The National Graves Association (NGA) was formed in 1926. The first meeting was presided over by Mrs Kathleen Clarke, widow of the executed 1916 leader Thomas J. Clarke, and set out its objectives: to restore and maintain the graves of the patriotic dead of every generation, to commemorate those who died in the cause of … Read more
The Ulster Volunteer Force (1913–20) was a paramilitary organisation created in January 1913 in response to the campaign against Home Rule. The UVF soon had 90,000 members; it was mainly led by retired British Army officers and trained by reserve non-commissioned officers. The members were well equipped compared to their southern opponents, the Irish Volunteers; … Read more
Padraig (‘Paddy’) O’Connor was a veteran of the 1916 Rising, the War of Independence and the Civil War. He served under Michael Collins and held the rank of lieutenant in the 4th Dublin Brigade. In 1923 he was promoted to colonel in the National Army (he was one of the officers who took over Beggars … Read more
As the Gentlemen of Ireland had played only eight matches between 1910 and 1921, the War of Independence presented a golden opportunity to play decent opposition, with so many cricketing troops stationed here. A two-day match was arranged for the first weekend in June 1921 and, as always, College Park was the venue. A good … Read more
Bob Lambert was one of Ireland’s greatest sportsmen. Not only did he excel at cricket but he also played badminton for the country. Wisden Cricketers’ Almanac recorded his obituary in 1957: ‘Robert Lambert was the best all-rounder produced by Ireland, for whom he played 52 times between 1893 and 1930, scoring 1,995 runs, including four … Read more