Political Writings and Speeches

by Patrick Pearse

He is such a hero of mine. He was one of the greatest orators of his time, a brilliant poet and teacher who spoke many languages and was a great patriot. He was the leader of the 1916 rebellion and both he and his brother Willie were executed. Because of their passion, his writings of course can be exploited, and indeed have been subverted in a sense. In truth, I suppose they do contain a spiritual and moral call to arms, one which is written into the narrative story of Ireland.