#easter rising

The Easter Rising rebellion in Ireland began on 24 April 1916 (during Easter week) as Irish Republicans fought against the British rule with hopes of establishing and independent Ireland.

Planning for the rebellion began in 1914, shortly after England had entered WWI, with hopes of catching the British government off-guard as well as securing support from Germany. They spent the next months securing funding and arms in secret. It did not go according to plan, Germany sent a ship loaded with more than 20,000 rifles for support, but the British Navy learned of the plot and intercepted the ship on 21 April. Some of the Republicans called to cancel the revolt, while others pressed to move ahead, causing confusion.

On Monday, 24 April, about 1200 volunteers gathered in Dublin, far fewer than expected, with hopes of seizing the city center, taking control of bridges, railways and roads, and cutting telephone and telegraph wires. The British response was uncoordinated at first but by the following day they had organized and gained control of the two main railway stations, which brought in thousands of troops. On Saturday, 29 April, the rebels surrendered.

More than 480 people were killed - including 260 Irish civilians, 126 British forces, 82 Irish rebels, and 40 children - and more than 2,600 injured.

A total of 3,430 men and 79 women were arrested, including 425 people for looting – with 1,500 rebels arrested. 1,424 men and 73 women were released after a few weeks, while the rest were imprisoned until June 1917.

Up the youth, up Ireland, tiocfaidh ár lá

Elizabeth O'Farrell (deceased)

Gender: Female

Sexuality: Lesbian

DOB: 5 November 1883 

RIP: 25 June 1957

Ethnicity: White - Irish

Occupation: Nurse, Irish republican activist

Note 1: Acted as a dispatcher before and during the Easter Rising of 1916. She was sent to Athenry to deliver a despatch on Easter Monday. Along with Julia Grenan, they were sent around the bullet-torn streets of Dublin during the week with despatches, food and ammunition hidden in their long skirts to various stations.

Note 2: On Saturday, Patrick Pearse chose Elizabeth O'Farrell to seek surrender terms from Brigadier-General Lowe. At 12.45 pm she was handed a Red Cross insignia and a white flag and asked to deliver the surrender to the British military. She emerged into heavy fire on Moore Street which abated when her white flag was recognised.

Note 3: She was taken to Brigadier General William Lowe who sent her back to Pearse with a demand for unconditional surrender. Pearse agreed and, accompanied by O'Farrell, surrendered in person to General Lowe.