A Tribute to William Pearse

A Tribute to William Pearse

By Brian Halpin

For The Local News

This year marks the 91st anniversary of the Easter rising and we should be very proud of our national hero’s who took part in this historic event. We should commemorate the men and women who made a brave and heroic attempt to break the connection with our ancient enemy, who imposed torture and suffering on the native people for too long.

It’s also very important to note, the Easter rising was not just a military struggle with Britain but a struggle for a better Ireland. The philosophy and ideals which they left behind are still relevant today.

They imagined a 32 county republic free from foreign interference and one which “cherishes all children of the nation equally”, “guarantees religious and civil liberty, equal rights and opportunities to all its citizens” and declares “the right of the people of Ireland to the ownership of Ireland”. This is all enshrined in the proclamation.

The proclamation of the republic was the most radical document ever put before this nation and we must aspire to see this implemented for the benefit of our future generations.

The people of Crumlin are very privileged to have a local park named after William Pearse, a national hero who was executed for his part in the Easter Rising. He was the younger brother of Padraig Pearse and he joined his brother in GPO during the fighting. Willie’s rank was as a captain in the Irish Volunteers. During his court martial in Richmond barracks, Willie pleaded guilty to “… waging of war against His majesty the king …”

At the same time, he also insisted that he had “no authority or say in the arrangements for the starting of the rebellion. I was throughout – only a personal attaché to my brother P.H. Pearse. I had no direct command.” Willie Pearse was executed on the 4th May 1916.

However, I wonder how the local people will respond to the current proposals to develop their local park. It requires a private developer taking at least 10% of the parkland to fund a new swimming pool and amenities for kids in the park. The people of Crumlin, Drimnagh and Walkinstown are only too familiar with Private Property Developers hoarding up any available space to construct high raised apartments. I cannot see the people accepting the crumbs of a private property developer for amenities we deserve as a right and without compromise.