Staker Wallace facts for kids
Patrick "Staker" Wallace (1733 - 1798) was an Irish patriot. He lived in County Limerick, Ireland, near Kilfinane. He became famous for fighting for Irish independence. Sadly, he was executed in 1798 by people loyal to the British.
His Name
Most people knew him as Staker Wallace or The Staker. His first name was most likely Patrick. He got his nickname after he died. After he was executed, his head was placed on a stake for everyone to see. That's how he became "Staker" Wallace.
Some old writings say his first name was William or Edmond. But it seems Patrick is the correct one. His two sons both named their first sons Patrick. Also, a list from 1798 shows a "Patrick Wallis" was sentenced to be hanged. Wallis and Wallace are different ways to spell the same family name.
His Life
Patrick Wallace's family had lived in County Limerick for many years. In 1758, he married Hanora Riordan. They had five children: William, Patrick Jr., Mary, Joan, and Hanora. Patrick was a small farmer. He was in his 60s when he joined the fight for independence.
Fighting for Freedom in 1798
Patrick Wallace was part of the events leading up to the 1798 rebellion in Ireland. This was a big uprising where Irish people wanted to be free from British rule. He was a local leader, like a captain, for a group called the United Irishmen. This group wanted Ireland to have its own government.
"Staker" Wallace was arrested in March 1798. He was accused of being a revolutionary. He was executed in Kilfinane in July 1798. His body was buried in the Abbey burial grounds in Glenroe-Ballyorgan parish.
Wallace might also have led a group called the Whiteboys. These farmers dressed in sheets at night. They protested against rich landowners who took land that everyone used to share. This change made life harder for poor farmers. It also felt like another attack on Irish traditions by those loyal to Britain.
In Culture
There is an old Irish ballad (a traditional song) about Patrick Wallace. It's called "Death of Staker Wallace" or "Lament for Staker Wallace." We know the tune, but only a few of the words remain. It's a tune often played on the uilleann pipes, a type of Irish bagpipe. A famous fiddler, Eileen Ivers, played a version of this tune. It was used in the movie Gangs of New York (2002).
A sports club, the GAA club Staker Wallace, is named after him. It was started in 1886 and is located near Kilmallock.
