Easter Rising 2016 – Roots of Rebellion

“Faithful to Erin, We Answer Her Call” – August 4, 1914 – On that day, Great Britain entered into war with Germany.  Over the next two years the war dragged on with the death toll and numbers of wounded mounting ever faster.  All able-bodied male citizens were being encouraged to do their part and join in the cause.  Initially, like their British counterparts, the Irish enlisted.  Eventually 30,000 would enlist.  Protestant and Catholic alike served together for King and Crown.  To encourage the Irish to join in the war, posters spread across the country proclaiming, “Have you any womenfolk worth defending.”  And, “I’ll go too, the real Irish spirit.”  To hit home another read, “Daddy, what did you do in the war?”

Underlying all of this nationalism was another group.  One that had been promised Home Rule for Ireland, but had not seen it fulfilled.  They saw the ongoing battles in Europe as an opportunity to strike while the iron was hot.  This was the perfect time to take advantage of Britain’s stretched military resources and declare Ireland’s independence.  There was hope that Germany would even supply the Irish with munitions and the plans for a rebellion were drawn up.  (Our next installment will bring us up to the events of April 1916.)

Saturday, April 2, 2016 at the Old Court Central St, Lowell, MA.  2 – 3:30 pm – A display of historic photos detailing the history of the Easter Rising will be shown along with a brief video of the people and events of the Rising.  Victoria Denoon of UMass Lowell’s Irish Partnership will lead a discussion.  You’re invited to grab a lunch or drink from the pub for the event. Please join us in remembering this important period in Irish history.  (Sponsored by Irish Cultural Comm. of St. Patrick Parish, UMass Lowell Irish Partnership, Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, and Ancient Order of Hibernians Div. 19).