Peadar Kearney facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Peadar Kearney
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Kearney in 1912
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| Born | 12 December 1883 68 Lower Dorset Street, Dublin |
| Died | 24 November 1942 (aged 58) Inchicore, Dublin, Ireland |
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Glasnevin Cemetery, Dublin, Ireland
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Peadar Kearney (born December 12, 1883 – died November 24, 1942) was an important Irish figure. He was a republican and wrote many songs about Irish independence. In 1907, he wrote the words for "A Soldier's Song." This song later became "Amhrán na bhFiann," which is now the official national anthem of Ireland. Peadar Kearney was also the uncle of famous Irish writers Brendan Behan, Brian Behan, and Dominic Behan.
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Early Life and Education
Peadar Kearney was born in 1883 in Dublin, Ireland. His family lived above one of his father's grocer's shops on Lower Dorset Street. Sadly, his father later lost his businesses and worked as an insurance agent.
Peadar went to the Model School and St. Joseph's C.B.S. in Fairview. He also briefly attended Belvedere College. After his father passed away, Peadar had to work to help support his mother and five younger brothers and sisters. He worked different jobs before becoming a house painter.
Joining the Fight for Ireland
Peadar Kearney became very involved in Irish nationalist groups. In 1901, he joined the Willie Rooney Branch of the Gaelic League, which promoted Irish language and culture. In 1903, he became a member of the Irish Republican Brotherhood, a secret organization working for Irish independence.
He taught Irish language classes at night, and one of his students was the famous writer Seán O'Casey. Peadar also worked with the National Theatre Society. He helped get the Abbey Theatre ready when it opened in 1904. He worked there until 1916, helping with props and sometimes acting in small roles.
Role in the Irish Volunteers
In 1913, Peadar Kearney helped create the Irish Volunteers. This group was formed to protect Ireland's right to self-governance. He took part in important events like the Howth and Kilcoole gun runnings in 1914. These events involved secretly bringing weapons into Ireland for the Volunteers.
Easter Rising and War of Independence
Peadar Kearney played a role in the Easter Rising of 1916. This was a major rebellion against British rule in Ireland. He left an Abbey Theatre tour in England to join the fight. He fought at Jacob's biscuit factory in Dublin. He managed to escape before the British forces captured his group.
He continued to be active during the Irish War of Independence. In 1920, he was captured at his home. He was held in camps, first in Dublin and then in Ballykinler Camp in County Down.
After the Civil War
Peadar Kearney was a friend of Michael Collins, a key leader in the fight for Irish independence. At first, Kearney supported the Irish Free State during the Irish Civil War. However, after Michael Collins died, he lost faith in the new state. He then stopped being involved in politics and went back to his job as a house painter.
Peadar Kearney passed away in 1942 in Inchicore, Dublin. He is buried in Glasnevin Cemetery in Dublin. He was survived by his wife, Eva, and their two sons, Pearse and Con.
Songs and Legacy
Peadar Kearney's songs were very popular among the Irish Volunteers and later the IRA. His most famous song is "The Soldier's Song." He wrote the English words in 1907. His friend, Patrick Heeney, composed the music for it. The words were published in 1912, and the music in 1916.
After the 1916 Easter Rising, "The Soldier's Song" became the anthem for Irish nationalists. When the Irish Free State was formed in 1922, it officially adopted the song as its national anthem in 1926. The government later bought the copyright to the song in 1934. From the 1930s, the song was often sung in Irish, using a translation by Liam Ó Rinn.
Other Famous Songs
Peadar Kearney wrote many other well-known songs, including:
- "Down by the Glenside"
- "The Tri-coloured Ribbon"
- "Down by the Liffey Side"
- "Knockcroghery" (about the village of Knockcroghery)
- "Erin Go Bragh" (a phrase meaning "Ireland Forever," which was on an early Irish flag)
Family Connections
Peadar Kearney was the uncle of famous writers Brendan Behan and Dominic Behan. His sister, Kathleen Kearney, married Stephen Behan, who was part of Michael Collins's special unit called "The Twelve Apostles." Both Brendan and Dominic Behan also became republicans and songwriters.
When Peadar Kearney died, Brendan Behan was in prison and was not allowed to attend the funeral. Brendan wrote a letter to Peadar's son, Pearse, saying how much he admired and loved his uncle.
Remembering Peadar Kearney
A famous Irish sculptor named James Power created a portrait of Peadar Kearney. In 1957, Peadar's nephew, Seamus de Burca, wrote a book about him called The Soldier's Song: The Story of Peadar Ó Cearnaigh. Seamus de Burca also published letters Peadar wrote to his wife while he was held in Ballykinlar Internment Camp in 1921.
Today, a special plaque on Dorset Street in Dublin marks the place where Peadar Kearney was born.
Images for kids
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The gravestone of Thomas Ashe, Peadar Kearney and Piaras Béaslaí at Glasnevin Cemetery.
