Thomas MacDonagh

Born: 1878

Died: May 3, 1916 in Dublin

    Thomas MacDonagh was an artistic, creative person who entered the teaching staff as a professor of English at the National University. He joined the Gaelic League and befriended Patrick Pearse. He was a fellow poet and dramatist described as being very kind. He was talkative and well-read in Irish literature and history.

"The personal view of Thomas MacDonagh was for moderation: a show of arms madness without German aid. MacDonagh was born at Cloughjordan, County Tipperary, in the year 1878 and later worked as a tutor at University College, Dublin. He was a colleague and helper of Pearse’s in many educational projects and literature was his chief joy in life" (Rex Taylor, Michael Collins).

    For more on Thomas MacDonagh, please read Rebels: The Irish Rising of 1916 by Peter DeRosa.