Patrick Henry Pearse (1879–1916), was born in Dublin, the son of an English stone carver and sculptor. A keen Gaelic Leaguer, he edited An Claidheamh Soluis (1903–9) and in 1908 founded the progressive Irish-Ireland St Enda’s school. In 1914 he became director of military organisation of the Irish Volunteers, and later a member of the IRB military committee that planned the rising. Author and signatory of the Proclamation of the Republic, he was leader of the republican forces during Easter week, ordering their surrender on 29 April. He was executed 3 May 1916.
Read more by downloading the full chapter as an epub or mobi.
Patrick Pearse's biography is taken from the book 1916 Portraits and Lives published by the Royal Irish Academy. 100 prints of the 42 portraits and 3 scenes from the book, signed and numbered by the artist David Rooney, are available to order while quantities last. The original portraits from the book have been acquired for the State Collection by the OPW and will be on exhibit in 2016 at Kilmainham Gaol, Dublin. Read more 1916 biographies.
