1916- the Easter Rising by Tim Pat Coogan

Author:Tim Pat Coogan [Coogan, Tim Pat]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781474605083
Publisher: Orion Publishing Group Ltd
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

The European war has brought about a crisis which may contain, as yet hidden within it, the moment for which the generations have been waiting. It remains to be seen whether, if that moment reveals itself, we shall have the sight to see and the courage to do; or whether it shall be written of this generation, alone of all the generations of Ireland, that it had none among it who dared to make the ultimate sacrifice.

Failing to move Pearse, O’Rahilly decided the following morning to attempt to talk MacNeill into averting the Rising. He found MacNeill an easier mark than Pearse. The morning papers had carried reports saying that a man had been captured in Kerry after landing from a German submarine. Casement was not named but clearly the portents for a successful German arms landing were bad. MacNeill began writing out a set of countermanding orders to be delivered to all Volunteer units throughout the country, cancelling any instructions they might have received for staging a rebellion. He was strengthened in his resolve in this course of action when, around teatime, O’Rahilly returned bringing with him two Volunteers who had just reached Dublin from Kerry. MacNeill learned for the first time of the sinking of the Aud and the capture of Casement.

Furious, he had O’Rahilly drive him to St Enda’s for a final confrontation with Pearse, who told him: ‘We have used your name and influence for all their worth – now we don’t need you any more. It’s no use you trying to stop us. Our plans are laid and they will be carried out.’

‘So well laid’, MacNeill retorted, ‘that the police at Ardfert have already upset them’. He warned Pearse that he intended to forbid any mobilisation. Pearse retorted that the IRB faction at least would not obey him and MacNeill stalked angrily out of the house, telling Pearse where he could be contacted. MacNeill hoped until ten o’clock that evening that he would be so contacted and informed that the Rising was off. However, realising that he need expect no word from Pearse to the IRB, he gave The O’Rahilly the following countermanding order: ‘Volunteers completely deceived. All orders for special action are hereby cancelled and on no account will action be taken.’

The O’Rahilly then set off in his car on an incredible drive through several counties, distributing the order which was also disseminated by other couriers using any means of transport available. Having dispatched his countermanding order, MacNeill then proceeded to drive the final nail into the coffin. He caused the following announcement to be published in the Dublin Sunday Independent:

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