15 Facts About Michael O'Hanrahan

Michael O'Hanrahan was an Irish rebel who was executed for his active role in the 1916 Easter Rising.

Michael O'Hanrahan was born as Michael Hanrahan in New Ross, County Wexford, Ireland, the son of Richard Hanrahan, a cork cutter, and Mary Williams.

Michael O'Hanrahan's father appears to have been involved in the 1867 Fenian rising.

The family moved to Carlow, where Michael was educated at Carlow Christian Brothers' School and Carlow College Academy.

Michael O'Hanrahan published journalism under the by-lines 'Art' and 'Irish Reader' in several nationalist newspapers, including Sinn Fein and the Irish Volunteer.

Michael O'Hanrahan was the author of two novels A Swordsman of the Brigade and When the Norman Came.

The encounter with Griffith led Michael O'Hanrahan to join the newly formed Sinn Fein.

Michael O'Hanrahan became a member of the Irish Republican Brotherhood.

Michael O'Hanrahan was later employed as an administrator on the Volunteers headquarters staff.

Michael O'Hanrahan was made quartermaster general of the 2nd Battalion.

Michael O'Hanrahan was second in command of Dublin's 2nd battalion under Commandant Thomas MacDonagh.

Michael O'Hanrahan fought at Jacob's Biscuit Factory, though the battalion saw little action other than intense sniping throughout Easter week, as the British Army largely kept clear of the impregnable factory dominating the road from Portobello Barracks on one side and Dublin Castle on the other.

Michael O'Hanrahan led "with some difficulty" the garrison out of the factory through New Bride Street gate.

Michael O'Hanrahan was executed by firing squad on 4 May 1916 at Kilmainham Gaol.

Wexford railway station is named in commemoration of Michael O'Hanrahan, as is the road bridge over the River Barrow at New Ross.