Thomas Ashe

Thomas Ashe - portrait photograph

Thomas Ashe
Born	Thomas Patrick Ashe (1867-01-12)12 January 1867 Lisnaree, County Kerry, Ireland
Died	25 September 1917(1917-09-25) (aged 50) Dublin, Ireland
Nationality	Irish
Occupation	Teacher, Revolutionary
Known for	Easter Rising, Irish War of Independence

Thomas Patrick Ashe (12 January 1867 – 25 September 1917) was an Irish revolutionary and member of the Gaelic League. He is best known for his involvement in the Easter Rising and his subsequent death while on hunger strike in 1917.

Early Life

Thomas Ashe was born in Lisnaree, County Kerry, Ireland. He was educated locally and later attended De La Salle College in Waterford, where he trained as a teacher. Ashe was deeply influenced by the cultural revival movement in Ireland and became an active member of the Gaelic League, which aimed to promote the Irish language and culture.

Revolutionary Activities

Ashe joined the Irish Republican Brotherhood (IRB), a secret organization dedicated to the establishment of an independent Irish Republic. He played a significant role in the planning and execution of the Easter Rising in 1916, a pivotal event in the struggle for Irish independence. Ashe commanded the Fingal Battalion of the Irish Volunteers during the Rising, leading his men in several engagements against British forces.

Easter Rising

During the Easter Rising, Ashe and his battalion were involved in the successful attack on the Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC) barracks at Ashbourne, County Meath. This engagement, known as the Battle of Ashbourne, was one of the few clear victories for the rebels during the Rising. Following the surrender of the rebel forces, Ashe was arrested and sentenced to death, but his sentence was later commuted to life imprisonment.

Imprisonment and Hunger Strike

Ashe was imprisoned in Lewes Prison in England, where he continued to advocate for the rights of Irish prisoners. In 1917, he was transferred to Mountjoy Prison in Dublin. Ashe and other prisoners went on hunger strike to protest the conditions of their imprisonment and to demand political status. On 25 September 1917, Ashe died as a result of force-feeding, a practice used by the prison authorities to break the hunger strike.

Legacy

Thomas Ashe's death had a profound impact on the Irish independence movement. His funeral was attended by thousands and became a significant event in the history of the struggle for Irish independence. Ashe is remembered as a martyr for the cause of Irish freedom, and his legacy continues to inspire those who seek justice and independence for Ireland.

See Also

• Easter Rising
• Irish War of Independence
• Gaelic League
• Irish Republican Brotherhood
• Irish Volunteers
• Mountjoy Prison