After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal
Episode: Easter Rising: First World War In Dublin
Release Date: April 3, 2025
Hosts: Anthony Delaney & Maddy Pelling
Guest: Dr. Conor Mulver

Introduction

In this gripping episode of After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal, hosts Anthony Delaney and Maddy Pelling delve deep into the tumultuous events of the 1916 Easter Rising in Dublin. Joining them is esteemed historian Dr. Conor Mulver, who provides expert insights into the military tactics, political implications, and lasting legacy of this pivotal moment in Irish history.

Setting the Scene: Kilmainham Jail and the Onset of the Rising

Anthony Delaney opens the episode with a vivid portrayal of Patrick Pearse awaiting execution in Kilmainham Jail, capturing the emotional weight and final moments of one of the Easter Rising's key figures.

"Patrick Pearse...reflecting on his fate to his mother, he says, 'this is the death I should have asked... to die a soldier's death for Ireland and for freedom.'"
— [00:27]

The Day of the Rising: Seizing Key Positions

Maddy Pelling and Dr. Conor Mulver discuss the strategic movements on Easter Monday, focusing on the rebels' calculated takeover of significant buildings in Dublin.

Dr. Mulver explains the rebels' tactical inspirations:

"They looked at what happened in the Paris Commune...they adopted similar tactics, such as barricading streets and fortifying key positions."
— [05:23]

Key battalions seized pivotal locations:

• General Post Office (GPO): The symbolic heart of the rebellion.
• Four Courts: Center of British justice in Ireland.
• Jacob's Biscuit Factory & Boland's Mills: Essential suppliers to British forces.
• South Dublin Union: A corrupt institution symbolizing local grievances.
• Stevens Green: Site of the Irish Citizen Army's trench work.

Dr. Mulver highlights the blend of ideological and military motivations behind these choices, referencing historian Lauren Arrington:

"There's a mix of strong ideological reasons and military utility in the targets chosen by the rebels."
— [05:23]

British Response and Escalation

As the rebels establish their "ring of steel," the British army initially struggles to counter the unexpected urban warfare tactics. Dr. Mulver outlines the British strategy shift:

"The British declared martial law and began cordoning off Dublin, using artillery and innovative, albeit tragic, armored vehicles to reclaim positions."
— [16:21]

Notable events include:

• Artillery Shelling: Heavy bombardment from Trinity College dislodges rebels from the GPO.
• Mount Street Ambush: Rebels inflict significant casualties on marching British troops.
• North King Street Massacre: Use of improvised armored vehicles leads to horrific civilian casualties.

Civilian Impact and Chaos in Dublin

Maddy Pelling emphasizes the profound effect of the Rising on Dublin's civilian population, highlighting stories of loss and survival:

"The majority of those who died were civilians, caught in the crossfire of an already suffering city."
— [28:19]

Dr. Mulver shares harrowing accounts, such as:

• The Tragic Death of a Child: A stray bullet kills a one-year-old in Church Street, illustrating the indiscriminate violence.
• Role of the Capuchin Friars: Providing spiritual and material support to affected civilians amidst chaos.

The Decision to Surrender

Despite initial successes, the rebels' strategic disadvantages grow as British forces intensify their efforts. Dr. Mulver details the pivotal moments leading to the surrender:

"With the GPO engulfed in flames and surrounded by snipers, Pearse decides to negotiate an unconditional surrender to prevent further loss of life."
— [33:28]

Key factors influencing the decision:

• Destruction of Key Strongholds: The GPO fire and sustained British artillery pressure.
• Casualties Among Leaders: James Connolly's critical injuries hinder effective leadership.
• Exhaustion and Isolation: Rebel positions are increasingly untenable without reinforcements.

Aftermath: Arrests, Executions, and Propaganda

Following the surrender, the British authorities immediately begin arrests and executions, which play a crucial role in shaping Irish public opinion and future resistance.

Dr. Mulver discusses the execution process and its impact:

"Executions were carried out swiftly, often by the units that had suffered the heaviest losses, adding a personal vendetta element to the reprisal."
— [50:49]

Notable executions include:

• Patrick Pearse, Tom Clarke, Thomas McDonough: Executed promptly as rebel leaders.
• Willy Pearce: Executed due to familial ties, highlighting the indiscriminate nature of the reprisals.
• James Connolly: Fatally wounded yet persistent, symbolizing the relentless struggle for freedom.

The use of executions as propaganda by Irish Republicans forged a lasting mythology around the Rising:

"These executions were weaponized by Republican propagandists, converting public sentiment towards supporting Republicanism."
— [58:29]

Legacy and Global Significance

Dr. Conor Mulver underscores the 1916 Easter Rising's pivotal role in Ireland's path to independence and its broader implications for global decolonization movements.

"The Rising is fundamental in understanding the eventual dissolution of the British Empire and inspired numerous global independence movements."
— [60:34]

Key points include:

• Shift in British Imperial Policy: Demonstrated the vulnerability of the empire, emboldening other colonies to seek independence.
• Formation of Sinn Féin: Transition from a marginal political entity to the dominant force post-Rising, winning a landslide in the 1918 general election.
• Influence on Future Irish Conflicts: Learned lessons from the Rising that shaped later guerrilla tactics during the War of Independence and the Civil War.

Conclusion

Anthony Delaney and Maddy Pelling conclude the episode by reflecting on the enduring significance of the 1916 Easter Rising, not only for Ireland but for global history. They emphasize the importance of understanding such events to grasp the complex legacy of colonialism and the fight for self-determination.

"The 1916 Rising is a cornerstone in the narrative of decolonization and remains a vital study for comprehending modern revolutionary movements."
— [60:34]

Notable Quotes

• Anthony Delaney:

  "It’s such a complex set of events in many ways, and I love some of these ideas that you're putting forward."
  — [16:21]

• Maddy Pelling:

  "There's just something so, I suppose, tantalising and terrifying about the way that warfare in the space had to be adapted."
  — [28:19]

• Dr. Conor Mulver:

  "The 1916 Rising is fundamental in the history of the Union and leads to the breaking of the Union."
  — [60:34]

Further Listening

For those intrigued by the Easter Rising and its profound impact on Irish and global history, After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal offers additional episodes exploring related topics, including the Great Famine in Ireland and the intriguing lore of the Banshee.

Contact:
Feel free to share your thoughts or inquiries by contacting the hosts at afterdark@historyhit.com.

Stay tuned for more enthralling explorations into history's darkest and most enigmatic moments on After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal.