Easter is Rising
On Saturday April 12th, the local Ringsend and District Historical Society are celebrating Ringsend’s contribution to the Easter Rising by organising a 1916 detailed walking tour, followed by an exhibition in Ringsend and Irishtown Community Centre, showcasing Seamus Grace’s archives for the very first time.
Seamus (James Joseph) Grace (1888-1959) joined the Irish Republican Brotherhood in 1912 and on Easter Monday he occupied No. 25 Northumberland Road with Lieutenant Michael Malone and two young volunteers. They were involved in an encounter with a column of the unarmed Volunteer Training Corps and were also fired at by a sniper which Malone took out. On Wednesday, the two younger volunteers were sent home by Malone. Once the attack began on the Sherwood Foresters advancing towards Mount Street Bridge on Wednesday afternoon, Seamus Grace moved from window to window to return fire. As No. 25 was taken by Sherwood Foresters, Seamus managed to escape through the basement but was later captured and arrested in an outhouse on Haddington Road when its owner informed the military. Having been released from prison in December 1916, he rejoined the Irish Volunteers and was active during the War of Independence – suffering a gunshot wound to the leg – and in the Anti-Treaty IRA during the Civil War. He was unable to carry out an occupation after 1923 and by the 1930’s was in poor physical and mental health, spending a period in Grangegorman mental institution in 1944. Seamus Grace died in May 1959 and is buried in Mount Jerome Cemetery.
This collection and a mix of memorabilia that relates to the Easter Rising will be on public display for the first time EVER so this is a hugely important moment, specifically for the history of Ringsend. Ringsend, being a working class area, was home to many people who were sympathetic to the Irish nationalist cause and because of the close proximity to key parts of the city meant it witnessed the chaos of the Rising, even if it wasn’t a major battlefield. Additionally the Irish Volunteers in Ringsend were part of the broader effort of the rebellion with many locals taking part in the Rising, with some being involved, whether as fighters, supporters or tragically, as civilians caught in the crossfire.
These vital archives were recently acquired and preserved by The Dublin Military Archives who solely deals with 1916 to 1923 and the Ringsend and District Historical Society are filled with the utmost gratitude to present this exclusive debut for everyone to come along and see.
The walking tour will start from Ringsend and Irishtown Community Centre at 12pm, guided by Historian and Chairman of the Ringsend and District Historical Society, Eddie Bohan, and will visit and explore various locations in the area where key events unfolded, helping visitors grasp the scale, impact, and challenges of the rebellion. Eddie’s vast knowledge will bring the past into the present, creating an enriching and memorable experience through his enthusiasm and passion for storytelling and legacies, inspiring curiosity, engagement and connection. The tour is also a way to walk through history and experience the story in the very places where it happened while offering an opportunity to honour the memory of the leaders, rebels and ordinary citizens who fought for our Irish Independence.
After the tour concludes around 1pm, it’s back to RICC to launch the exhibition. There will be an introductory talk about Seamus Grace and everyone can browse and appreciate this spectacular historical collection. Refreshments will also be served.
This is a free event but booking is essential to secure your place on the walking tours as spaces are limited to 30 and on a first come first served basis and please prepare for the weather. There is also a possibility of a second walking tour on the day if there is a growing interest or a larger number of participants than expected; this is to ensure that everybody has a comfortable experience, with smaller groups allowing for more personalised attention, easier interaction and better overall enjoyment.
1916 dress is also optional!
You can book your free ticket by emailing 1916easterrisingcoachtour@gmail.com.
Ringsend and District Historical Society is dedicated to preserving, researching and promoting the history of our communities. This group works together to collect and safeguard historical artifacts, documents, stories, and share historical knowledge with the public, engaging in advocacy, helping to protect historical landmarks, cultural heritage and local traditions to help safeguard that significant physical reminders of our history remain intact and their ultimate goal is to foster an appreciation of history and to ensure that it is passed down to future generations. They are always looking for new members and volunteers to help and assist on their many events all year round so do get in touch on their Facebook page and by email ringsenddistricthistorical@gmail.com.
