Special thanks to Trish Darcy for affording me the time to write, and for her constant love and motivation. My two children missed out on a good few summer days when I should have been with them instead of researching, so thanks to Fionn and Lily May for their patience and support. The following people are deserving of special gratitude: Emer Ryan for her brilliant editorial skills and suggestions, which really shaped the book. For their forbearance, Michael O’Brien, Ivan O’Brien, Eoin O’Brien, Ide Ní Laoghaire, Susan Houlden and all at O’Brien Press, including Emma, Nicola, Kunak, Helen, Bex, Elena, Aoife, Brenda, Sarah, Fionnuala, Laura, Ruth and Ruth. Dr Conor McNamara was particularly helpful and offered many great suggestions and much encouragement, and gave me access to information that I would not otherwise have found. Pádraig Óg Ó Ruairc was kind enough to read the draft and gave me guidance when I needed it most. Thanks to Liz Gillis for her speedy replies and expertise. Liam Cowley was particularly helpful, too. For encouragement and knowledge: Dr John Gibney, Dr Conor Kostick, Dr Ruan O’Donnell, Stew Reddin, Gerry Shannon, Niall Bracken, Paul O’Brien, Jim Langton, Ronnie Daly, Ruairí O’Donnell, and Cuan Ó Seireadáin. Donal Fallon and Las Fallon were both helpful and kind. Thanks to Joe Connell and Professor Mary McCay in the US. Special thanks to Glenn Dunne and Berni Metcalfe at the National Library of Ireland. Thanks to Captain Daniel Ayiotis, Hugh Beckett, Lisa Dolan, Noelle Grothier, Commandant Stephen MacEoin, Adrian Short, Linda Hickey, Sergeant Ned Kelly, Corporal Kevin Byrne, CQMS Tom Mitchell, Commandant Claire Mortimer and all at the Bureau of Military Archives. Also to all at Kilmainham Gaol, especially Aoife Torpey and Niall Bergin.
For all their constant encouragement, thanks to Mamo and Dado, Orla, Mark, Diarmuid, Eibhlis, Carmel, John, Pat, Kathleen, Barry, Maireaid, Eoin, Bernie, Aoife, Oisín, Ferdia, Roisín, Nora, Gerry, Rory, Colin, Fiona, Pedro, Denise, Liam, Ciara, Dave, Daithí, Gary, Davorka, Peter, Alex, Ci, Jack, Conor, Ruth, Rita O’Hare, Gerry Adams, Nikki Gavin, Cecelia and Boppo. Always great supporters of the 1916 Walking Tour: John Donoghue, James Donoghue, Anna, Alan, JF, Josh, Ken, Fran, Ciara, Joey, Shane, Matt and all the great people at the International Bar. Thanks to Fionntan and all the people of the Market in Belfast. To Ann, Mervyn and everyone in Glasnevin Cemetery and Museum. To Matthew at the National Botanic Gardens and all the Dublin Northside attractions. To all the lads in the GPO and at Fáilte Ireland on Suffolk Street, thanks for the constant support. Best to all the great women of Moore Street. Respect to all the men and women who fought and who fight for a better Ireland. Finally, Shane Mac Thomáis, Shane Kenna and Tom Stokes, gone but not forgotten.