Thomas Mac Donagh 1916

Information: Thomas Mac Donagh was an Irish political activist, poet, playwright, educationalist and revolutionary leader. Born: February 1, 1878, Cloughjordan, Tipperary. Died: May 3, 1916, Kilmainham Gaol (jail), Dublin Battles and wars: Easter Rising Education: University College Dublin, Rockwell College

A bit more about his background!!! He was a teacher the same as his parents before him he was assistant headmaster at St. Enda's School, Scoil Éanna, and lecturer in English at University College Dublin. He was a member of the Gaelic League, where he befriended Patrick Pearse and Eoin MacNeill. He was a founding member of the Irish Volunteers with MacNeill and Pearse.

His works His works include: April and May When the Dawn is Come Songs of Myself Lyrical Poems Thomas Campion and the Art of English Poetry Literature in Ireland (published after he died)

How did he get into the 1916 Rising??? He joined the Irish Volunteers in November 1913, becoming a member of the provisional committee and taking part in the Howth gun-running Although a member of the IRB (Irish Republican Brotherhood)from April 1915, he was not co-opted to the Military Council until early April 1916, and so had little part in planning the Rising. He is believed, however, to have contributed to the content of the Proclamation.

How he died He was executed on 3 May 1916 by the British as well as Thomas James Clarke, Patrick Pearse on the same day

Lament for Thomas MacDonagh 'He shall not hear the bittern cry In the wild sky where he is lain, Nor voices of the sweeter birds Above the wailing of the rain… But when the Dark Cow leaves the moor And pastures poor with greedy weeds, Perhaps he'll hear her low at morn, Lifting her horn in pleasant meads The lament for Thomas MacDonagh was written by a man called Francis Ledwidge