Michael O'Hanrahan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Michael O'Hanrahan
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Michael O'Hanrahan
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| Native name |
Mícheál Ó hAnnracháin
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| Born | 16 January 1877 New Ross, Ireland |
| Died | 4 May 1916 (aged 39) Kilmainham Gaol, Dublin, Ireland |
| Allegiance |
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| Years of service | 1913–1916 |
| Rank | Vice-commandant |
| Commands held | 3rd battalion |
| Battles/wars | Easter Rising |
Michael O'Hanrahan was an important Irish rebel. He was born on January 16, 1877, and died on May 4, 1916. He played a big part in the Easter Rising in 1916, which was a major event in Irish history. He was executed for his role in this rebellion.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Michael O'Hanrahan was born as Michael Hanrahan. His hometown was New Ross in County Wexford, Ireland. His father, Richard Hanrahan, worked as a cork cutter. Michael's family later moved to Carlow.
In Carlow, Michael went to school at the Christian Brothers' School. He also studied at Carlow College Academy. After school, he worked different jobs. He even worked with his father for a while.
Joining Irish Groups
Michael was very interested in Irish culture and independence.
- In 1898, he joined the Gaelic League. This group worked to keep the Irish language and culture alive.
- In 1899, he started the first branch of the Gaelic League in Carlow. He became its secretary.
- By 1903, he moved to Dublin. There, he worked as a proof-reader for a Gaelic League printing company.
- He wrote articles for nationalist newspapers. He used pen names like 'Art' and 'Irish Reader'.
Political Activities
Michael O'Hanrahan became more involved in politics.
- In 1903, he joined a campaign against King Edward VII visiting Ireland. This campaign was led by Maud Gonne and Arthur Griffith.
- Because of this, O'Hanrahan joined Sinn Féin. This was a new political party.
- He also became a member of the Irish Republican Brotherhood. This was a secret group working for Irish independence.
- In November 1913, he joined the Irish Volunteers. This was a group of armed men. They wanted to protect Ireland's rights.
- O'Hanrahan worked in the Volunteers' main office. He became the quartermaster general for the 2nd Battalion. This meant he was in charge of supplies.
- He became good friends with Thomas MacDonagh. MacDonagh was the leader of the 2nd Battalion.
The 1916 Easter Rising
The Easter Rising was a rebellion in Dublin in April 1916. It was an attempt to gain Irish independence from British rule.
- Michael O'Hanrahan was the second-in-command. He served under Commandant Thomas MacDonagh in Dublin's 2nd Battalion.
- They fought at Jacob's Biscuit Factory. The factory was a strong position. It controlled important roads.
- The British Army mostly avoided attacking the factory directly. Instead, there was a lot of sniping.
- As the rebellion continued, the situation became very difficult.
- O'Hanrahan told MacDonagh that staying in the factory was too dangerous. He worried about the factory and nearby homes being destroyed.
- MacDonagh ordered his men to leave the factory.
- O'Hanrahan led the group out of the factory. They left through the New Bride Street gate.
After the Rising
- Michael O'Hanrahan was captured after the Easter Rising.
- He was executed by a firing squad. This happened on May 4, 1916, at Kilmainham Jail.
- His brother, Henry O'Hanrahan, also took part in the Rising. He was sentenced to prison for life.
Remembering Michael O'Hanrahan
Michael O'Hanrahan is remembered in Ireland.
- Wexford railway station is named after him.
- A road bridge over the River Barrow in New Ross is also named in his honor.
- Two Gaelic games sports clubs carry his name:
- Geraldine O'Hanrahans GAA in New Ross.
- O'Hanrahans GFC in Carlow town.
Images for kids
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Michael O'Hanrahan
