Frank Henderson (Irish revolutionary) facts for kids

Frank Henderson (Irish: Proinsíos Mac Ionnraic) was an Irish hero who fought for Ireland's freedom. He was a captain in the Irish Volunteers, a group of people who wanted Ireland to be independent. He took part in three important events: the Easter Rising, the War of Independence, and the Civil War.

Frank Henderson's Early Life

Frank Henderson grew up in Fairview, a part of Dublin's Northside. He went to school at St. Joseph's Secondary C.B.S., Fairview, which was run by the Christian Brothers. There, he learned to love the Irish language.

Joining the Irish Volunteers

In November 1913, Frank Henderson joined the Irish Volunteers. This group was formed to help Ireland become independent from British rule. He was involved in the 1914 gun-running event in Howth. This was when guns were secretly brought into Ireland for the Volunteers. Frank lived near Father Matthew Park in Fairview. Many of these smuggled guns were stored there, and the Volunteers practiced their drills.

Taking Part in the Easter Rising

In 1916, Frank Henderson was at the GPO during the Easter Rising. This was a major rebellion against British rule in Ireland. He was there with famous leaders like Pearse, Connolly, and Clarke. After the Rising, he was sent to jail in Stafford, England. Later, he was moved to Frongoch in Wales.

Life After the Rising

In 1927, Frank Henderson and Oscar Traynor started a printing company called Fódhla. Years later, in 1941, he became a commandant. This was a high rank in the 26th Battalion Old IRA during the Second World War.

Remembering Frank Henderson

Frank Henderson's actions are still remembered today. In 2011, special plaques were put up in Fairview. One was at St. Mary's National School, where Father Matthew Park used to be. Two more were placed at St Joseph's C.B.S. These plaques honor past students who took part in the Easter Rising. Frank Henderson is also mentioned in a book called The Scrap by Gene Kerrigan.