Patrick Maher (Irish republican) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Patrick Maher
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| Born | c. 1889 County Limerick, Ireland
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| Died | 7 June 1921(aged 32/33) Mountjoy Jail, Dublin, Ireland
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| Cause of death | Execution |
| Nationality | Irish |
| Occupation | Railway worker |
| Known for | Executed IRA volunteer : One of The Forgotten Ten |
Patrick Maher (born around 1889 – died June 7, 1921) was a member of the Irish Republican Army (IRA). He was executed in Mountjoy Prison in Dublin when he was 32 years old.
Contents
Patrick Maher: A Story of Irish History
Patrick Maher was from County Limerick, Ireland. He was executed along with Edmond Foley. This happened because he was accused of being involved in a famous event at Knocklong Railway Station.
The Knocklong Incident
On May 13, 1919, there was a rescue at Knocklong Railway Station. This event involved freeing Seán Hogan, a member of the IRA. During this rescue, two officers from the Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC), which was the police force at the time, were killed.
Patrick Maher's Trial
Patrick Maher worked at the railway station, sorting poultry and eggs. He was not directly involved in the rescue itself. In fact, at the time of the event, he was three miles away at a crossroads.
Patrick Maher strongly said he was innocent. Two different groups of regular citizens, called juries, could not agree on whether he was guilty. Finally, a special military court, called a court-martial, found him guilty. He was then sentenced to death.
The Forgotten Ten
Patrick Maher is one of a group of ten men who were executed and buried in Mountjoy Prison between 1920 and 1921. These men are often called "The Forgotten Ten".
In 2001, Patrick Maher and the other nine men, including Kevin Barry, were dug up. They were then given a special funeral organized by the government, known as a State funeral.
Patrick Maher is the only one of these ten men who is not buried in Glasnevin Cemetery in Dublin. He wanted to be buried in his home county. So, he was buried at Ladywell Graveyard in Ballylanders, County Limerick, as he and his family wished.
