paddy McGrath, Tim Roche, Josh Kennedy, Jack Murphy, Louis Marie, manager of a picture-house, Eamon Murray, Oscar Traynor's brother-in-law Bob Gilligan was supposed to be there, and Sean Ford, the outfitter, who was in Church Street with us all the week.”

From Paddy Holahan’s sworn statement to Military Pensions Board

“Easter Sunday Rising was called off after Proclamation. We had been instructed in the use of bombs by Commandant McDonagh, and we knew exactly what was going to happen. The Fianna were selected for the job of blowing up the Magazine Fort. Major-General Paddy Daly, though not a senior officer, was put in charge of this job, as he was a Captain, and had been working in the Magazine. We left the house on Easter Monday at about 11.0 o’clock, and went to the Magazine Fort. We played football round it, and subsequently went into it. We took possession of it, and captured the rifles. We were to be supplied by the Brigade, if we got away, which we had not expected would happen. When we got out, we had only a hackney car, so we put the rifles on it. Ed. Martin, my brother and I reported at Red Cow Lane in King Street. Under Commandant Daly.”

Paddy Holahan (25)

As one of the senior officers of Fianna Eireann, I was aware of the date on which the rising was to take place. I had been selected as one of the group of Fianna detailed to attack and destroy the Magazine Fort in the Phoenix Park. In preparation for this, our group received special training in the use of explosives. The training was carried on for some weeks previously in the Father Mathew Park, our instructor being Thomas McDonagh. I can well remember how he impressed on us that we were to endeavour take the place without loss of life. I may say that this view of warfare disconcerted me somewhat, as after the sham battles

Page 25: Patrick Hugh Holahan Biography Volume 1

25

we had been practicing, my imagination conjured up pictures of volunteers and Citizen Army charging the British with gory results.

All was set to go off, when Easter Sunday morning came. I had been at early mass, and went to the Father Mathew Park to get some rifle practice on the range. I had just got the gun from the caretaker, when Capt. Tom Hunter came up and asked me if I had seen the morning paper. I replied that I had not. He then told me of the countermanding order. As I was attached to the 2nd . Battn., he said I had better come with him to Liberty Hall. When we arrived there, there was great excitement, messengers coming and going. I was kept busy until late in the afternoon, when I was told to go home and await further instructions.

Our house was well known to all the Fianna, and late that night my brother and others arrived, and with them, the news that on the morrow we would carry out our original instructions. We were all up early on the Monday morning, as we had to re-mobilise our group. Being unable to get into with them all, we had to call on the services of some Volunteers. They all assembled at our house; the newcomers received their instructions, and we then set out for the Park, some of us proceeding by the Ballybough tram, others on bicycles, as they wanted to a football at Whelan’s on Ormond Quay.

On reaching the park, we started to kick football, and according to plan, worked closer to the main gate of the Fort as the game progressed. At last the ball was put through the gate, and one of our party approached for permission to get the ball. When he gained admission, and got near the sentry, he held him up. The remainder of the party lost no time in getting inside. The remaining sentries had still to be dealt with. One instead of putting down his rifle when called upon to do so, presented his rifle in the firing position, one short was fired, and he was wounded and held prisoner with the other soldiers in the guard room.

We then started to execute out plan to destroy the Fort, entering the different stores, laying our explosives, setting the fuses alight, locking the door and throwing the keys back into the stores. The men in charge of the prisoners had, in the meantime, collected all the arms and ammunition in the guard room. By some accident we did not enter the high explosive store. Perhaps it was fortunate for us, as we would never have been able to get to get out of the place in time, but it spoiled the plan to blow up the Fort, although it saved our lives.

The only means of transport that could be procured was an outside car. On to this we packed the rifles and ammunition which we had captured, and escorted by some of the party on bicycles we started on our journey towards the city. We had not gone far when we realized that a boy, I believe he was Fort commander’s son, was running towards Island Bridge Barracks. He was followed by one of our officers on a bicycle, and as he failed to stop when called on, he was shot as he entered the Commander’s House at the bend of Island Bridge Road. We had of course released our prisoners before we left the Fort. Our job was this much of a success that we caused a fire which destroyed a large quantity of ammunition, and took the Brigade some days to extinguish. On our return journey, having passed G.H.Q. Parkgate and the Royal, now Collins Barracks, we turned off the Quays and made contact with the Volunteer post at Red Cow Lane and Nth Brunswick Street.

Page 26: Patrick Hugh Holahan Biography Volume 1

26

Figure 5 - Letter from P.Holahan to Irish Press regarding Magazine Fort attack

Page 27: Patrick Hugh Holahan Biography Volume 1

27

Four Courts Garrison

After the Magazine Fort attack Paddy joined with the Irish Volunteers of 1st Battalion Four Courts garrison

Paddy Holahan (25)

On our return journey[from Magazine Fort attack], having passed G.H.Q. Parkgate and the Royal, now Collins Barracks, we turned off the Quays and made contact with the Volunteer post at Red Cow Lane and Nth Brunswick Street.

Like our group of Fianna, the Battalions of the Dublin Brigade had been busy mobilizing, and the 1st Battalion having mobilized at Blackhall Place marched, under the commend of Comdt. Ned Daly, to take over the Four Courts and the surrounding area. For the first portion of the week, headquarters were at the entrance gates to the North Dublin Union. A first aid post was established in the Father Mathew Hall, and men were posted at Church St. Bridge, Jameson’s Distillery and Malt House, and in house adjoining the junctions of streets covering the most likely lines of approach. It was to the North Dublin Union Headquarters were reported, and we were allocated to posts at the corner of Red Cow Lane and North Brunswick Street.

His attachment to this garrison was not planned

Garry Holahan letter to the Military Pensions Board

Page 28: Patrick Hugh Holahan Biography Volume 1

28

Paddy Holahan In reply to your of the 23rd January 1935 I wish to inform the board that after returning from the Phoenix Park some of our party reported to Comdt. E Daly who put us under the Command of Acting Captain D. O’Callaghan after the attack on the Broadstone O’Callaghan was taken to the Four Courts and E Laffan took command. Capt Laffan was wounded an I took Command of the area with P Breslin and G Holahan as Lieutenants. The other officers in the whole area (Four Courts ) are follows to the best of my memory.

Comdt E Daly Vice Comdt P Beasley Batt Adj E Duggan Capt Fionan Lynch Lieut J SHouldice 2nd D Hegarty Lieut J McGuiness 2nd Lieut L Archer Capt E Morkan Capt F Fahey Lieut L Carroll

Is Mise Patrick H Holahan

From Military Archives 1st Battalion Roll document (26)

Page 29: Patrick Hugh Holahan Biography Volume 1

29

From Paddy Holahan’s sword statement to Military Pensions Board

“I was an office in Fianna Eireann, a 1st Lieutenant. I was attached to “C” Company, 2nd Battalion, under Vice-Commandant Hunter [Irish Volunteers]. Easter Sunday Rising was called off after Proclamation. We had been instructed in the use of bombs by Commandant McDonagh, and we knew exactly what was going to happen. The Fianna were selected for the job of blowing up the Magazine Fort. Major-General Paddy Daly, though not a senior officer, was put in charge of this job, as he was a Captain, and had been working in the Magazine. We left the house on Easter Monday at about 11.0 o’clock, and went to the Magazine Fort. We played football round it, and subsequently went into it. We took possession of it, and captured the rifles. We were to be supplied by the Brigade, if we got away, which we had not expected would happen. When we got out, we had only a hackney car, so we put the rifles on it. Ed. Martin, my brother and I reported at Red Cow Lane in King Street. Under Commandant Daly. He allotted us to Captain Dinnie Callaghan.”

Sean Prendergast (6) “A fair deal of excitement was caused me by seeing a few of my former Fianna comrades, Eamon Martin, Garry and Paddy Holohan and Paddy Daly included, passing by, coming from the direction of the Quays. I learned that they were returning from a special mission concerning the destruction of the Magazine Fort in the Phoenix Park that day. Enquiring as to the whereabouts of Seán Heuston, I was told that they didn't know. He might be further on, in which direction they went.”

Liam O’Carroll (27) “We turned left up Queen Street, along North King Street, along Red Cow Lane, to the front of the old Richmond Hospital. I halted the men. The first thing we did. was to blow the lock off the gate of Cullen's yard. We hauled out four-wheeled lorries, timber and any genera]. heavy material we could find in the yard; and we erected a double barricade across the street, one on each aide of Red Cow Lane, in North Brunswick Street, opposite the old Richmond Hospital. Men were put temporarily on the barricades. Only a few men could be spared for that, because we then had to use men to get the houses cleared. About three or four men were left holding the barricades, while the remainder of the men proceeded to evacuate approximately five houses on each aide of the street, and to the east of the barricades. When these houses were eventually evacuated, the walls between were knocked through. We knocked the houses, one into another, built up begs of material in the windows to provide fire cover, and ail the men were withdrawn into the houses. At about this time, we were joined by, as far as I recollect, Garry Houlihan, Paddy Houlihan, Eamonn Martin and, I think, another man who had been engaged in an action on the Magazine Fort in the Phoenix Park. They remained with us only a short time, retiring then to the Battalion Headquarters at the Convent.”

Sean Cody (28) “ would say that "G" Company had not more than fifty men under the command of Lieutenant N. Laffan. -afterwards promoted Captain by Commandant N. Daly. We were also joined later by Denis O'Callaghan, Paddy Holohan and a few of those who had taken part in the raid on the Magazine Fort in the Park and a few Volunteers from Kildare who marched to Dublin. When Lieutenant Laffan was wounded Paddy Holohan took over command of the Company near the end of the week.”

Paddy Holahan (25)

On hearing the heavy firing I have mentioned, we redoubled our efforts to make our positions as strong as possible. During this day of feverish activity, the few showers which fell were hardly noticed. Later the sun was kind, and came out, but when darkness fell, with all the street and house lights out, there was a complete black-out, during which the nerves of everybody were at their tensest awaiting the expected attack. Prowling about the dark, deserted rooms, imagination exaggerated things. For instance, I entered one room, and was startled to see an armed confronting me where I did not except to see anyone. I immediately challenged, and receiving no reply, fired. The crash of breaking glass brought me to my senses. I had fired at my own reflection in a wardrobe mirror.

Page 30: Patrick Hugh Holahan Biography Volume 1

30

Sean O’Moore (29)

when I arrived at the junction of King Street and Church Street I found a barricade being erected. So I fell in with the Company and some of the Fianna who had come back there from the Magazine in the Park.

I was going through a communication tunnel that night with Paddy Houlihan. He entered a room and I heard him shout “Hands up”. Getting no reply, he fired his Mauser rifle, and I assure you we were pretty deaf for some time afterwards owing to the noise of the Mauser in the small room. When the smoke cleared away we found that there was a wardrobe facing the door, and he had seen himself in the mirror of the wardrobe and fired at it.

About midday I was called out and made up one of a party of 16 who were being sent to attack the Broadstone railway station. We afterwards learned that there were two battalions of British infantry in the Broadstone railway station. We were under the command of Lieutenant D. O’Callaghan.

Paddy Holahan (25)

Most of Monday and Tuesday, the volunteers were occupying houses and strengthening the barricades. There was plenty of material to hand, as the house in Church St. opposite the chapel were only in course of erection. Messrs Kelly’s builders yard in North Brunswick St. was also availed of, and from the local foundries, boilers, etc., were commandeered.

There was one barricade which I remember well, because it had a cab in the centre of it. It was most convenient when you wanted to get through, as all you had to do was open the door; needless to remark, this weak spot was always well guarded.

Among the houses occupied were four around Red Cow Lane, Moore’s Coach Factory, Clarke’s Dairy – at the junction of Church St. and North Brunswick St., - and Reilly’s public house at the corner of North. King St. and Church St., which later came to be known as “Reilly’s Fort.” Barricades were erected at the quay end of Church St., and across the Bridge, and the late Peadar Clancy charge of the occupying party.

There were also strong barricades across Church St., at the Chapel and Father Mathew Hall. Further up, a diagonal one crossed Church St. from Moore’s Coach Factory to Nth. Brunswick St. In fact, there were barricades everywhere around, covering the most likely routes of enemy approach. I might mention that no tenanted houses were occupied. The occupiers who were dispossessed were helped to bring their belongings to the North Dublin Union or to the Technical Schools in Bolton St.

The first skirmish occurred on the Quays, shortly after noon. A party of the 5th and 12th Lancers, on horseback, escorting five London and North Western lorries coming from the North Wall laden with munitions, were fired on from the Four Courts. They backed into Charles St. where they occupied some houses and the Collier Dispensary. There they were held until Thuesday[sic]. Some of the lancers charged wildly up Church St., two being shot dead, one opposite the chapel, and one at North Brunswick St. corner. The remainder huddled with their horses in the harrow street. The animals were maddened with hunger, and the soldiers shot some of them and released others which clattered about the streets for hours. An armoured truck appeared on Thursday and brought them off, but not before they had been subjected to several attacks, in the course of which a Flanna officer was severely wounded, and the British officer in charge, a Lt. Hunter, killed.

Page 31: Patrick Hugh Holahan Biography Volume 1

31

Figure 6 - Four Courts area 1916

Page 32: Patrick Hugh Holahan Biography Volume 1

32

Paddy joined the volunteers who were based out of Columcille Hall. This may refer to “D” company of 1st Batallion who met at Columcille Hall.

Garry Holohan (24) They were Larry Lawlor and Frank Lawlor, brothers, Tommy O'Brien, Liam O'Gorman, the McNultys, two brothers, Dinny O'Callaghan, Liam O'Carroll, Tom Nolan and his brother-in-law Campbell, both now Directors of the New Ireland Assurance Company, Pat Holohan, Tim Roche, Seán Ó Briain and Eamon Martin.

Sean Cody (28) “The Broadstone Railway Station where British soldiers from Athlone would arrive, was to have been occupied early during the week but due to lack of men this was not possible, and it was later occupied by large British forces and our officers then decided on an attack with the object of delaying any attack on our positions in Church St. and the adjoining points held by us. For this operation Volunteers were called for and twelve then got ready for the attack, under D. O'Callaghan and Paddy Holohan. We paraded in the grounds of our headquartersand were spoken to by Commandant Daly and also blessed by Rev. Fr. Albert, O.S.F., and another Franciscan friar. Having received our orders we approached the station by Church St. and Constitution Hill, marching in single file under the cover of the houses on our left. Near the square in front of the station we prepared for action, and on rushing into the open space in front of the building opened fire on all exits and approaches. The British replied and after about ten minutes fighting we withdrew, being unable to get into the building as we were outnumbered by at least twenty to one. We had one Volunteer wounded. “

Sean O’Moore (29) About midday I was called out and made up one of a party of 16 who were being sent to attack the Broadstone railway station. We afterwards learned that there were two battalions of British infantry in the Broadstone railway station. We were under the command of Lieutenant D. O’Callaghan.

When we were “fallen in” and faced about, I found that I was leading going up Constitution Hill. We were all served out with Lee Enfield rifles and ammunition before starting. Having come within a couple of hundred yards of the railway station the British opened fire and, not knowing whether we were to attempt to attack the position or whether it was only reconnaissance. I rushed across the road and got into the oak gate on the west side of the line of gates facing Constitution Hill. The rest of the party retired and I found myself in an unenviable position. After retiring some distance Paddy Houlihan who had been my pal since early Monday said: “Sean O’Moore is back there and I am going back for him.”

The party then advanced up the road and roared to me “Run for it”. I zig-zagged across the road with the bullets ripping up the ground around me. When some lines of text missing men who were on each side of the road, I did not like to the rear so I turned round in the middle of the road and started firing and retiring. When I got down and thought of what I had done, I said, “Well, whatever way you are going to die Sean you will never be shot,” I learned afterwards that Ned Daly had ordered the attack. “B” Company, who had occupied the Railway Bridge at Phibsboro had been forced to retire. Our attack on the railway station had for its object the drawing of British fire so as to enable “B” Company to reoccupy the Railway Bridge.

After getting down the road about 300 yards we decided we would take up positions in the houses each case in case they should advance down the road after us and we would be able to ambush them.

I and another man rushed up to the second floor of a house and started taking out the bottom window. Two old ladies and an old man were in the room and the old ladies started kicking up a terrible row as they said they we should not come in there, that there was a blind man in the room.

As soon as the old man could get a word in edgeways he said, “Arah, will you whist, women, sure it’s not the first time I have been under fire for my country.” He told us afterwards that he had been out with the Fenians at Tallaght. The British did not chance coming after us, so we returned to our position at the top of Church Street.

Page 33: Patrick Hugh Holahan Biography Volume 1

33

There were 40 men between the junction of King Steet to the top of Church Street. Most of them were “F” Company men and were under the command of Captain Nicholas Laffan, who was wounded on Saturday morning. Paddy Houlihan and myself were from there on in first command. Paddy Houlihan, Forde and myself took up positions in the top of the four-storey house, where barring an interlude, we remained for the week. The interlude occurred on the Tuesday even when Linen Hall Barracks was set afire. A number of us were out endeavouring to get the people facing the barracks to leave their homes. There were oil drums and a large quantity of blankets stored in different parts of the barracks and between the drums bursting and the blankets blazing there was a considerable bonfire. The people left their homes for the night, but were able to return the next morning.

Figure 7 Dinnie O'Callaghan's statement to Military Pensions Board

Garry Holohan (24) “We were posted that night [TUESDAY] in the dairy at the corner of Church Street. I was in charge of the top floor and I think my brother, Pat Holohan, was in charge of the floor underneath.”

Page 34: Patrick Hugh Holahan Biography Volume 1

34

Garry Holohan (24) Lieut. D. O"Callaghan, Paddy Holohan, Peadar Breslin and others now made an attempt to breach the [Linen Hall] barrack wall with explosives. The attempt failed and after a further trial was abandoned.

On Thursday or Saturday Dinner Time, Pat Holohan was in charge of Clarke's Dairy and was fixing down Church Street, where the soldiers occupied Reilly's public-house at the junction of King Street and Church Street.

Figure 8 - Paddy Holahan Fianna Memories

Paddy Holahan (25)

Tuesday brought the work of strengthening barricades, loopholing houses, and provisioning the garrisons and the civilians still left in the area, with the help of the staff in Monk’s Bakery,

Page 35: Patrick Hugh Holahan Biography Volume 1

35

who continued to work day and night at this essential job. It was determined to reconnoiter Broadstone station, and a party under Capt Dinny O’Callaghan, which included Eamonn Martin and Garry Holohan of the Fianna, and Sean Moore and the late Peadar Breslin of the Volunteers and Fianna were picked. At dusk, they advanced up Constitution Hill, then turned to the left and worked along the high wall at Prebend St. As Eamonn Martin one of the Fianna officers reached the open space at the acqueduct bridge, he was shot through the lung, but notwithstanding his severe wound, he managed to return to the Courts and report to Comdt. Ned Daly. The latter then ordered a retirement to North Brunswick St.

Thereafter the Volunteer snipers at the northern outposts at Nth. Brunswick St. corner kept up a constant fire on Broadstone Station. The attic windows at Clarke’s Dairy were particularly useful for this. Soldiers going on sentry duty and military snipers who pushed southwards from the station, were met with accurate fire, and several killed. It was from this fire that Lieut. Gray of the Royal Dublin Fusiliers met his death. The upper portion of the dairy was also loopholed towards the south, and later in the week fire from this direction was responsible for several casualties amongst the military turning the corner from North King Street into Church Street,

WEDNESDAY

Paddy Holahan (25)

On Wednesday Volunteer picquets[sic] patrolled the streets, and maintained communication with headquarters at the G.P.O. It was reported that an amoured car had been seen in the vicinity Bolton Street. Some of our outposts were under constant fire from positions which were located in Christ Church and Power’s Distillery.

The attack on the Mendicity Institution had developed the intensity early in the day and during the night. To avoid the extension of this attack towards the Church St barricade, the four houses on the south side of the quays at the corner of Lt. Bridge St. were burned. The military however came to close quarters with the Mendicity garrison, crouching under the low front wall, and bombing the garrison out of their position. At about noon, Commandant Heuston surrendered, after a most gallant and determined resistance.

It had been ascertained that there were isolated enemy garrisons in the Bridewell and in the Linenhall Barracks, and it was decided to round them up.

A Party under Capt O’Callaghan, including Garry Holohan, and was detailed to capture the Barracks. The garrison, which numbered some forty unarmed men of the Army Pay Corps were summoned to surrender, but refused. Gelignite was placed in position in the wall facing Lurgan St., and the Barracks door burst open with sledge hammers. The garrison then surrendered. At the Bridewell a number of armed policemen were found in the cellars. They were disarmed and brought into the Four Courts.

At 3.p.m., in order to avoid a re-occupation of the Linenhall Barracks by the encircling forces, it was set on fire, and in the course of the day the blaze assumed large proportions. During Wednesday night it lit up the streets with a murky glow. By Thursday it had travelled to Messrs. Moore’s, the druggists, in Bolton St., and then became really spectacular. Large barrels of oil were tossed into the air and exploded, and a cloud of stifling smoke shrouded the district. Attempts were made to confine the fire by hosing, and these were partially successful. Even on Thursday night, the blaze made the streets bright as day, but by Friday it had subsided, and pitch darkness once more reigned. The remaining tenements were hastily evacuated in North King St. expect by those whose grin business it was to stay there and fight to the death. Shops were hastily barricaded with corrugated iron and planking.

Page 36: Patrick Hugh Holahan Biography Volume 1

36

Figure 9 Broadstone (Railway Station in 1916)

Sean O’Duffy (30) “Wednesday night passed quietly for us 'though we could hear the roar of the artillery and the cracking of smell arms and machine guns from the City. At midnight on Wednesday we prepared to attach the Linen Hall Barracks. It was organised by Captain Dinny O'Callaghan. I was one of the party. Tom Nolan was there. We obtained picks and crowbars. and we made an attempt to bore a hole. I picked the hole to put in dynamite in an effort to blow up the side wall. This was a failure. It was then decided to burn the place by igniting a shop adjacent. This was also a failure because we could not get close enough to put the stuff into it. It was now obvious to us that our explosives were not being effective so we smashed open the main gate with a sledge hammer and entere . We discovered that the men inside were unarmed. They were lined up - about 30 of them - and they quickly surrendered the keys. We escorted our prisoners to the Father Matthew Hail, one of whom was a constable of the R.I.C. The women of the neighbourhood implored us not to shoot the prisoners and we told them in reply that we left that kind of work to the enemy. These women were very hostile. At the Hell we had them provided with food for they had been on short rations for some days. In this respect we treated our prisoners generously and in return acme of them later on went so tar as to identity our comrades at the courts martial.”

Paddy Holahan’s sworn statement to the Military Pensions

“We did the usual work in 1916, erecting barricades, etc. There was a call for volunteers to attack Broadstone in order to relieve the fire of Captain O’Sullivan who was blowing up a bridge on the North Circular Road. O’Callaghan brought my brother, Eddie Martin, Sean Moore, Peadar Breslin, myself, and four or five others up to the Broadstone. We attacked it. Eddie Martin was wounded, and fell in the open space. O’Callaghan roared out “Charge”, Moore Charged, and got under cover where soldiers could not hit him. Callaghan ordered us to retreat. I refused to retreat. I called on the Company to advance again. We opened fire. I managed to save Moore, and we retired. Callaghan was shifted from us, owing to that fact. Ned? Laffan was put in charge of section of Church Street and North Brunswick Street. Laffan

Page 37: Patrick Hugh Holahan Biography Volume 1

37

was in command for half a day, or less. He was wounded. I got orders to surrender on Saturday. I refused to surrender. I made a Truce with Lieut.-Colonel Taylor which lasted till 10.0 o’clock on the Sunday morning. Fr. Augustine intervened, and brought an official order to surrender signed by Pearse.”

Father Aloysius, OFM.Cap (31) (32) Wednesday

Visited the Richmond Hospital and the Union; and returning, heard confessions in the house in North Brunswick Street adjoining Moore’s coach factory. The Volunteers had possession of the houses in Church Street, and had established communications between them. The windows were protected with sandbags, behind which the Volunteers were in position. The wildest rumours were in circulation, e.g. that the Germans had landed outside Dublin and were marching on the city.

Paddy Holahan (25)

Nine o’clock in the morning of Thursday brought another skirmish to the men at the Church St. Bridge barricade. Twenty soldiers were seen advancing in single file along the south side of the quays along Usher’s Quay. Fire was immediately opened on them, and they took cover behind the stone pillars at Ganly’s Wool Stores. It was on this day that the British plan of cordoning the Four Courts was seen taking shape.

The intention was to occupy Queen St. as far as North King St., and thence along North King St. to Bolton St. They must not have been aware that North King St. was strongly held, and that my own garrison in North Brunswick St. was outside the cordon.

The Captain of “G” company, Nicholas Laffan, was wounded and Paddy took over. It is not clear when this happened….certainly Laffan went to hospital on Saturday, but it appears he was wounded on Thursday and was Paddy may have been in charge since that time.

Sworn statements by Paddy Holahan regarding Nicholas Laffan’s pension applications:

(33)

Sean Cody (28) “On Thursday the British advanced, from Bolton St. up North King St. firing from all directions, and severe fighting was taking place at the barricade near Reilly's public house which held Lieutenant Shouldice's men, and immediately north of this post we of "G" Company and others were burrowing our way through party walls of houses to come nearer to the junction of North King St. and Church St. We pushed out windows and under the shining example and command of Paddy Holohan kept up a terrific fire on the barricade through which the British

Page 38: Patrick Hugh Holahan Biography Volume 1

38

were advancing. On several occasions there was a temporary cease fire shouted by Paddy Holohan to allow the British to remove their dead and wounded. During the night of Thursday, I think, we were attacked as it seemed from an sides, and when dawn arrived we could hear the voices of British soldiers all down North King St. towards Bolton St. Later that Friday the British had manned the barricade but were driven off by our concentrated fire, in which the Howth Mauser rifles did great work, and the British suffered many casualties in dead and wounded and left behind a number of rifles which were quickly collected and taken into Reilly's pub (Fort). In their attack up North King St. the British were supported by two armoured cars and succeeded in breaking into a number of houses from where they directed heavy fire into Reilly's. Fort and on our position next door. By now we were cut off and after a consultation between ourselves decided to fight on. At this time the British were In possession of Reilly's Fort, practically next door to our position. We could hear revolver shots in the Fort and as is now known the British shot a number of people who were found in the Fort, all of whom had no connection with the Volunteers or the fighting. On Saturday morning we observed a number of people advancing up Church St. under a white flag towards our post. As they came closer I recognised Rev. Fathers Albert and Augustine of Church St. They were accompanied by a British officer. We were informed by the British officer that the fighting bad ceased and that practically all had surrendered and we were asked to do likewise. After a short consultation between our men we decided that we would not surrender until we had received written orders from Commandant Pearse. This decision was conveyed to the British officer by Paddy Holohan and he agreed to procure the written direction. A. truce was observed by us during the time the priests and British officer were away to obtain the written orders from Commandant Pearse. The two priests and the British officer returned later and handed the order written by P.H. Pearse to one of our officers. The order was written on a sheet of paper and the signature of P.R. Pearse was examined and verified by Garry Holohan and we then agreed to surrender. We fell in in single file on the street and numbered about thirty-seven men and three officers. We succeeded in handing over to friends nearly an our small arms and ammunition, and all rifles were put out of action and made useless for further firing. We were now marched under a very heavy escort of British soldiers down North King St., Capel St. to Dublin Castle, where we were kept under heavy guard for four hours before being marched to a British barrack on the South Circular Road. "G" Company of the 1st Battalion was the last to surrender.”

Sean O’Duffy (34) I heard Paddy Houlihan shouting "Take in that man, we wont fire". This wan wounded soldier lying on the street near Reilly's Forth. There was no response to our request to take in the wounded man and the fighting continued. About 10 p.m. I heard a voice shouting "For God's sake and for the sake of the wounded sit dying and for the sake of the people listening to me,the British Commandant has agreed to a truce." Running to a window I beheld, standing on the street with outstretched arms, our good friend Father Augustine. Firing ceased and we made our way to tie ground floor where stretcher parties were organised to bring in the dead and wounded in the vicinity. I went into the yard opposite and carried back to the Richmond hospital the body of Phil Walsh, a Volunteer, who bad been killed shortly before that. on Sunday morning we paraded on our orders from our Captain with arms and equipment. The British offceis in Charge Sow asked who was in charge of us and Peadar Breslin replied that he was. He asked him

Page 39: Patrick Hugh Holahan Biography Volume 1

39

Sean O’Moore (29) Being sea-minded, I established watches for our post, four hours on and eight hours off. At eight o’clock on Thursday morning I was due to call Paddy Houlihan and Sean Forde. As there was nothing stirring and I did not feel like going to bed, I decided I’d let them sleep a while longer. About 8:20 a sniper opened on us from the Temple of the King’s Inn. The first shot smashed a glass which was standing on a small table on top of the tow lads, Houlihan and Forde. A shot passed over Houlihan who must have been lying a little lower that Forde and it raised a weal on the side of Forde’s face beside his eye.

An account of the post by Nicholas Laffan is notable Witness Statement Ref #: 201

Page 40: Patrick Hugh Holahan Biography Volume 1

40

Figure 10 Environs of Linen Hall after 1916 (source Livingstone collection South Dublin Libraries)

Figure 11 Linenhall Barracks after 1916

Page 41: Patrick Hugh Holahan Biography Volume 1

41

Captain R. Henderson (35) “NORTH BRUNSWICK SECTOR.

Commander : Nicholas Laffan.

Strength. : About 65/75.

Buildings and houses were occupied from Nth. Brunswick St. - Church St. corner to Red Cow Lane. The main post was Clarkes Daily, Moore’s Coach Factory, and house alongside it, tie Dispensary and 4 Tenement Houses east of it, Barricades were erected at Red Cow Lane - Nth. Brunswick St. corner, and Nth. Brunswick St. - Church St. corner, and were manned. 4 men were sent to cover the Tunnel leading from Grangegorman into the North Of the sector near the Union. At dusk on Tuesday Comdt. Daly sent a force of 15/20 under Capt. Denis O'Callaghan from this sector to capture the Broadstone Railway Station. Shots were tired and it was found to be too strongly held and the party withdrew. British troops were also in position in The Kings Inns. on Wednesday a small party under Capt. O'Callaghan made an entry into Linenhall Barracks They took some 40 of he Army pay staff as prisoners and burned the Barracks. At the end of the week the British, having reached the King St. - Church St. corner in their advance from Bolten st. came under the fire of Moore’s Coach works end Clarke's Dairy. The fighting was bitter and a truce was recognised from 7.30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Sunday to take in wounded. Later in the morning Pearse's order to surrender arrived and was adhered to Paddy Holohan took over Command at end. of week when Nicholas Laffan was wounded”

KING STREET. SECTOR.

Commander : Capt. Fionán Lynch.

Strength

The reason' for the particular severe fighting here towards the end of the week was due to the. tact that the British plan of throwing a cordon around the localities held by the volunteers did not take in Completely North King St. area but was only passing through North King St. In other words the cordon on the west, Bridgefoot St. Queen. St. up as far as North King St. and along that street to Join hands with troops in Capel St. did actually run through strongly held volunteer positions. on Thursday the military were closing in from East and west. in an effort to complete the plated cordon and fighting became particularly fierce. Early on Friday naming the military were active in the Bolton st. and Capel St. area and with the arrival of 250, establishing H' Qrs in the Technical schools started probing forward up North King St. They were constantly under tire from Reilly Fort (held by S, tinder Sgt, shouldice)., and Langans barricade (actually manned). During Friday night the airmen at the barricade left the position on. orders to Reilly's Fort and troops coming up to Beresford St. now came under: the fire of the Malt Ho. Party thereby foiling their efforts, to push forward. The barricade still noted as a decoy and prevented vehicles from moving along closer' to Reilly' a which was now bearing the brunt of the attack. During the night a party of about 8 took up a position at a barricade in Beresford St. near stirrup Lane. Armoured cars were firing at this stage. The Beresford St. party were ordered to retire to Father Matthew hall in the early hours of Saturday morning and the military had now occupied many houses on both Sides of King. St. They had also taken Up position in. Egan's public housein Smithfield Sweeping their fire down towards Church. St. The attack was kept up on Reilly's and between 8 and 9 a.m.' saturday this force was ordered to withdraw from it under cover from church St. Barricade at the Chapel. This was a massive brick.barricade (materials for barricades were procured from a big rectangular area of demolished houses east of the chapel The North Brunswick St. party in Clarkes and Moore’s tried to, drive the military out of Reilly's by encirclement, and the remainder of the fighting. till the. surrender. was concentrated in an effort to hold the narrow Strip of Church St. between North King st. end. North Brunswick St. At 7.30 sand. Till 10 a.m. Sunday a truce was recognised to permit removal of dead and wounded, and on Sunday morning. a copy of Pearse's. order of surrender was submitted to the Volunteer Officer i/c Paddy Holohen (Took over at end, of week when Nich, Loft was injured) and put into effect. Peter Manning and pat

Page 42: Patrick Hugh Holahan Biography Volume 1

42

Farrell were shot in houses alongside Moore' a. Philip Walsh. was, shot at a gate nearby John Dean Killed at. corner of St. Michans Street and Chancery St. John Hurley at one of the Church St. barricades.

Figure 12 - Church Street May 1916 (http://irishhistoricalmilitaria.com/store/products/irish-1916-rebellion-post-card-church-street)

Newspaper article reports that Paddy Holahan said that “At 6:45 in the evening (Friday) an armoured car arrived in North King Street”

Page 43: Patrick Hugh Holahan Biography Volume 1

43

Paddy Holahan (25)

From dawn on Friday until the end, the attack all over the city became intense. Heavy firing was heard from all directions. In the afternoon, this attack finally came towards North King St. The military advanced via Capel St., and about 6.45.p.m an armoured car arrived at the Technical Schools, which, as I have already told you, was occupied by evacuated tenants. They were again evacuated, and the school made military headquarters. A barricade was made with the school furniture, which was thrown out of the windows. It extended from the schools to Yarnhall St. opposite. About 250 soldiers under Lt. Col. H. Taylor arrived, and immediately busied themselves with rounding up the local residents and interrogating them. The armoured car was active all the evening, rushing troops into Bolton St. The local outposts were warned to expect heavy fighting that night. Extra supplies of bombs and ammunition were brought to Reilly’s, to Clarke’s Dairy, and to other posts. At dusk, an armoured car rushed from Bolton St. but was pulled up by the barricades at Langan’s, across North King St. at Coleraine St. In the ensuing exchange of fire, one soldier was killed and machine gun fire killed a Volunteer

When night came, this attack was resumed. It had been anticipated, a further barricade having been constructed across the North King Street end of Beresford St.

An armoured car appeared again, and its fifteen occupants jumped out and proceeded to fire into every house along North King St. The few occupants lay face down in the cellars rooms whilst the bullets pounded the walls over them. At the same time, fire from the Malt house and from the Coleraine St. barricade was opened and several soldiers fell. One soldier, endeavouring to club in a door with the butt end of his rifle, killed his comrade when the rifle went off. From the occupied houses the British maintained a heavy fire on Langan’s barricade, and it was soon realized that daylight would make it untenable. It was pitch dark, and the only guide to a target was the flash of a rifle. A scream or a groan announced when a bullet had reached its mark. The attacking British clambered to the roof tops, and from this vantage rained down bombs on the street until the answering bullets made the roofs untenable. One group of British succeeded in making a lodgment in a house between North

Page 44: Patrick Hugh Holahan Biography Volume 1

44

Anne St. and Church St., and bored through house after house to near Church St. Attackers and defenders were now opposite one another on each side of the narrow street, and the din became infernal. The sound of crashing timber, the shouted commands of the officers in charge of the attack, the scream of bullets resounded continually. Stabs of flame come from rifles and machine guns, the woodwork of windows was splintered, the bags of meal at loopholes were cut to pieces and spilled into the street.

Figure 13 - Armoured car from 1916.

Sean O’Moore (29) [Saturday] One “Tommy” was badly wounded getting over the barricades and he was only four yards from the door. As he was making such painful efforts to crawl in, we shouted to the officer in the door to come out and take him in and we would not fire, but the officer refused to stir from the door. He kept waving his arms and calling on his men to fire to cover the man’s retreat. I was so disgusted that I said to myself “If you give me a chance you’ll come out all right.” In his excitement he took a step out and I shot him.

The heavy attack died down about 2 o’clock and for an hour there was no movement whatever. Then two men came out from behind a barricade at the corner and shouted: “Come out, they are all gone.”

I said to Paddy Houlihan “Tell him to come up” and he said, “I can’t”. “Tell him to get away again you count three or I’ll fire”. Not having stirred when three had been counted, I fired at his legs. He fell and the other man disappeared.

Paddy Holahan (25)

At about 3 a.m.[Saturday] the barricade at Langan’s was evacuated, but still continued to draw fire through the night and form an obstacle to the cars. A disused house of the corner of

Page 45: Patrick Hugh Holahan Biography Volume 1

45

Beresford St. was occupied to enable bombs to be dropped on the armoured vehicles should they penetrate.

At dawn on Saturday, the position was that several houses on both sides of North King St. were occupied by the British; and the Malt House in Beresford St. came under heavy fire from the backs of the house in North Anne St. and the south side of North King St. A bayonet charge by the military towards Reilly’s in Church St. was allowed to pass Langan’s only to be met with withering fire from the Beresford St. barricade, and from the Malt House. Eight or nine soldiers were killed and several wounded. In the face of the continued attack from all sides, the barricade at Beresford St. was evacuated early in the day, the Malt House holding out till 3 p.m.

Meanwhile, the military attack on the west side had developed. The Staffordshire and Sherwood Foresters were transported in armoured cars on Friday evening towards Smithfield by Queen St. They occupied various houses, in the neighbourhood, and erected a barricade from Queen’s St. to George’s Lane opposite. Late on Friday night under cover of darkness, they advanced towards Church St. firing into houses on the way. They finally took up positions at Egan’s public house at the corner of Smithfield Mkt. In the course of these operations they sustained several casualties.

Between 8 and 9 a.m. on Saturday Reilly’s public house was evacuated, and shortly afterwards a party of soldiers occupied it. They were immediately subjected to a heavy fire from the barricade in Church St. and from Nth. Brunswick St., and found their positions untenable. A party of them endeavoured to escape towards Bolton St. but were at once shot down. The remainder were held in the house, and an attempt started to encircle them by working through the rere of Monk’s Bakery to North King St. to Neary’s shop. From this position they engaged the soldiers in Kavanagh’s shop on the opposite side of the street. On the other side of Reilly’s they outflanked them by occupying Ball’s drug Store. The whole of the fighting thus became concentrated in the small portion of Upper Church St. between North King St. and Nth. Brunswick St. a 50yds length of street.

Saturday from 3 p.m. to 7.30 p.m. saw most desperate fighting in this position. Continual efforts were made to relieve the soldiers in Reilly’s and gain a footing in Church St., and the two contestants were only a street width apart. As soldiers appeared from North King St. into Church St. they came under fire from Clarke’s Dairy, Moore’s Coach Factory opposite, and the barricades near the Church, and several of them fell. At length they gained cover in the Blanchardstown Bakery in the corner opposite Reilly’s but were fired on continually. A young soldier was hit, and fell into the street. The Volunteers shouted that they would cease fire to allow him to be removed. The sergeant major in charge, to the accompaniment of much bad language refused, but changed his mind later. A few minutes later the same sergeant was hit himself and also fell into the street.

Page 46: Patrick Hugh Holahan Biography Volume 1

46

(36)

Page 47: Patrick Hugh Holahan Biography Volume 1

47

Surrender

Paddy Holahan (25)

Fr. Albert, one of the Capuchin Fathers, had been on duty in the Richmond Hospital, and on Saturday afternoon he heard rumours of the surrender at the G.P.O. With Dr. O’Carroll and Dr. Miles, he proceeded to my outpost to confirm it. I told him I had heard nothing of it. Another Capuchin Father, Fr, Augustine, was greatly concerned about the safety of the wounded, a large number of whom were in the Father Mathew Hall. At 4 p.m. he sent a message to the British Military commander by a volunteer Red Cross man in which he asked for an interview. The messenger returned and said the reply was ‘You are all rebels and outlaws, and you will get none of the amenities of war. At 6.30pm Fathers Augustine and Aloysius and a Red Cross bearer, went up to the Blanchardstown Mills opposite Reilly’s and asked to see the officer in command. Lt. Col. Taylor came. It was decided to send the Red Cross man to my position to interview me. Just then a Volley struck his revolver. As a result of this incident , Father Augustine volunteered to go himself. He called up to me from the street, and I replied stating I would not personally make any term with the military, but would agree to a temporary truce for the removal of the wounded, provided the military at Broadstone ceased fire also. The conditions of this truce were ratified by Lt. Col. Taylor and Gen. Lowe’s son. It was to last from 7.30 p.m. on Saturday until 10 a.m. Sunday morning. Dr. O’Carroll accompanied by a military sergeant and a corporal and one unarmed Volunteer officer went to the Broadstone to confirm the this truce, another Volunteer officer being held by the military at North King St. as a hostage until their safe return.

Meanwhile Fr. Columbus, of Church St., when returning from Jervis St. Hospital met Miss O’Farrell conveying the surrender order to Commdt. Daly at the Four Courts. It was then about 6 p.m. on Saturday. Fr. Columbus, bearing a small white flag, interviewed Commdt. Daly at the Chancery St. entrance. The surrender was arranged, and the arms passed out through the railings to the soldiers outside, after which the Volunteers were marched along the quays to Capel Street and thence via Britain St. to the open space in front of the Rotunda railings.

The truce at North Brunswick St. was closely observed by both sides, the Volunteers standing to arms all night. During the truce, in the upper portion of Church St. two military officers advanced a short distance beyond the line agreed upon. They were warned off by a Volunteer sentry, but as they did not withdraw, two armed Volunteers came out form undercover at Clarke’s and presenting rifles at them ordered them back into their own lines. They withdrew and continued their walk outside the Volunteer position.

An official copy of the order for surrender, in Pearse’s own handwriting was brought by one of the Capuchin Fathers to the North Brunswick St position on Sunday morning. The Father had had a personal interview with Commdt. Pearse at Arbour Hill Barracks, where he was then confined. On reading this, I decided, after consultation with my men, to surrender, and intimation was conveyed to the military. The garrison, numbering 58, were then marshalled into military order, and marched under guard to the Castle. This ended the last resistance in the Four Courts area.

Paddy Holahan

Page 48: Patrick Hugh Holahan Biography Volume 1

48

Sean O’Moore (29) That afternoon Father Albert, Dr. O’Carroll and Father Augustine came to us and wanted us to surrender. We told them we were 40 strong and we were prepared to hold out until we were relieved. They then told us they would make a truce and get us orders to surrender in the morning. They arranged with the British in King Street and an officer came to our lines and we left Peader Breslin, who later died in the fight for freedom, as a hostage.

A DECOY

While we were away Peader was in a room with two Sergeant Majors and one of them said, “I wish I could get the fellow who fired on the civilian this afternoon.” Peader said: “Sure he got every chance: he was told to get away or we’d fire.” The Sergeant Major replied, “Dammit all man, he could not stir or we would shoot him dead.” They had put this civilian out as a decoy hoping we would come out of our position and they could mow us down.

Paddy Houlihan and myself with Father Augustine, Father Albert and Dr. O’Carroll and the British officer then made our way painfully to the Broadstone. We had to climb through barbed wire and all sorts of obstacles to get to the station.

When we arrived and we were waiting to be received by the Commanding Officer a Captain of the Dublin Fusiliers called me one side and said “It is a terrible pity you did not hold out for another couple of days. I asked “Why?” and he said “We are only after learning today that it was a fight for freedom. They told us all the week that it was Labour troubles and that Jim Larkin had the town in turmoil. He added, “Had we known it was a fight for freedom we would have been with you.”

During the fighting on Saturday bullets were coming through the loophole that I was on. Luckily they were rising and they were only bringing dust to my eyes. I got Sean Forde with a pair of field glasses on the other loophole to see if he could locate where the sniper was operating from.

Later that evening we were marched to Richmond Barracks. And late that night we were marched, down to the L.M.S word missing brought through the word missing board ship heading for “N word missing England”.

From Patrick Kelly (37) Lieut. P. Breslin entered the room and asked for three Volunteers for a special task. I with two others stepped forward. He took us downsta rs to the hall door. He explained that he wanted u toreinforce our comrades on the opposite side of the street who were being hard pressed. He Instructed us how to proceed. As the furniture in the houses had been thrown down the stairs to barricade the doors our only means of entry was by a ladder which had been lowered from the upstairs window. On entering the house we were to go down to the back yard where we would see another ladder in similar position against the houses we were to occupy. I went first. I rushed across the street, scaled the ladder and on reaching the top I threw myself through the window and flat on the floor. After a short pause I crept across the room, went downstairs to the back yard and I paused here to get my bearings. Another rush took me to the second ladder, up which I rushed acting as I had done on the first ladder. I had only gone through the window, when a number of bullets followed me. On rising from the floor I was greeted by two of the Fianna - Garry Holohan and Mick O'Neill There was only four Volunteers in this post, and about forty feet from us were the British. I don't know what happened to the two men who were to come with me from Moore's and I was kept too busy for the next few hours to inquire. Garry handed me a large axe and told me to break through the walls into the houses on both sides of us. We scooped all the broken bricks and plaster into pillow covers and placed them in the windows. Garry was trying to locate a sniper who was causing us a lot of trouble. I joined him at the window and watched all likely points. We eventually discovered his position behind portion of a wrecked barricade. We both covered the point and on the next puff of smoke we both fired together and silenced him. As we both picked out targets and fired, Garry sang in a loud voice, "hurrah brave boys, we vow to stand together for our Fatherland". As I fired I noticed a curtain on the window over Monk's bakery being pushed forward. As I watched a rifle barrel took shape behind it, followed by the head

Page 49: Patrick Hugh Holahan Biography Volume 1

49

and shoulders of a soldier. I waited till he was well exposed, then fired. The rifle and the soldier's cap fell from the open window to the street. From the next window another soldier leaned forward to see what happened. He fell forward across the window sill. A soldier rushing across the junction of Church St and King St. fell badly wounded. He cried loudly for help but none of his comrades ventured near him. Paddy Holohan who had taken command of our forces, blew his whistle and ordered "cease fire" which was immediately obeyed by us. He then shouted to the British to take the man in off the street. He was answered by a curse from a British officer who ordered his men to fire on us. This officer rushed out and took cover behind an electric light standard and shouted orders to his men. On leaning forward to take a shot at us he exposed his head and chest and fell forward on his face badly wounded. Again Holohan blew his whistle for a cease fire. This time both sides obeyed and the soldiers. rushed out and carried in their comrade and the officer. When they were clear Holohan gave the. order to carry on. About 7.30 o'clock p.m. our position was approached by two Franciscan priests. They informed us that Pearse had surrendered and had all outposts to do likewise. P. Holohan told them we did not doubt their word but that we would only surrender on a direct order from P.H. Pearse. The priest said this was impossible as Pearse was a prisoner. During this episode firing on both sides had ceased. Holohan informed the priests that we had decided to fight to the finish. The priests retired and when they were out of danger firing was renewed. About an hour later the priests again made their appearance, carrying a white flag. They asked Holohan if he would agree to a truce till 10 o'clock a.m. on Sunday in order to avoid further bloodshed and in the meantime they would endeavour to get a written order from General Pearse. The terms of the truce were discussed and agreed upon by our officers and the British officers. The last shot had been fired. Two British officers came out on the Street and commenced to promenade from King St. to our position at Brunswick St., and I was detailed by Garry Holohan to go down on the street and perform the same duty, so I patrolled from our position to theirs. I was armed with my revolver only. We were patrolling about one hour when the two officers overstepped the limit set for them. They were at once covered by our men and ordered back. They seemed reluctant to obey, but eventually they did so. It was now getting very dark and they left the street. I was recalled soon after by Garry Holohan, and after I had a cup of tea and some bread Garry told me to have some rest. I lay down on a bed in the room and slept for a fewhours. The remainder of Saturday night passed without incident and on Sunday 30th about 10 o'clock a.m. the priests again appeared. This time they had a letter from General Pearse ordering us to surrender. After the signature had been verified by Fianna men, who were familiar with Pearse's writing, it was decided to obey the order. Paddy Holohan and the Colonel of the Worth Stafford met on the street and agreed on the procedure to be adopted. We were ordered to 'fall in' in Upper Church St. with arms and equipment. Paddy Holohan addressed us briefly while the Colonel and some of his officers stood close by. He said: "Fellow soldiers of the Irish Republican Army - I have just received a communication from General Pearse calling on us to surrender, and you will agree with me that this is the hardest task we have been called upon to perform during this eventful week, but we came into the fight for Irish Independence in obedience to the commands of our higher officers and now in obedience to their wishes we must surrender. I know, like myself, you would prefer to be with our comrades who have fallen in the fight. We, too, should rather die in this glorious struggle than submit to the enemy. The treatment you may expect in the future you may judge from the past."

At this point the Colonel approached Holohan and ordered him to turn out the remainder of his men (our party numbered about 58 men and boys). Holohan told him they were all on parade. The Colonel swore and asked if this bunch of men and boys had held his battalion for three days. Holohan replied that if he (the Colonel) thought there was any more men ha would have to find them himself. (Our post, I believe, was the only one in the city which enjoyed the unique distinction of having

Fr Augustine W.S.:- “Driving at once to Church Street, Father Aloysius and myself heard that Father Columbus had preceded us with the letter received from Pearse on reading which the Commandant in Charge, Paddy Holohan, in consultation with his men, decided to surrender. “

Page 50: Patrick Hugh Holahan Biography Volume 1

50

Sean O’Duffy (34) I heard Paddy Houlihan shouting "Take in that man, we wont fire". This wan wounded soldier lying on the street near Reilly's Forth. There was no response to our request to take in the wounded man and the fighting continued. About 10 p.m. I heard a voice shouting "For God's sake and for the sake of the wounded sit dying and for the sake of the people listening to me,the British Commandant has agreed to a truce." Running to a window I beheld, standing on the street with outstretched arms, our good friend Father Augustine. Firing ceased and we made our way to tie ground floor where stretcher parties were organised to bring in the dead and wounded in the vicinity. I went into the yard opposite and carried back to the Richmond hospital the body of Phil Walsh, a Volunteer, who bad been killed shortly before that. on Sunday morning we paraded on our orders from our Captain with arms and equipment. The British offceis in Charge Sow asked who was in charge of us and Peadar Breslin replied that he was. He asked him

Charles Shelley (38) On Sunday morning I was sent on duty to the barricade running from Moore's Dairy to Moore's, the Coachbuiders, near the corner of North Brunswick Street. While there a British officer came up from North King Street and turned around the corner of North Brunswick Street. The Volunteers near me shouted to cover him off. Commandant

2 Holohan went out

to meet him and, after talking to him for about fifteen minutes, Commandant Holohan ordered us to fall in - there were less than sixty of us. We handed our revolvers to students from the Richmond Hospital. We marched from North Brunswick Street to North King Street where we were told to "ground arms". A lot of the men smashed their rifles and, although the British troops were watching, they did not interfere.

2 Paddy Holahan was not a commandant during 1916 but was commandant of IRA in 1921.

Page 51: Patrick Hugh Holahan Biography Volume 1

51

Sean M O Duffy WS 618 “The surrender took place at about 10 a.m. on Sunday, 1st May. This was actually delayed from the previous night, because our leaders would not lay down arms except on instructions from P.H. Pearse. Commandant Houlihan, who was in charge of the section, shouted in a loud voice, "All men under my command parade with arms and equipment, for we have just received orders that we must surrender unconditionally. That means that we get the death our fathers got in '98." The officer in charge of the British force ordered our men to "attention" but here again our Commandant intervened, saying, "These are my men and when I am finished with them, then you can do as you please." We marched with arms and equipment to the corner of North King Street, where we deposited them.”

There is an audio recording of events told by Piaras Beaslai recalling events around North King Street/Church Street/Reilly’s Fort At the end of the recording Desmond Ryan recalls the story of the late surrender of Paddy Holahan. (39)

There are many different accounts of the number of men who surrendered under Paddy Holahan. It was a sizeable number in the context of the total Four Courts Garrison (of a few hundred).From interview with the Pension Advisory Committee regarding Nicholas Laffan, Paddy Holahan himself says it was between 70 and 80.

(33)

Page 52: Patrick Hugh Holahan Biography Volume 1

52

Surrender letter from Patrick Pearse read by Paddy Holahan

This is a scan of the surrender letter sold by Adams Auctioneers in 2005. Paddy Holahan (b. 1966) obtained a scan of the letter sold. See article http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/4581981.stm Figure 14 - Surrender Letter from P.H. Pearse

Page 53: Patrick Hugh Holahan Biography Volume 1

53

Paddy Holahan (22)

Paddy Holahan (22)

Page 54: Patrick Hugh Holahan Biography Volume 1

54

Richmond Barracks

We were marched off to the Castle and paraded in front of the Clock Tower. Then we were marched out through Ship Street gate and along Thomas Street until we came to Richmond Barracks at Inchicore.

His brother Gary was transported under the name “Nolan”

we were again paraded and marched out of the barracks towards the city. When we reached Kilmainham we were marched through the Old Men's House, now the headquarters of the Civic Guards, and out through the other gate on to St. John's Road, then past Kingsbridge station and along the South Quays until we reached Butt Bridge. We then proceeded down the North Wall until we reached the London and North-Eastern steamer for Holyhead ending up in Knutsford Jail. Paddy & Garry were in the top floor in “C.3” wing

Page 55: Patrick Hugh Holahan Biography Volume 1

55

Section from speech given by Paddy Holahan at the unveiling of a plaque to Kevin Barry (probably 1940) (40)

To hearten us in the pursuit of this end, it is well, from time to time, to look back on the past and to think of the struggles of those who have gone before us. It is for this reason that I ask you on this occasion to recall with me for a short time, just a few of the events of 1916 and 1920.

In East Week 1916 we took up arms in a just and holy cause. The Volunteers fought gallantly for nearly a whole week and only when hopelessly overpowered and completely outnumbered did Padraig Pearse surrendered. He surrendered to save the lives of the Volunteers who remained and also to save the lives of civilians and if possible their property.

Here in this district we knew nothing of what was taking place at the General Post Office towards the end. We kept the flag flying, however, and fought on in spite of everything.

We were weak, but we were wary. We were cut off, but cautious, we were surrounded, but did not surrender. Instead, here and here alone, in all Dublin, on that memorable Eater Saturday evening of 1916, we obtained a truce until the following morning.

Father Augustine negotiated the truce, and having obtained it from the Military, spoke to us in a loud voice from that crossing of the streets, He told us that the Military Officers have given their word of honour to cease fire until the following morning, and he asked us if we would give ours. We shouted back, We will Father.

Night close, all was peaceful, and Sunday morning dawned. It was only then, after we had seen the name of Padraig Pearse, on the document of surrender, that we laid down our arms. We had taken them up for Ireland, but now we did a much harder thing - We laid them down for Ireland.

Page 56: Patrick Hugh Holahan Biography Volume 1

56

Page 57: Patrick Hugh Holahan Biography Volume 1

57

Figure 15 After Rising....from www.eccentricbliss.com

Page 58: Patrick Hugh Holahan Biography Volume 1

58

Knutsford

Michael Lynch (41) “We were marched into the chapel, surrounded by our guards, and we knelt down. The priest had not yet put in an appearance. I saw a little two-manual organ in the corner, and I got an inspiration. So far, we had not been allowed to speak but I startled everybody in the chapel by standing up in my seat and asking the man beside me, in a loud voice, to let me out. I moved over to the organ, just had a glimpse at it and saw that it was hand blown. The nearest prisoner happened to be Paddy Holohan. I had never met Paddy up to then and, possibly, that day marked the beginning of a great friendship between us. I beckoned to him with my finger to get out of his seat. He came over.

"Did you ever blow an organ?", I asked.

"No, but I'll try."

'Look, I explained. "Do you see that plumb line?

Up there, the bellows is empty, down there, it's full.

Blow like blazes and keep the thing half full."

"I'll blow it", he said. I sat down, fooled round to get the touch of the keys for a few minutes, and then played "Hail, Glorious Saint Patrick". All the qualities of emotion of the men in the chapel were let loose in that hymn. I never heard more fervent singing in my life. It filled the whole prison. The guards stood with their mouths literally open in amazement. I have played the organ in a great many churches since then, but never shall I forget the outburst of fervour aud devotion that filled the dingy little chapel in Knutsford. When they had finished "Hail, Glorious Saint Patrick", I gave them a few minutes' breathing space while I played the organ softly, and then I played "Faith Of Our Fathers". this was even a greater success than the first. Just when we finished the second verse of this hymn, the priest came out on the altar and gave us Benediction. In the middle of the "0 Salutaris", the door of the chapel opened and a very well dressed young lady stuck in her head. When she saw me at a

the organ, she took her head out again and, I presume, went away. I played another hymn at the end of the Benediction, and I sat there for about a quarter of an hour after the service playing away for my own amusement, Paddy Holohan contributing in no small way to the success.”

According to the Sinn Féin Rebellion Handbook (42), they were sent to Knutsford on 1st May. As Garry Holahan says in his witness statement their names were taken as “Nolan” and not “Holahan”.

Figure 16 - From Sinn Fein Handbook. Holahan's transported to Knutsford under name "Nolan"

After a couple of months in Knutsford they were moved to Frongoch.

Page 59: Patrick Hugh Holahan Biography Volume 1

59

Frongoch

Patrick Holohan internment order for Frongoch. (Full last name is obscured in scan). Note though he was arrested under the name “Nolan” his name (if not spelling) is correct in this document.

Holahan Family Collection

Page 60: Patrick Hugh Holahan Biography Volume 1

60

Figure 17 Frongoch (from http://eastwallforall.ie/?p=972)

Joseph Good (43) “It was decided in Frongoch that no man would answer to his name if called by the authorities, What I believe Was the first small cleavage began over that issue. During the whole period in Frongoch the Citizen Army sank their identity as a separate military body and had no special billets, officers or leaders. They accepted leadership from the Volunteers. A number of Fianna leaders, Gerry Holohan, his brother, and Barney Mellows did not appear to agree with the instructions not to answer names. I was in a 'hut' in the North Camp when the doors were suddenly closed and the soldiers of a kilted regiment with fixed bayonets entered the hut. An officer proceeded to road out names, and Holohan and other Fianna boys answered their names.”

Joe Lawless (44) “All our pent up energy was put into the business of that march, and we whistled and sang as we bounded along (trudged is an inappropriate word in this case). Paddy Holohan, in the front rank, with his long legs meant to set the pace, and kept stepping on the heels of the Officer leading, so forcing him to keep up a fast gait. I think I have forgotten to state that the troops composing”

Page 61: Patrick Hugh Holahan Biography Volume 1

61

July 1916

Letter to Fr Albert (Capuchin)

Patrick Holahan, Hut 2, 975 Irish Prisoner, Upper Camp, Frongoch, XXX North Wales 10th July, 1916 Dear Father Albert I have just got this small piece of paper and I am using it for to thank you for not forgetting me. All the boys that you know are all here now with the exception of Liam Staines and Dinnie Neary who are in the lower camp. We are all in the best of health and spirits and all hope to be soon home again in Dear old Dublin. Dear father it is not so handy getting to the sacrament here as it was in the prison as we are only have one priest and he can only hear our confession on Sunday and then we have to wait until the following Sunday. Will you please call on my mother and see that she is alright as I got a letter saying that she was sick and you know that the brother and I are her only support. I was glad to hear that you were with Heuston when he died as I was very fond of him. It is delightful to see all our leaders being converted to the catholic faith. We say the rosary every night in our huts in Irish and we also say the litany(?). God bless for the present I remain your obdt servant Patrick Holahan In possession of Capuchin Archives, Church St, Dublin

Page 62: Patrick Hugh Holahan Biography Volume 1

62

William Murnane Autograph Book from Frongoch

Who fears to speak of Dublin Town Rebellion and such like Who does not love the rifle crack And stout and shining pike If such then be no man is he Whose heart would thus him fail I know this much there is no such In this place Knutsford jail Captain P Holahan 975 Frongoch 26 July, 1916 In possession of Catherine Murphy TD, relation of William Murnane

Page 63: Patrick Hugh Holahan Biography Volume 1

63

Figure 18 -Prinsoners Frongoch (irishvolunteers.com)

Paddy Holahan (22)

Page 64: Patrick Hugh Holahan Biography Volume 1

64

Patrick & Hugh Holahan

Information on the activities of cousins of Paddy Holahan during Easter Week 1916

From Garry Holahan (24)

Jerry Golden came in to see me some years ago, and as he was with Paddy and Hugh, my cousins, in 1916 he gave me the following particulars. They were members of "B" Company, let Battalion, Dublin Brigade, under Captain James Sullivan, who afterwards married a sister of Mrs. Tom Clarke, and Iced Daly, Commandant of the Battalion. paddy was a Section Leader. This Company held the railway bridges on the North Circular Road and Cabra on the Monday and Tuesday of Easter Week. The British brought up artillery and made their position untenable and they were ordered by their Captain to scatter and join up with other units. Hugh got back to the G.P.O. with Sammy O'Reilly, a brother of Tom O'Reilly who lives on Moibhi Road. Paddy Holohan crossed over to Glasnevin Cemetery, where he met Jerry Golden and with some others they made their way to Ashbourne where they took part in the fight with the R.I.C. under Tom Ashe. At the surrender Paddy got away and was sheltered by the local priest. He was then Bent to America by Mrs. Tom Clarke to John Devoy to give him all the news. He stowed away on an oil tanker called the s.s. "Naragansett". He was in the fight until Sunday, 30th April.

Page 65: Patrick Hugh Holahan Biography Volume 1

65

Appendix 1 - Sworn Statement to Advisory Committee 1935

Page 66: Patrick Hugh Holahan Biography Volume 1

66

Page 67: Patrick Hugh Holahan Biography Volume 1

67

Appendix 2 – Evidence from Oscar Traynor on behalf of Paddy Holahan

Page 68: Patrick Hugh Holahan Biography Volume 1

68

Page 69: Patrick Hugh Holahan Biography Volume 1

69

Page 70: Patrick Hugh Holahan Biography Volume 1

70

Appendix 3 - “The Road to Freedom” by Paddy Holahan

Handwritten document (#38) on “Harp & Éire” embossed letterhead in

possession of Paddy Holahan (b. 1966)

When I was invited to give this talk I was told that my audience would consists for

the great part of young people. I was glad of this. I am glad to have the opportunity

of showing you, the young of to-day, by the story of one youth organisation, what

part the keen energy and will of youth can play in furthering and brining to

triumph the objective of national independence for which so many previous

generations of youth have laboured in vain.

Fianna Eireann, like many notable organisations, commenced simply. In the

autumn of 1909, a few youths and one remarkable personality, the late Countess

Markievicz, a Sligo woman who had married a Polish artists, came together in a

hall at 34, Lr. Camden Street to start a boy’s organisation, a youth-movement if you

like, to be governed by the boys themselves, who were to be bound together by a

simple promise – to work for the independence of Ireland. Incidentally, this small

hall, since demolished, saw also the first performances of what became the first

National Theatre company, the Abbey theatre company. It was thus the starting

point for two vital elements of national activity.

(page(s) missing)

……hand in my life as that day and I never realised till then that Howth Pier was so

long.

In the meantime the batons had been unloaded from the trek-car and were issued to

a detail of Volunteers whose duty it was to keep the pier closed while the yacht was

being unloaded. The motor-cars available were run down the pier, were loaded with

rifles by many willing hands and then set off immediately for Dublin. The

Volunteers were then given rifles but no ammunition. The Fianna trek-car, loaded

with both rifles and ammunition, took its place in the column and the return march

to the city began.

The enthusiasm of the men at having real rifles in their hands instead of dummies

knew no bounds and bystanders echoed their enthusiasm. I remember well as we

passed a stationery tram seeing a priest blessing our ranks and shouting at the top

of his voice “God bless you”

The whole operation was carried out with precision and efficiency without a trace

of fuss or confusion. We had forgotten our weariness from our outward march and

no-one thought anything of the march home or of the opposition we might meet.

At the junction of the tramlines and Howth Road near Kilbarrack we were met by

a large force of D.M.P. who had been rushed out in special trams. On sight of the

policy you could almost feel the wave of determination sweeping over the ranks of

Page 71: Patrick Hugh Holahan Biography Volume 1

71

newly-armed men. Not a word was spoken not a pace was shortened, but one could

notice a stiffening of muscles as each man took a tighter firmer grip on his rifle.

The police realising their powerlessness offered no opposition but simply fell in and

marched alongside. At Raheny some North County Volunteer units branched off

from the Main body without hindrance. Nothing further of note occurred until we

reached the junction of the Cresent and Howth Road near Fairview. At this point

we were confronted by a detachment of the Scottish Borders who were immediately

joined by the police who had escorted us from Kilbarrack. Our column was brought

to a halt and the Asst. Commissioner of Police, Harrell, demanded the surrender of

the rifles Several Fianna officers drew their revolvers and some of the men asked to

have the ammunition from the trek car distributed. The moment was tense but a

clash was avoided for while a Volunteer Officer kept the Asst. Commissioner of

Policy talking, the Volunteers retired back up Howth Road & by crossing the fields

some got back into the city and then dumped their rifles at Croydon Park, the H.Q.

of the Citizen Army or in adjacent houses. The Fianna retired to Mrs Reddin’s house

in Artane where their arms were safely stored.

As you, no doubt, are aware, when the military were returning to barracks they

were followed by a jeering crowd, who scoffed at them for having let the gun-

runners slip through their fingers. This so enraged them that at Batchelors Walk

they opened fire on the crowd at point blank range, killing three and wounding a

large number. The day’s work was not yet finished for, after tea, some of us were

mobilized to search the vicinity of the hold up and recover the rifles which had been

dumped in the fields or nearby houses and bring them to the city. This mission was

completed without incident and thus ended one of the first rounds of our fight.

Up to now, the Irish Party in the House of Commons had taken no interest in the

Volunteers but about this time John Redmond, the leader of the Irish Party

demanded to be allowed to appoint members to the Executive Council. The I.R.B.

Volunteers could not afford a split and so they were compelled to given in to the

demand and Redmond appointed members of his party to the council.

Shortly afterwards, in August, the Great War broke out and this caused a great

change in the position of the volunteers. The Home Rule bill which had been passed

in the British Parliament was shelved for the duration. This bill had completely

satisfied Redmond and he believed that as soon as the war was over it would be put

into operation. He then advocated that the Volunteers should offer their services to

England to fight in France. This policy was not acceptable to the I.R.B. who had

originated the movement and so the inevitable split occurred the majority following

Redmond. There were now two bodies of volunteers, the National Volunteers led by

Redmond and the Irish Volunteers pledged to fight for a free Ireland. It was about

this time that the I.R.B. which controlled the Irish Volunteers, and whose

membership was increasing, definitely decided to revolt before the war was over.

Page 72: Patrick Hugh Holahan Biography Volume 1

72

The months following August 1914 were devoted to strenuous efforts to improve the

Irish Volunteer organisation and training and to procure arms. The Fianna

organiser, Liam Mellows, went to the Irish Vols. As organiser and, especially in the

West of Ireland, the organisation made great strides under his guidance. He was

hampered as were other organisers by constant attention from the policy. He was

finally arrested and deported, only to make a dramatic escape and to return from

exile in time to lead the Rising in Galway.

About this time also, our greatest diversion was breaking up British Army

recruiting meetings which were being held all over the city. Our efforts were so

successful that the authorities finally abandoned such meetings.

So far as we in Dublin were concerned, the biggest event of 1915 was the funeral of

O’Donovan Rossa, who by the part he played in organising the Fenians, in their

activities, in the long searing imprisonment he suffered, had become a symbol of all

that heroic men of ’67 had stood for.

Page 73: Patrick Hugh Holahan Biography Volume 1

73

Appendix 4- Recollections of Easter Week by Paddy Holahan (25)

Typed document (#39) in possession of Paddy Holahan (b. 1966)

In the paper which I am going to read to you, I have

endeavoured to set down notes and personal recollections of

the fighting in the Four Courts area during Easter Week, 1916.

In the time at my disposal I would not be able to cover all

aspects of it, but I have endeavoured so far as I can to do

justice to the men who took part in it, many of whom then and

since have given their lives for the cause we all hold so

dear.

As one of the senior officers of Fianna Eireann, I was aware

of the date on which the rising was to take place. I had been

selected as one of the group of Fianna detailed to attack and

destroy the Magazine Fort in the Phoenix Park. In preparation

for this, our group received special training in the use of

explosives. The training was carried on for some weeks

previously in the Father Mathew Park, our instructor being

Thomas McDonagh. I can well remember how he impressed on us

that we were to endeavour take the place without loss of life.

I may say that this view of warfare disconcerted me somewhat,

as after the sham battles we had been practicing, my

imagination conjured up pictures of volunteers and Citizen

Army charging the British with gory results.

All was set to go off, when Easter Sunday morning came. I had

been at early mass, and went to the Father Mathew Park to get

some rifle practice on the range. I had just got the gun from

the caretaker, when Capt. Tom Hunter came up and asked me if I

had seen the morning paper. I replied that I had not. He then

told me of the countermanding order. As I was attached to the

2nd . Battn., he said I had better come with him to Liberty

Hall. When we arrived there, there was great excitement,

messengers coming and going. I was kept busy until late in the

afternoon, when I was told to go home and await further

instructions.

Our house was well known to all the Fianna, and late that

night my brother and others arrived, and with them, the news

that on the morrow we would carry out our original

instructions. We were all up early on the Monday morning, as

we had to re-mobilise our group. Being unable to get into with

them all, we had to call on the services of some Volunteers.

They all assembled at our house; the newcomers received their

instructions, and we then set out for the Park, some of us

proceeding by the Ballybough tram, others on bicycles, as they

wanted to a football at Whelan’s on Ormond Quay.

On reaching the park, we started to kick football, and

according to plan, worked closer to the main gate of the Fort

as the game progressed. At last the ball was put through the

Page 74: Patrick Hugh Holahan Biography Volume 1

74

gate, and one of our party approached for permission to get

the ball. When he gained admission, and got near the sentry,

he held him up. The remainder of the party lost no time in

getting inside. The remaining sentries had still to be dealt

with. One instead of putting down his rifle when called upon

to do so, presented his rifle in the firing position, one

short was fired, and he was wounded and held prisoner with the

other soldiers in the guard room.

We then started to execute out plan to destroy the Fort,

entering the different stores, laying our explosives, setting

the fuses alight, locking the door and throwing the keys back

into the stores. The men in charge of the prisoners had, in

the meantime, collected all the arms and ammunition in the

guard room. By some accident we did not enter the high

explosive store. Perhaps it was fortunate for us, as we would

never have been able to get to get out of the place in time,

but it spoiled the plan to blow up the Fort, although it saved

our lives.

The only means of transport that could be procured was an

outside car. On to this we packed the rifles and ammunition

which we had captured, and escorted by some of the party on

bicycles we started on our journey towards the city. We had

not gone far when we realized that a boy, I believe he was

Fort commander’s son, was running towards Island Bridge

Barracks. He was followed by one of our officers on a bicycle,

and as he failed to stop when called on, he was shot as he

entered the Commander’s House at the bend of Island Bridge

Road. We had of course released our prisoners before we left

the Fort. Our job was this much of a success that we caused a

fire which destroyed a large quantity of ammunition, and took

the Brigade some days to extinguish. On our return journey,

having passed G.H.Q. Parkgate and the Royal, now Collins

Barracks, we turned off the Quays and made contact with the

Volunteer post at Red Cow Lane and Nth Brunswick Street.

Like our group of Fianna, the Battalions of the Dublin Brigade

had been busy mobilizing, and the 1st Battalion having

mobilized at Blackhall Place marched, under the commend of

Comdt. Ned Daly, to take over the Four Courts and the

surrounding area. For the first portion of the week,

headquarters were at the entrance gates to the North Dublin

Union. A first aid post was established in the Father Mathew

Hall, and men were posted at Church St. Bridge, Jameson’s

Distillery and Malt House, and in house adjoining the

junctions of streets covering the most likely lines of

approach. It was to the North Dublin Union Headquarters were

reported, and we were allocated to posts at the corner of Red

Cow Lane and North Brunswick Street.

We could hear heavy firing to the south of the Liffey, and we

located it as from the Mendicity Institution. I might mention

that the Mendicity had been taken over by D Company of the 1st

Battalion, which was under the command of Sean Heuston, who

Page 75: Patrick Hugh Holahan Biography Volume 1

75

was a Fianna Officer, as well as being a Volunteer Officer. He

had received his instructions direct from James Connolly to

the effect that he was to hold the place for three or four

hours, so as to delay approach of troops from the Royal

Barracks to the centre of the City and the Four Courts. You

can judge how well Sean Heuston carried out his task, when I

tell you that, after receiving some reinforcements, he held

the post for three days. Another way of estimating the

importance attached by the enemy to his fight is to examine

the sentences the garrison received when they were court-

martialled. Every man attached to the garrison was sentenced

to penal servitude, with terms ranging from one year to life,

whilst their gallant leader paid the ultimate sacrifice with

his death at the hands of the firing squad.

On hearing the heavy firing I have mentioned, we redoubled our

efforts to make our positions as strong as possible. During

this day of feverish activity, the few showers which fell were

hardly noticed. Later the sun was kind, and came out, but when

darkness fell, with all the street and house lights out, there

was a complete black-out, during which the nerves of everybody

were at their tensest awaiting the expected attack. Prowling

about the dark, deserted rooms, imagination exaggerated

things. For instance, I entered one room, and was startled to

see an armed confronting me where I did not except to see

anyone. I immediately challenged, and receiving no reply,

fired. The crash of breaking glass brought me to my senses. I

had fired at my own reflection in a wardrobe mirror.

Most of Monday and Tuesday, the volunteers were occupying

houses and strengthening the barricades. There was plenty of

material to hand, as the house in Church St. opposite the

chapel were only in course of erection. Messrs Kelly’s

builders yard in North Brunswick St. was also availed of, and

from the local foundries, boilers, etc., were commandeered.

There was one barricade which I remember well, because it had

a cab in the centre of it. It was most convenient when you

wanted to get through, as all you had to do was open the door;

needless to remark, this weak spot was always well guarded.

Among the houses occupied were four around Red Cow Lane,

Moore’s Coach Factory, Clarke’s Dairy – at the junction of

Church St. and North Brunswick St., - and Reilly’s public

house at the corner of North. King St. and Church St., which

later came to be known as “Reilly’s Fort.” Barricades were

erected at the quay end of Church St., and across the Bridge,

and the late Peadar Clancy charge of the occupying party.

There were also strong barricades across Church St., at the

Chapel and Father Mathew Hall. Further up, a diagonal one

crossed Church St. from Moore’s Coach Factory to Nth.

Brunswick St. In fact, there were barricades everywhere

around, covering the most likely routes of enemy approach. I

might mention that no tenanted houses were occupied. The

Page 76: Patrick Hugh Holahan Biography Volume 1

76

occupiers who were dispossessed were helped to bring their

belongings to the North Dublin Union or to the Technical

Schools in Bolton St.

The first skirmish occurred on the Quays, shortly after noon.

A party of the 5th and 12

th Lancers, on horseback, escorting

five London and North Western lorries coming from the North

Wall laden with munitions, were fired on from the Four Courts.

They backed into Charles St. where they occupied some houses

and the Collier Dispensary. There they were held until

Thuesday[sic]. Some of the lancers charged wildly up Church

St., two being shot dead, one opposite the chapel, and one at

North Brunswick St. corner. The remainder huddled with their

horses in the harrow street. The animals were maddened with

hunger, and the soldiers shot some of them and released others

which clattered about the streets for hours. An armoured truck

appeared on Thursday and brought them off, but not before they

had been subjected to several attacks, in the course of which

a Flanna officer was severely wounded, and the British officer

in charge, a Lt. Hunter, killed.

Also in action were the men at the Church St. barricade, ever

on the watch to the prevent movement along the quays. It was

this group which captured Lord Dunsany and Captain Lindsay, as

the latter were motoring from Kingsbridge to their regimental

headquarters at Amiens St. They failed to stop when

challenged, and Lord Dunsany was wounded. The volunteer

Captain who took them remarked jokingly that there was no

danger of their entering “The Glittering Gates’ just yet. He

alluded to a play of Lord Dunsany’s which had been popular at

the Abbey Theatre about a burglar breaking open the shining

gate of heaven. The playwright remarked that he congratulated

himself on having been taken by literary men. He was sent to

Jervis St. Hospital, and I understand did a good turn later on

there by, if not shaving, at least lending his razor to

several of our men, so that they might show the shaven cheek

of innocence to the British military when they started

searching the hospital.

Tuesday brought the work of strengthening barricades,

loopholing houses, and provisioning the garrisons and the

civilians still left in the area, with the help of the staff

in Monk’s Bakery, who continued to work day and night at this

essential job. It was determined to reconnoiter Broadstone

station, and a party under Capt Dinny O’Callaghan, which

included Eamonn Martin and Garry Holohan of the Fianna, and

Sean Moore and the late Peadar Breslin of the Volunteers and

Fianna were picked. At dusk, they advanced up Constitution

Hill, then turned to the left and worked along the high wall

at Prebend St. As Eamonn Martin one of the Fianna officers

reached the open space at the acqueduct bridge, he was shot

through the lung, but notwithstanding his severe wound, he

managed to return to the Courts and report to Comdt. Ned Daly.

The latter then ordered a retirement to North Brunswick St.

Page 77: Patrick Hugh Holahan Biography Volume 1

77

Thereafter the Volunteer snipers at the northern outposts at

Nth. Brunswick St. corner kept up a constant fire on

Broadstone Station. The attic windows at Clarke’s Dairy were

particularly useful for this. Soldiers going on sentry duty

and military snipers who pushed southwards from the station,

were met with accurate fire, and several killed. It was from

this fire that Lieut. Gray of the Royal Dublin Fusiliers met

his death. The upper portion of the dairy was also loopholed

towards the south, and later in the week fire from this

direction was responsible for several casualties amongst the

military turning the corner from North King Street into Church

Street,

On Wednesday Volunteer picquets[sic] patrolled the streets,

and maintained communication with headquarters at the G.P.O.

It was reported that an amoured car had been seen in the

vicinity Bolton Street. Some of our outposts were under

constant fire from positions which were located in Christ

Church and Power’s Distillery.

The attack on the Mendicity Institution had developed the

intensity early in the day and during the night. To avoid the

extension of this attack towards the Church St barricade, the

four houses on the south side of the quays at the corner of

Lt. Bridge St. were burned. The military however came to close

quarters with the Mendicity garrison, crouching under the low

front wall, and bombing the garrison out of their position. At

about noon, Commandant Heuston surrendered, after a most

gallant and determined resistance.

It had been ascertained that there were isolated enemy

garrisons in the Bridewell and in the Linenhall Barracks, and

it was decided to round them up.

A Party under Capt O’Callaghan, including Garry Holohan, and

was detailed to capture the Barracks. The garrison, which

numbered some forty unarmed men of the Army Pay Corps were

summoned to surrender, but refused. Gelignite was placed in

position in the wall facing Lurgan St., and the Barracks door

burst open with sledge hammers. The garrison then surrendered.

At the Bridewell a number of armed policemen were found in the

cellars. They were disarmed and brought into the Four Courts.

At 3.p.m., in order to avoid a re-occupation of the Linenhall

Barracks by the encircling forces, it was set on fire, and in

the course of the day the blaze assumed large proportions.

During Wednesday night it lit up the streets with a murky

glow. By Thursday it had travelled to Messrs. Moore’s, the

druggists, in Bolton St., and then became really spectacular.

Large barrels of oil were tossed into the air and exploded,

and a cloud of stifling smoke shrouded the district. Attempts

were made to confine the fire by hosing, and these were

partially successful. Even on Thursday night, the blaze made

the streets bright as day, but by Friday it had subsided, and

pitch darkness once more reigned. The remaining tenements were

hastily evacuated in North King St. expect by those whose grin

Page 78: Patrick Hugh Holahan Biography Volume 1

78

business it was to stay there and fight to the death. Shops

were hastily barricaded with corrugated iron and planking.

Nine o’clock in the morning of Thursday brought another

skirmish to the men at the Church St. Bridge barricade. Twenty

soldiers were seen advancing in single file along the south

side of the quays along Usher’s Quay. Fire was immediately

opened on them, and they took cover behind the stone pillars

at Ganly’s Wool Stores. It was on this day that the British

plan of cordoning the Four Courts was seen taking shape.

The intention was to occupy Queen St. as far as North King

St., and thence along North King St. to Bolton St. They must

not have been aware that North King St. was strongly held, and

that my own garrison in North Brunswick St. was outside the

cordon.

From dawn on Friday until the end, the attack all over the

city became intense. Heavy firing was heard from all

directions. In the afternoon, this attack finally came towards

North King St. The military advanced via Capel St., and about

6.45.p.m an armoured car arrived at the Technical Schools,

which, as I have already told you, was occupied by evacuated

tenants. They were again evacuated, and the school made

military headquarters. A barricade was made with the school

furniture, which was thrown out of the windows. It extended

from the schools to Yarnhall St. opposite. About 250 soldiers

under Lt. Col. H. Taylor arrived, and immediately busied

themselves with rounding up the local residents and

interrogating them. The armoured car was active all the

evening, rushing troops into Bolton St. The local outposts

were warned to expect heavy fighting that night. Extra

supplies of bombs and ammunition were brought to Reilly’s, to

Clarke’s Dairy, and to other posts. At dusk, an armoured car

rushed from Bolton St. but was pulled up by the barricades at

Langan’s, across North King St. at Coleraine St. In the

ensuing exchange of fire, one soldier was killed and machine

gun fire killed a Volunteer

When night came, this attack was resumed. It had been

anticipated, a further barricade having been constructed

across the North King Street end of Beresford St.

An armoured car appeared again, and its fifteen occupants

jumped out and proceeded to fire into every house along North

King St. The few occupants lay face down in the cellars rooms

whilst the bullets pounded the walls over them. At the same

time, fire from the Malt house and from the Coleraine St.

barricade was opened and several soldiers fell. One soldier,

endeavouring to club in a door with the butt end of his rifle,

killed his comrade when the rifle went off. From the occupied

houses the British maintained a heavy fire on Langan’s

barricade, and it was soon realized that daylight would make

it untenable. It was pitch dark, and the only guide to a

target was the flash of a rifle. A scream or a groan announced

Page 79: Patrick Hugh Holahan Biography Volume 1

79

when a bullet had reached its mark. The attacking British

clambered to the roof tops, and from this vantage rained down

bombs on the street until the answering bullets made the roofs

untenable. One group of British succeeded in making a lodgment

in a house between North Anne St. and Church St., and bored

through house after house to near Church St. Attackers and

defenders were now opposite one another on each side of the

narrow street, and the din became infernal. The sound of

crashing timber, the shouted commands of the officers in

charge of the attack, the scream of bullets resounded

continually. Stabs of flame come from rifles and machine guns,

the woodwork of windows was splintered, the bags of meal at

loopholes were cut to pieces and spilled into the street.

At about 3 a.m. the barricade at Langan’s was evacuated, but

still continued to draw fire through the night and form an

obstacle to the cars. A disused house of the corner of

Beresford St. was occupied to enable bombs to be dropped on

the armoured vehicles should they penetrate.

At dawn on Saturday, the position was that several houses on

both sides of North King St. were occupied by the British; and

the Malt House in Beresford St. came under heavy fire from the

backs of the house in North Anne St. and the south side of

North King St. A bayonet charge by the military towards

Reilly’s in Church St. was allowed to pass Langan’s only to be

met with withering fire from the Beresford St. barricade, and

from the Malt House. Eight or nine soldiers were killed and

several wounded. In the face of the continued attack from all

sides, the barricade at Beresford St. was evacuated early in

the day, the Malt House holding out till 3 p.m.

Meanwhile, the military attack on the west side had developed.

The Staffordshire and Sherwood Foresters were transported in

armoured cars on Friday evening towards Smithfield by Queen

St. They occupied various houses, in the neighbourhood, and

erected a barricade from Queen’s St. to George’s Lane

opposite. Late on Friday night under cover of darkness, they

advanced towards Church St. firing into houses on the way.

They finally took up positions at Egan’s public house at the

corner of Smithfield Mkt. In the course of these operations

they sustained several casualties.

Between 8 and 9 a.m. on Saturday Reilly’s public house was

evacuated, and shortly afterwards a party of soldiers occupied

it. They were immediately subjected to a heavy fire from the

barricade in Church St. and from Nth. Brunswick St., and found

their positions untenable. A party of them endeavoured to

escape towards Bolton St. but were at once shot down. The

remainder were held in the house, and an attempt started to

encircle them by working through the rere of Monk’s Bakery to

North King St. to Neary’s shop. From this position they

engaged the soldiers in Kavanagh’s shop on the opposite side

Page 80: Patrick Hugh Holahan Biography Volume 1

80

of the street. On the other side of Reilly’s they outflanked

them by occupying Ball’s drug Store. The whole of the fighting

thus became concentrated in the small portion of Upper Church

St. between North King St. and Nth. Brunswick St. a 50yds

length of street.

Saturday from 3 p.m. to 7.30 p.m. saw most desperate fighting

in this position. Continual efforts were made to relieve the

soldiers in Reilly’s and gain a footing in Church St., and the

two contestants were only a street width apart. As soldiers

appeared from North King St. into Church St. they came under

fire from Clarke’s Dairy, Moore’s Coach Factory opposite, and

the barricades near the Church, and several of them fell. At

length they gained cover in the Blanchardstown Bakery in the

corner opposite Reilly’s but were fired on continually. A

young soldier was hit, and fell into the street. The

Volunteers shouted that they would cease fire to allow him to

be removed. The sergeant major in charge, to the accompaniment

of much bad language refused, but changed his mind later. A

few minutes later the same sergeant was hit himself and also

fell into the street.

Fr. Albert, one of the Capuchin Fathers, had been on duty in

the Richmond Hospital, and on Saturday afternoon he heard

rumours of the surrender at the G.P.O. With Dr. O’Carroll and

Dr. Miles, he proceeded to my outpost to confirm it. I told

him I had heard nothing of it. Another Capuchin Father, Fr,

Augustine, was greatly concerned about the safety of the

wounded, a large number of whom were in the Father Mathew

Hall. At 4 p.m. he sent a message to the British Military

commander by a volunteer Red Cross man in which he asked for

an interview. The messenger returned and said the reply was

‘You are all rebels and outlaws, and you will get none of the

amenities of war. At 6.30pm Fathers Augustine and Aloysius and

a Red Cross bearer, went up to the Blanchardstown Mills

opposite Reilly’s and asked to see the officer in command. Lt.

Col. Taylor came. It was decided to send the Red Cross man to

my position to interview me. Just then a Volley struck his

revolver. As a result of this incident , Father Augustine

volunteered to go himself. He called up to me from the street,

and I replied stating I would not personally make any term

with the military, but would agree to a temporary truce for

the removal of the wounded, provided the military at

Broadstone ceased fire also. The conditions of this truce were

ratified by Lt. Col. Taylor and Gen. Lowe’s son. It was to

last from 7.30 p.m. on Saturday until 10 a.m. Sunday morning.

Dr. O’Carroll accompanied by a military sergeant and a

corporal and one unarmed Volunteer officer went to the

Broadstone to confirm the this truce, another Volunteer

officer being held by the military at North King St. as a

hostage until their safe return.

Page 81: Patrick Hugh Holahan Biography Volume 1

81

Meanwhile Fr. Columbus, of Church St., when returning from

Jervis St. Hospital met Miss O’Farrell conveying the surrender

order to Commdt. Daly at the Four Courts. It was then about 6

p.m. on Saturday. Fr. Columbus, bearing a small white flag,

interviewed Commdt. Daly at the Chancery St. entrance. The

surrender was arranged, and the arms passed out through the

railings to the soldiers outside, after which the Volunteers

were marched along the quays to Capel Street and thence via

Britain St. to the open space in front of the Rotunda

railings.

The truce at North Brunswick St. was closely observed by both

sides, the Volunteers standing to arms all night. During the

truce, in the upper portion of Church St. two military

officers advanced a short distance beyond the line agreed

upon. They were warned off by a Volunteer sentry, but as they

did not withdraw, two armed Volunteers came out form

undercover at Clarke’s and presenting rifles at them ordered

them back into their own lines. They withdrew and continued

their walk outside the Volunteer position.

An official copy of the order for surrender, in Pearse’s own

handwriting was brought by one of the Capuchin Fathers to the

North Brunswick St position on Sunday morning. The Father had

had a personal interview with Commdt. Pearse at Arbour Hill

Barracks, where he was then confined. On reading this, I

decided, after consultation with my men, to surrender, and

intimation was conveyed to the military. The garrison,

numbering 58, were then marshalled into military order, and

marched under guard to the Castle. This ended the last

resistance in the Four Courts area.

Before I finish I would like to pay a brief tribute to the

Capuchin fathers, especially Frs Augustine, Albert and

Columbus, for the part they played in succouring the wounded

and bringing the consolations of religion to the dying amid

constant danger all through the week. It began an association

between the Volunteer and the Capuchins which lasted through

the subsequent trying years of the Black and Tan War.

Gratitude is also due to the medical officers attached to

nearby Hospitals who risked their lives again and again in

their work of mercy.

With a proud memory of the Volunteers who fell in the Four

Courts area that week in April twenty five years ago, and of

those who later followed them to death facing the firing

squads, I conclude a comrade’s tribute with the salutation:

Ireland remembers!

Page 82: Patrick Hugh Holahan Biography Volume 1

82

Appendix 4 – Fianna Éireann Memories(45)

Page 83: Patrick Hugh Holahan Biography Volume 1

83

Page 84: Patrick Hugh Holahan Biography Volume 1

84

Page 85: Patrick Hugh Holahan Biography Volume 1

85

Further Reading:-

1. Curious Journey: An Oral History of Ireland’s Unfinished Revolution

Page 86: Patrick Hugh Holahan Biography Volume 1

86

Bibliography

1. Holahan, Paddy. "The Road to Freedom" #38. Handwritten Document #38 in possesion of Paddy Holahan(b. 1966). s.l. : Paddy Holahan (b. 1966).

2. —. Speech to young people on Fianna, National Struggle & Irish Volunteers. s.l. : Transcribed by Paddy Holahan (b 1966).

3. —. Letter of Appeal regarding Pension to Minister of Defence. Military Archives Pension. [Online] http://mspcsearch.militaryarchives.ie/docs/files//PDF_Pensions/R1/MSP34REF380PATRICKHUGHHOLOHAN/WDP15411PatrickHughHolohan.pdf.

4. Holland, Robert. Michael Lonergan W.S. #140. BMH. [Online]

5. O'Hannigan, Donal. W.S. #161. BMH. [Online]

6. Prendergast, Sean. W.S. #755 (section 1). BMH. [Online]

7. Carrigan, James. W.S. #613. BMH. [Online]

8. Kavanagh, Seumus. W.S. #1670. BMH. [Online]

9. Lonergan, Michael. W.S. #140. BMH. [Online]

10. Press, Irish. Obituary of Paddy Holahan. 1946.

11. Capuchin Annual 1942. Contributor Biography P. Holahan. Capuchin Annual. 1942.

12. Holahan, Garry. The Memoirs of Gearóid Ua hUallacháin. c 1945.

13. O'Riain), Willie Nelson (Padriag. Sealed Orders - The part the Fianna played at Howth. Nodlaig na bhFiann (reproduced in FX Martin's Howth Gun Running Book). 1914.

14. Holland, Robert. Bureau of Military History #280. [Online]

15. Hobson, Bulmer. W.S. #31. BMH. [Online]

16. Martin, Eamon. W.S. #591. BMH. [Online]

17. Kenny, John. WS 1693. BMH. [Online]

18. IRA Nominal Roles Dublin I Brigade (RO 1-9). Military Archives Pension Collection. [Online] http://mspcsearch.militaryarchives.ie/docs/files/PDF_Membership/8/RO1%20-%20150/MA-MSPC-RO-1.pdf.

19. Slater, Thomas. WS #263. BMH. [Online]

20. Pouch, Sean. Witness Satement [#267] . BMH. [Online]

21. O'Neill, Major General Aodh. WS #1,377. BMH. [Online]

22. Houlihan, Patrick H. Sworn Statement made before Advisory Committee on 18.1.1935. Military Archives. [Online] 1935. http://mspcsearch.militaryarchives.ie/docs/files//PDF_Pensions/R1/MSP34REF380PATRICKHUGHHOLOHAN/WMSP34REF380PATRICKHUGHHOLOHAN.pdf.

Page 87: Patrick Hugh Holahan Biography Volume 1

87

23. Henderson, Frank. Witness Statement #249. BMH. [Online]

24. Uallacháin, Gearóid Ua. W.S. # 328. BMH. [Online]

25. Holahan, Paddy. Recollections of Easter Week #39. s.l. : Paddy Holahan (b. 1966).

26. —. MA-MSPC-RO-12. militaryarchives.ie. [Online]

27. O'Carroll, Liam. WS #314. BMH. [Online]

28. Cody, Sean. W.S. #1035. BMH. [Online]

29. The heroic defenders of Church Street. O'Moore, Sean. s.l. : Irish Press or Irish Independent.

30. O’Duffy, Sean. WS #313. BMH. [Online]

31. OFM.Cap, Fr Aloysious. [Online] http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/war/easterrising.

32. Aloysius, Fr. Personal Recollections 1916. BBC. [Online] http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/easterrising/witnesses/personalrecollections.rtf.

33. Nicholas Laffan Pension Application. Military Archives. [Online] http://mspcsearch.militaryarchives.ie/docs/files//PDF_Pensions/R1/MSP34REF3964NICHOLAS%20LAFFAN/WMSP34REF3964NICHOLASLAFFAN.pdf.

34. O'Duffy, Sean. W.S. #313. BMH. [Online]

35. Henderson, Captain R. WS 1686. BMH. [Online]

36. Four Courts and the North King Street Area in 1916. Reynolds, Mr John J. 20, s.l. : An t-Óglách, Vol. IV.

37. Kelly, Patrick. Witness Statement #781. BMH. [Online]

38. Shelley, Charles. 870. BMH. [Online]

39. Beaslai, Piaras. s.l. : RTE, 1956. http://www.rte.ie/archives/exhibitions/1993-easter-1916/1994-they-remember-1916/606789-they-remember-1916-piaras-beaslai/.

40. Holahan, Paddy. Speech for unveiling of plaque to Kevin Barry. Dublin : s.n., prob 1940.

41. Lynch, Michael. W.W. #511. BMH. [Online]

42. Times, Weekly Irish. Sinn Fein Rebellion Handbook Easter 1916. [Online] https://archive.org/stream/sinnfeinrebellio00dubl#page/70/mode/2up.

43. Good, Joseph. W.S. #386. BMH. [Online]

44. Lawless, Joe. WS #1,043 . BMH. [Online]

45. Holahan, Patrick. Fianna Éireann, Their part in the fight, as told by Lieut. Patrick Houlihan. National Library Ireland MS 10,915. NLI MS 10,915.

46. Prendergast, Sean. Sean Prendergast Witness Statement #755. Bureau of Military History. [Online] http://www.bureauofmilitaryhistory.ie/reels/bmh/BMH.WS0755%20section%203.pdf#page=1.

47. O’Hannigan, Donal. Donal O’Hannigan W.S. #161 . [Online]

48. Kelly, Patrick J. W.S. 781. BMH. [Online]

Page 88: Patrick Hugh Holahan Biography Volume 1

88

49. Lawless, Joseph V. W.S. 1,043. MHB. [Online]

50. Henderson, Frank. WS 821. BMH. [Online]

51. Lawson, Patrick. WS 667. BMH. [Online]

52. Kelly, Patrick. WS 726. BMH. [Online]

53. O'Connor, Joseph. WS 387. BMH. [Online]

54. McCrea, Patrick. WS 413. BMH. [Online]

55. McDonnell, Daniel. WS 486. BMH. [Online]

56. Harpur, James. 536. BMH. [Online]

57. Prendergast, Sean. WS 755. BMH. [Online]

58. Pounch, Seamus. WS 294. BMH. [Online]

59. Prendergast, Sean. WS 802. BMH. [Online]

60. Finn, Martin. WS 921. BMH. [Online]

61. O'Neill, Sean. WS 1153. BMH. [Online]

62. Traynor, Oscar. WS 340. BMH. [Online]

63. Lynch, Michael. WS 511. BMH. [Online]

64. Eilis Bean Ui Chonaill (Eilia Ni Riain). WS 568. BMH. [Online]

65. Colley, Harry. WS 1687. BMH. [Online]

66. Remembering the Past: Daring arms raid. [Online] 25 March 1999. http://www.anphoblacht.com/contents/4709.

67. Houlihan, Patrick. Collinstown Aerodrome Raid. Dublin's Fighting Story 1916-1921.

68. Harpur, Johanna. Personal Recollections (1978 Jan 14). 1978.

69. Holahan, Paddy. Speech at unveiling of plaque to Kevin Barry. 1940 c.

Page 89: Patrick Hugh Holahan Biography Volume 1

89

Works Cited

1. Holahan, Paddy. "The Road to Freedom" #38. Handwritten Document #38 in possesion of Paddy Holahan(b. 1966). s.l. : Paddy Holahan (b. 1966).

2. —. Speech to young people on Fianna, National Struggle & Irish Volunteers. s.l. : Transcribed by Paddy Holahan (b 1966).

3. —. Letter of Appeal regarding Pension to Minister of Defence. Military Archives Pension. [Online] http://mspcsearch.militaryarchives.ie/docs/files//PDF_Pensions/R1/MSP34REF380PATRICKHUGHHOLOHAN/WDP15411PatrickHughHolohan.pdf.

4. Holland, Robert. Michael Lonergan W.S. #140. BMH. [Online]

5. O'Hannigan, Donal. W.S. #161. BMH. [Online]

6. Prendergast, Sean. W.S. #755 (section 1). BMH. [Online]

7. Carrigan, James. W.S. #613. BMH. [Online]

8. Kavanagh, Seumus. W.S. #1670. BMH. [Online]

9. Lonergan, Michael. W.S. #140. BMH. [Online]

10. Press, Irish. Obituary of Paddy Holahan. 1946.

11. Capuchin Annual 1942. Contributor Biography P. Holahan. Capuchin Annual. 1942.

12. Holahan, Garry. The Memoirs of Gearóid Ua hUallacháin. c 1945.

13. O'Riain), Willie Nelson (Padriag. Sealed Orders - The part the Fianna played at Howth. Nodlaig na bhFiann (reproduced in FX Martin's Howth Gun Running Book). 1914.

14. Holland, Robert. Bureau of Military History #280. [Online]

15. Hobson, Bulmer. W.S. #31. BMH. [Online]

16. Martin, Eamon. W.S. #591. BMH. [Online]

17. Kenny, John. WS 1693. BMH. [Online]

18. IRA Nominal Roles Dublin I Brigade (RO 1-9). Military Archives Pension Collection. [Online] http://mspcsearch.militaryarchives.ie/docs/files/PDF_Membership/8/RO1%20-%20150/MA-MSPC-RO-1.pdf.

19. Slater, Thomas. WS #263. BMH. [Online]

20. Pouch, Sean. Witness Satement [#267] . BMH. [Online]

21. O'Neill, Major General Aodh. WS #1,377. BMH. [Online]

22. Houlihan, Patrick H. Sworn Statement made before Advisory Committee on 18.1.1935. Military Archives. [Online] 1935. http://mspcsearch.militaryarchives.ie/docs/files//PDF_Pensions/R1/MSP34REF380PATRICKHUGHHOLOHAN/WMSP34REF380PATRICKHUGHHOLOHAN.pdf.

23. Henderson, Frank. Witness Statement #249. BMH. [Online]

Page 90: Patrick Hugh Holahan Biography Volume 1

90

24. Uallacháin, Gearóid Ua. W.S. # 328. BMH. [Online]

25. Holahan, Paddy. Recollections of Easter Week #39. s.l. : Paddy Holahan (b. 1966).

26. —. MA-MSPC-RO-12. militaryarchives.ie. [Online]

27. O'Carroll, Liam. WS #314. BMH. [Online]

28. Cody, Sean. W.S. #1035. BMH. [Online]

29. The heroic defenders of Church Street. O'Moore, Sean. s.l. : Irish Press or Irish Independent.

30. O’Duffy, Sean. WS #313. BMH. [Online]

31. OFM.Cap, Fr Aloysious. [Online] http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/war/easterrising.

32. Aloysius, Fr. Personal Recollections 1916. BBC. [Online] http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/easterrising/witnesses/personalrecollections.rtf.

33. Nicholas Laffan Pension Application. Military Archives. [Online] http://mspcsearch.militaryarchives.ie/docs/files//PDF_Pensions/R1/MSP34REF3964NICHOLAS%20LAFFAN/WMSP34REF3964NICHOLASLAFFAN.pdf.

34. O'Duffy, Sean. W.S. #313. BMH. [Online]

35. Henderson, Captain R. WS 1686. BMH. [Online]

36. Four Courts and the North King Street Area in 1916. Reynolds, Mr John J. 20, s.l. : An t-Óglách, Vol. IV.

37. Kelly, Patrick. Witness Statement #781. BMH. [Online]

38. Shelley, Charles. 870. BMH. [Online]

39. Beaslai, Piaras. s.l. : RTE, 1956. http://www.rte.ie/archives/exhibitions/1993-easter-1916/1994-they-remember-1916/606789-they-remember-1916-piaras-beaslai/.

40. Holahan, Paddy. Speech for unveiling of plaque to Kevin Barry. Dublin : s.n., prob 1940.

41. Lynch, Michael. W.W. #511. BMH. [Online]

42. Times, Weekly Irish. Sinn Fein Rebellion Handbook Easter 1916. [Online] https://archive.org/stream/sinnfeinrebellio00dubl#page/70/mode/2up.

43. Good, Joseph. W.S. #386. BMH. [Online]

44. Lawless, Joe. WS #1,043 . BMH. [Online]

45. Holahan, Patrick. Fianna Éireann, Their part in the fight, as told by Lieut. Patrick Houlihan. National Library Ireland MS 10,915. NLI MS 10,915.

46. Prendergast, Sean. Sean Prendergast Witness Statement #755. Bureau of Military History. [Online] http://www.bureauofmilitaryhistory.ie/reels/bmh/BMH.WS0755%20section%203.pdf#page=1.

47. O’Hannigan, Donal. Donal O’Hannigan W.S. #161 . [Online]

48. Kelly, Patrick J. W.S. 781. BMH. [Online]

49. Lawless, Joseph V. W.S. 1,043. MHB. [Online]

Page 91: Patrick Hugh Holahan Biography Volume 1

91

50. Henderson, Frank. WS 821. BMH. [Online]

51. Lawson, Patrick. WS 667. BMH. [Online]

52. Kelly, Patrick. WS 726. BMH. [Online]

53. O'Connor, Joseph. WS 387. BMH. [Online]

54. McCrea, Patrick. WS 413. BMH. [Online]

55. McDonnell, Daniel. WS 486. BMH. [Online]

56. Harpur, James. 536. BMH. [Online]

57. Prendergast, Sean. WS 755. BMH. [Online]

58. Pounch, Seamus. WS 294. BMH. [Online]

59. Prendergast, Sean. WS 802. BMH. [Online]

60. Finn, Martin. WS 921. BMH. [Online]

61. O'Neill, Sean. WS 1153. BMH. [Online]

62. Traynor, Oscar. WS 340. BMH. [Online]

63. Lynch, Michael. WS 511. BMH. [Online]

64. Eilis Bean Ui Chonaill (Eilia Ni Riain). WS 568. BMH. [Online]

65. Colley, Harry. WS 1687. BMH. [Online]

66. Remembering the Past: Daring arms raid. [Online] 25 March 1999. http://www.anphoblacht.com/contents/4709.

67. Houlihan, Patrick. Collinstown Aerodrome Raid. Dublin's Fighting Story 1916-1921.

68. Harpur, Johanna. Personal Recollections (1978 Jan 14). 1978.

69. Holahan, Paddy. Speech at unveiling of plaque to Kevin Barry. 1940 c.

Page 92: Patrick Hugh Holahan Biography Volume 1

92

Figures

Figure 1 – 1915? Fianna Ard Fheis (unconfirmed) ................................................................................. 9

Figure 2 Positions of Garry, Paddy from Garry's Memoirs .................................................................. 10

Figure 3 - Paddy Holahan with bugle .................................................................................................... 13

Figure 4 Magazine Fort Phoenix Park .................................................................................................. 23

Figure 5 - Letter from P.Holahan to Irish Press regarding Magazine Fort attack ................................. 26

Figure 6 - Four Courts area 1916 ......................................................................................................... 31

Figure 7 Dinnie O'Callaghan's statement to Military Pensions Board................................................... 33

Figure 8 - Paddy Holahan Fianna Memories ........................................................................................ 34

Figure 9 Broadstone (Railway Station in 1916) .................................................................................... 36

Figure 10 Environs of Linen Hall after 1916 (source Livingstone collection South Dublin Libraries) ... 40

Figure 11 Linenhall Barracks after 1916 ............................................................................................... 40

Figure 12 - Church Street May 1916 (http://irishhistoricalmilitaria.com/store/products/irish-1916-rebellion-post-card-church-street) ......................................................................................................... 42

Figure 13 - Armoured car from 1916. .................................................................................................... 44

Figure 14 - Surrender Letter from P.H. Pearse ..................................................................................... 52

Figure 15 After Rising....from www.eccentricbliss.com ......................................................................... 57

Figure 16 - From Sinn Fein Handbook. Holahan's transported to Knutsford under name "Nolan" ...... 58

Figure 17 Frongoch (from http://eastwallforall.ie/?p=972) .................................................................... 60

Figure 18 -Prinsoners Frongoch (irishvolunteers.com) ......................................................................... 63

Page 93: Patrick Hugh Holahan Biography Volume 1

Index

Abbey, 70 Albert, Father, 38, 47, 48, 80, 81 Albert, Fr., 32 Aloysius, Father, 37, 47, 49, 80 Arbour Hill Barracks, 47, 81 Armoured car, 35, 41, 42, 43, 44, 77, 78 Artane, 15, 71 Asgard, 13 Ashbourne, 64 Ashe, Thomas, 64 Athlone, 32 Augustine, Father, 37, 38, 48, 49, 50, 55 Augustine, Fr, 47, 80 Ball’s, 45, 80 Ballybough, 25, 73 Bannon, Jack, 19 Batchelors Walk, 15, 71 Beaslai, Piaras, 51 Beasley, Pierce, 19 Beresford Place, 7, 8, 15 Beresford Street, 41, 43, 45, 78, 79 Berkeley St, 8 Bill Oman, 19 Blackhall Place, 19, 27, 74 Blanchardstown Bakery, 45, 80 Bob Oman, 19 Bodenstown, 7, 19 Bolster, Frank, 19 Bolton Street, 30, 35, 37, 38, 41, 43, 45, 76,

77, 78, 79 Breslin, Peadar, 34, 35, 36, 38, 48, 50, 76 Bridewell, 35, 77 Bridgefoot St, 41 Britain St, 47, 81 Broadstone, 30, 32, 33, 35, 36, 41, 47, 48, 76,

77, 80 Browne, Peadar, 8, 11 Brunswick St, 49 Bryan, Tommy, 19 Bulfin, Eamon, 18 Burke, Frank, 18 Burke, Seán, 8, 9, 11 Butt Bridge, 54 Byrne, Brigid, 7 Byrne, Peter, 8, 11 Byrne, Seán (Gurra), 19 Byrne, Tom, 19 Cabra, 64 Callaghan, Dinny, 29, 32, 33, 34, 36 Camden Street, 18, 20 Capel St, 38, 41, 43, 78 Capel Street, 47, 81 Capuchin, 20, 47, 80, 81 Capuchins, 81 Cashin, Jimmy, 11 Castlebar, 11

Cerrigan, James, 11 Chancery St, 42, 47, 81 Chancery St., 42 Charles St, 30, 76 Christ Church, 35, 77 Church St., 30, 75 Church St. Bridge, 27, 37, 74, 78 Church Street, 24, 27, 30, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36,

37, 38, 41, 42, 44, 45, 47, 49, 51, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81

Citizen Army, 15, 18, 25, 60, 71, 73 Clancy, Peadar, 30, 75 Clarke, James, 64 Clarke’s, 47, 81 Clarke’s Dairy, 30, 35, 43, 45, 75, 77, 78, 80 Clarke's, 33 Clarke's Dairy, 34, 41 Cody, Sean, 29, 32, 37 Colbert, Con, 7, 8, 9, 12, 18, 21 Coleraine St, 43, 78 Collier Dispensary, 30, 76 Collins Barracks, 25, 27, 74 Collins, Con, 19 Columcille Hall, 32 Connolly, Eddie, 11 Connolly, George, 8 Connolly, James, 18, 23, 24, 75 Connolly, Joe, 8, 11, 60 Connolly, Matty, 8 Constitution Hill., 32 Convent, 29, 33 Conway, John, 19 Creegan, Eamonn, 8 Crimmins, Tommy, 9 Croydon Park, 15, 71 Cullen, Joe, 11 Cullen's yard, 29 Cumann na mBan, 21 D.M.P., 15, 70 Daly, Edward, 24, 27, 32, 35, 41, 47, 64, 74,

76, 81 Daly, Paddy, 23, 24, 29 Dan MacArt, 9 Dean, John, 42 Devoy, John, 64 Donohue, Tom, 8, 19 Dunne, Andy, 9 Dunsany, Lord, 76 Early, Hugh, 19 Eddie Connolly, 8, 36 Eddie Donohoe, 19 Egan’s, 45, 79 Fairview, 15, 71 Farrell, Pat, 42 Father Mathew Hall, 27, 30, 47, 74, 75, 80 Father Mathew Park, 24, 25, 73

Page 94: Patrick Hugh Holahan Biography Volume 1

Father Matthew, 20, 22, 36, 41 Father Matthew Hall, 33, 36, 41 Finlay, 19 Ford, Sean, 24 Forde, Sean, 39, 48 Four Courts, 27, 30, 31, 35, 37, 47, 73, 74, 75,

76, 77, 78, 81 Fr Albert, 61 Frongoch, 58, 59, 60, 62, 63 Galway, 9, 72 Ganly’s Wool Stores, 37, 78 George Oman, 19 George’s Lane, 45, 79 Gibson, Dick, 19 Gilligan, Bob, 24 Golden, Jerry, 64 Good, Joseph, 60 Grafton Street, 9 Gray, Lieut., 35, 77 Gregan, Danny, 8 Hardwicke Street, 15 Harrell, Assistant Commissioner, 15, 71 Hegarty, Dermot, 19 Henderson, Frank, 24 Henderson, Leo, 21 Henderson, R., 41 Heron, Archie, 18 Heuston, Sean, 7, 8, 11, 15, 18, 21, 35, 61,

74, 75, 77 Heuston, Seán, 9, 11, 21, 29 Hobson, Bulmer, 7, 9, 16, 18, 21 Holahan, Garry, 60 Holahan, Hugh, 64 Holahan, Paddy (cousin), 64 Holland, Robert, 7 Holmes, Fred, 8 Holohan, Garry, 3, 7, 8, 10, 12, 16, 17, 18, 21,

24, 27, 29, 32, 33, 34, 35, 38, 48, 49, 54, 58, 64, 76

Home Rule bill, 18, 71 Howard, Sáen, 19 Howth, 13, 14, 15, 16, 38, 70, 71 Hunter, 20, 22, 29 Hunter, Lt., 30, 76 Hunter, Tom, 22, 25, 73 I.R.B, 18, 20, 71 I.R.B., 18, 20, 71 Irish National Guards, 19 Irish Party, 18, 71 Irish Republican Army, 49 Island Bridge Barracks, 25, 74 Island Bridge Road, 25, 74 James Carrigan, 8 Jameson’s Distillery, 27, 74 Jervis St. Hospital, 47, 76, 81 Jimmy O'Hanlon, 11 Joe Gahan, 19 Kavanagh, Seamus, 21 Kavanagh, Seumus, 8 Kelly, Mattie, 19

Kelly, Patrick, 48 Kelly’s builders yard, 30, 75 Kennedy, Josh, 24 Kennedy, Seán, 19 Kenny, John, 19 Kettle, Tom, 19 Kilbarrack, 15, 70, 71 Kilcoole, 17 Kilmainham, 54 King George, 8 King Street, 24, 29, 30, 34, 37, 41, 48, 49, 50 King’s Inn, 39 Kings Inns, 41 Kingsbridge, 54 Kinsella, Willie, 8 Knutsford, 54, 58, 62 Laffan, Nicholas, 29, 33, 36, 39, 41 Lalor, Paddy, 19 Lancers, 30, 76 Langan’s, 43, 44, 45, 78, 79 Larkfield, 20 Larkin, Jim, 19, 48 Lawlor, Frank, 32 Lawlor, Larry, 32 Liberty Hall, 8, 22, 24, 25, 73 Lindsay, Captain, 76 Linen Hall, 33, 34, 36, 40, 41 Linenhall Barracks, 35, 77 Lonergan, Michael, 8, 12, 18, 21 Lonergan, Mick, 8 Lr. Camden Street, 7, 70 Lynch, Fionán, 19, 41 Lynch, Michael, 58 Mac Art, Dan, 11 MacDonagh, Thomas, 20, 24 Mackey, Mick, 8 Magazine Fort, 24, 73 Mahon, Ross, 9, 11 Malt House, 27, 45, 74, 79 Manning, Peter, 41 Marckievicz, 8 Markievicz, 7, 9, 70 Martin, Christy, 9, 24 Martin, Eamon, 9, 11, 14, 18, 20, 21, 24, 29,

32, 33, 35, 76 Mason, 19 Mattie Gahan, 19 McBride, Major, 11 McCaran, Pat, 8 McDermott, Sean, 9, 20 McDonagh, Thomas, 20, 24, 29, 73 McGowan, Seamus, 9 McGrane, Tommy, 8, 9, 11 McGrath, Paddy, 24 McNeill, Brian, 7 McNeill, Dery, 7 McNeill, Hugo, 7 McNulty, 32 Meehan, Tommy, 8, 11 Mellows, Barney, 9, 16, 18, 24, 60

Page 95: Patrick Hugh Holahan Biography Volume 1

Mellows, Liam, 8, 9, 18, 21, 72, See Mendicity, 35, 77 Mendicity Institution, 35, 74, 77 Merchants Quay, 8 Michael Kenny, 19 Monk’s Bakery, 34, 45, 76, 79 Moore, Sean, 35, 76 Moore’s, 41 Moore’s Coach Factory, 30, 41, 45, 75, 80 Moore’s, the druggists, 35, 77 Mountjoy, 19 Mr. Sutton, 9 Murnane, William, 62 Murphy, Jack, 19, 24 Murphy, Willie, 11 Murray, Eamon, 24 National Volunteers, 18, 71 Neary, Dinnie, 61 Neary’s, 45, 79 Nelson St. Hall, 8 Nelson, Willie, 14 Nolan, 58, 59 Nolan, Tom, 32, 36 North Anne St, 44, 45, 79 North Brunswick St, 30, 35, 37, 41, 47, 75, 76,

78, 81 North Brunswick Street, 27, 29, 36, 37, 41, 50,

74 North Circular Road, 36, 64 North Dublin Union, 27, 30, 74, 76 North Frederick Street, 11 North King st, 41 North King St, 37, 38, 41 North King St., 35, 37, 43, 45, 47, 77, 78, 79,

80 North King Street, 29, 35, 42, 43, 50, 51, 77,

78 North Wall, 30, 54, 76 North. King St, 30, 75 Nth Brunswick Street, 25, 27, 74 Nth. Brunswick St, 30, 35, 41, 45, 75, 77, 79,

80 Ó Briain, Seán, 24, 32 Ó Riain, Padraig, 21 Ó Riain, Pádraig, 9 O’Brien, Willie, 8 O’Callaghan, Dinny, 30, 32, 36 O’Carroll, Dr, 47, 48, 80 O’Carroll, Liam, 29 Ó’Dálaigh, Padraig, 21 O’Daly, Paddy, 7, 24 O’Donoghue, Thomas, 9 O’Donovan Rossa, 9, 72 O’Duffy, Sean, 38, 50 O’Hannigan, Donal, 8 O’Moore, Donogh, 11 O’Moore, Sean, 30, 32, 39, 44, 48 O’Neill, Aodh, 21 O’Neill, Seán, 11 O’Rahilly, The, 11

Ó’Riain, Pádraig, 15 O'Brien, Fran, 8 O'Brien, Tommy, 32 O'Callaghan, Denis, 29 O'Callaghan, Dinny, 32, 35, 36, 41, 76 O'Carroll, Liam, 32 O'Connor, 16 O'Connor, Johnny, 19 O'Duffy, Sean M, 51 O'Gorman, Liam, 32 O'Hanrahan, Michael, 20, 22 O'Moore, Dermot, 11 O'Moore, Sean, 36, 37, 50 O'Reilly, 19 O'Reilly, Sammy, 64 O'Reilly, Tom, 64 O'Riain, Padraic, 16 O'Riain, Pádraig, 21 Ormond Quay, 25, 73 Oscar Traynor, 24, 67 O'Sullivan, Dermot, 11 Padraic O’Riain, 14 Pádraig O Riain, 18 Parnell Square, 8, 15, 20 Patk. O'Connor, 11 Peadar Brown, 8, 9 Pearse, Patrick, 47, 81 Pearse, Patrick H, 37, 38, 41, 49, 51, 52, 55 Phibsboro, 32 Poole, Jack, 8 Pounch, Sean, 21 Power’s Distillery, 35, 77 Prebend St, 35, 76 Prendergast, Sean, 8, 9, 11, 16, 29 Quays, 30, 76 Queen Street, 29, 37, 41, 45, 78, 79 Raheny, 15, 71 Red Cow Lane, 24, 25, 27, 29, 30, 41, 74, 75 Red Cross, 47, 80 Reddin, Mrs, 15, 71 Redmond, John, 18, 71 Reilly’s, 30, 43, 45, 47, 75, 78, 79, 80 Reilly’s Fort, 30, 51, 75 Reilly's, 34, 37, 38, 41, 50 Reynolds, Frank, 8 Reynolds, Jack, 9 Reynolds, Percy, 9 RIAIN, PADRAIC, 12 Richmond, 29, 37, 38, 48, 50, 54 Richmond Hospital, 29, 37, 47, 50, 80 Ridgeway, 11 Robinson, Joe, 9 Roche, Tim, 24, 32 Rotunda, 19, 47, 81 Royal Barracks, 25, 27, 74, 75 Royal Dublin Fusiliers, 35, 77 Rutland Cottages, 24 Ryan, 11 Ryan, Desmond, 51 Ryan, Paddy, 8

Page 96: Patrick Hugh Holahan Biography Volume 1

Sallins, 19 Sandwith St, 8 Seán Conway, 11 Seán Heuston, 16 Sean Houston. See Heuston, Sean Seville, Dick, 19 Seville, Jim, 19 Seville, Jimmy, 8, 11 Shalloe, 8 Shaw Street, 15 Sheamus McCashin, 8 Shelley, Charles, 50 Sheridan, Tom, 19 Sherwood Foresters, 45, 79 Shouldice, 19, 37, 41 Skippers Alley, 8 Slater, Thomas, 18, 20 Sluagh Emmet, 7, 8 Sluaigh Emmet, 8 Smithfield, 41, 45, 79 South Quays, 54 St. John's Road, 54 St. Jospeh's Church, 8 St. Michans Street, 42 Stafford, Colonel, 49

Staffordshire, 45, 79 Staines, Liam, 61 Sullivan, James, 64 Taylor, Colonel, 37 Taylor, Lt. Col. H., 43, 78 Technical Schools, 30, 43, 76, 78 Thompson, Alex, 19 Traynor, Oscar, 3 Tuite, Ted, 19 Upper Church St, 45, 80 Usher’s Quay, 37, 78 Walsh, Phil, 38, 50 Walsh, Philip, 42 Ward, Paddy, 18 Whelan’s, 25, 73 White, Captain, 16 White, Patrick, 11 Williams, Walter, 19 Willie Christian, 9 Wolf Tone, 7 Wolfe Tone, 8, 19 Wolfe Tone Sluaigh, 8 Yarnhall St, 43, 78 York St, 19