Irish Medals

Mendicity Institute

So far we have identified 28 people who fought in the Mendicity Institute during Easter Week.

4 died from illness before the War of Independence all due to illness from prison service.

1 was executed

1 was Killed in Action

17 served during the War of Independence

3 whose service in unknown after the 1916 Rising

11 took no part in the War of Independence

The Civil War

2 were Anti-Treaty

6 were Pro-Treaty

11 were neutral  

Richard Balfe witness statement WS251 gives the above list of men who fought at the Mendicity Institute.

Balfe Richard C. Captain 5th Company (Snadymount Castle) 3rd Battalion Irish Volunteers. Joined the Fianna in 1911 and the I.R.B. in 1913 or 1914, Fintan Lawlor Circle Centre Seamus O’Connor. Involved in the rescue of the “Irish Freedom” newspaper printing equipment just prior to the King’s visit in 1911. Joined the Volunteers in 1913 and took part in the Howth Gun-Running. Took part in the fighting the entire time the Institution was occupied by the Rebels including repelling a bayonet charge which took place on the Tuesday. On Wednesday morning the Institute came under heavy attack, Balfe was wounded by a bomb losing the use of his legs and arms but was still fully conscious. Heuston ordered the surrender and hung a white sheet but the attack immediately resumed. Thought to be dead Balfe was left behind, later in the afternoon a British Officer and a Dublin Fusilier with fixed bayonet appeared, Balfe had regained the use of his arms but not his legs, while they were deciding if they would kill Balfe with a bullet or a bayonet a Royal Army Medical Corps officer arrived and claimed Balfe as his prisoner, he was taken to the George V. Hospital (now Saint Bricins). After Balfe recovered he was taken to Richmond Barracks and then to Wakefield before being transferred to Frongoch. He was released from Frongoch at the end of July 1916. Due to injuries received he had no further service after 1919. He did not take part in the War of Independence or the Civil War.

Brennan James Joseph. Volunteer, D (Headquarters) Company, 1st Battalion, Dublin Brigade, Irish Volunteers. Born on the 3rd of November 1890 died on the 6th of April 1976, aged 25 years old at the time of the Rising. Fought at the Mendicity Institute Usher's Island. He was arrested after the surrender. Convicted by Court Martial on the 6th of May and sentenced to death, commuted by the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief to 3 years penal servitude. He was deported to Lewis Prison England, he was released on the 17th of June 1917. He opened a newsagent shop in North King Street after his release, the shop was used as a dispatch drop and collection centre throughout the War of Independence. He did not take part in the Civil War.

Brooks Frederick John. (Fred). Volunteer, C Company, 1st Battalion, Dublin brigade, Irish Volunteers. Born in 1875 died on the 21st of December 1954, aged about 41 years old at the time of the Rising. Fought at the Mendicity Institute, Usher's Island. He was captured when the British overran his position on the Wednesday of the Rising. Convicted by Court Martial on the 6th of May and sentenced to death, commuted by the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief to 3 years penal servitude. He was detained first in Kilmainham then Mountjoy and then deported to Portland Prison, he was released in June 1917. He served throughout the War of Independence and took the Anti-Treaty side in the Civil War.

Byrne John Joseph. (Ua Broin, Seaghan Seosamh) “D” Company, 1st Battalion, Dublin Brigade, Irish Volunteers. Born in 1895 died on the 2nd of July 1954, aged about 21 years old during the Rising. Fought in the Mendicity Institute, Usher's Island, Dublin. Served with the Organisation Department of the Irish Volunteers and IRA in counties Wicklow and Armagh 1917 and 1918, north County Dublin Fingal Brigade area 1920 and in Galway and Kerry January to May 1921 and with an Active Service Unit in North County Dublin until the Truce on the 11th of July 1921. He served as a Superintendent with the Garda Síochána from March 1922 until joining the National Army at the outbreak of the Civil War in June 1922. During the Civil War he served with the Second Eastern Division and Second Southern Division and then on the staff of the Adjutant General Gearóid O' Sullivan. He resigned from the Defence Forces in August 1927 at the rank of Commandant while serving as Officer Commanding, 5th Battalion, Athlone Command, and re-joined during the Second World War serving from 1940 to 1946 at the rank of Lieutenant.

Clarke John. His name appears on the list by Richard Balfe, no other details of his service available.

Richard Coleman

Coleman Richard. Born in Swords County Dublin in 1890. Educated at Swords School and the Christian Brothers North Richmond Street Dublin. Initially he studied to enter the religious life but took up employment with the Midland Railway Company in County Cavan. While in Cavan he made his maiden speech at the Myles the Slasher celebrations at the Bridge of Finea. He left his employment with the Railway and entered the Novitiate of the Christian Brother at Baldoyle and then the Christian Brother College at Marino. Deciding that the religious life was not for him he decided to study to become a teacher and took up employment as an insurance agent while pursuing his studies. During this time he spent six months in Connemara learning Irish. He was president of the Swords Gaelic League where he taught an Irish class and was also an active member of An Fainne. He joined the Irish Volunteers on their inception and was a founder member of the first Swords Company of which he was captain as well as being Adjutant of the 5th (Swords) Battalion. He was out with the Swords Company during Easter Week and responding to a call from James Connolly he led a number of Volunteers to relieve the Mendicity Institute. After a fierce fight to enter the Institute the Garrison were surrounded and forced to surrender. Richard Coleman was sentenced to death this sentence being commuted to three years imprisonment. He was deported and served time in Dartmoor and Lewis Prisons. Richard Coleman was again arrested in May 1918 during the general round-up for what was known as the German-Plot. He was imprisoned in Usk Prison Wales, this was his fifteenth prison sentence. He died in Usk Prison from pneumonia on the 9th of December 1918, he was forced fed during his detention and it was believed this was directly responsible for his death.

Crenigan James. Volunteer, Swords Company, 5th Battalion, Dublin brigade, Irish Volunteers. Born in 1900 died on the 13th of August 1974, aged about 16 at the time of the Rising. Fought at the Mendicity Institute on Usher's Island. He was arrested on the 28th of April sentenced to 12 months imprisonment which he served in Lewis Prison. He re-joined after release and served throughout the War of Independence taking part in an attack on Rush Barracks and the attempted rescue of I.R.A. Captain White. He took the Pro-Treaty side in the Civil War and joined the National Army service with the Motor Transport Corps at the rank of Sergeant. He resigned from the Army in April 1924. His brother John Crenigan was killed in action at the battle of Ashbourne.

Cullen John Francis. Lieutenant, D Company, 1st Battalion, Dublin Brigade, Irish Volunteers. Born in 1895 died on the 29th of May 1918, aged about 20 years old at the time of the Rising. Fought at the Mendicity Institute on Usher's Island. After the surrender he was convicted by Court Martial on the 8th of May and sentenced to death, commuted by the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief to 3 years penal servitude. He was deported to Portland and Lewis Prisons. He died on the 29th of May 1918 from Laryngeal Tuberculosis and Septic Pneumonia which was caused by the conditions he had to suffer while in Prison. He was transferred from Lewis prison in April 1917 and sent to Crooksling Sanatorium in Brittas on the Dublin Wicklow border and then to Jervis Street Hospital and then Newcastle Sanatorium in Wicklow, he died at his mother’s home at 80 Prussia Street, Dublin. He joined the Volunteers in 1913 and was a carpenter by trade.

Roche Edward. (de Roiste). His name appears on the list by Richard Balfe, no other details of his service available.

Derrington Seán. (John Joseph). D Company, 1st Battalion, Dublin Brigade, Irish Volunteers. Born on the 18th of December 1871 died in the 15th of November 1962, aged 44 years old at the time of the Rising. Fought at the Mendicity Institute, Usher's Island. Before the Rising he was Battalion Armourer and also acted as Battalion Armourer. He was captured on the Wednesday of the Rising and was sentenced to death later commuted to penal servitude, he deported to Portland Prison and detained until June 1917. He re-joined the Volunteers after release and resumed his activities as Armourer. He served up to the end of the War of Independence. He did not take part in the Civil War. His son William Patrick also served during the Rising. 

Derrington William Patrick. (Liam). Volunteer, D Company, 1st Battalion, Dublin Brigade, Irish Volunteers. Born on the 20th of October 1898 died on the 18th of February 1943, aged 17 years old at the time of the Rising. Fought at the G.P.O. and the Mendicity Institute, Usher's Island. He was a member of Fianna Eireann before transferring to the Volunteers. He was part of the Mendicity Institute Garrison, on the Tuesday he was sent by Captain Heuston to the G.P.O.  for reinforcements and returned later that day with fifteen of the Ashbourne Volunteers. The post was overrun by British troops on the Wednesday. He was tried and sentenced to two years which was later commuted to one year with hard labour. He was deported to Lewis Prison, he was released about the middle of March 1917. He re-joined the Company on his returned to Dublin. He served throughout the War of Independence. He did not take part in the Civil War. His father Seán Derrington also fought at the  Mendicity Institute during the Rising.

Heuston Sean. Captain, director of training G.H.Q. and Vice-Commandant of the Dublin Battalion Fianna Éireann. With a small garrison he held the Mendicity Institution on Usher’s Island opposite Royal Barracks (now Collins Barracks). Promoted in the field to the rank of Commandant. Executed on the 8th of May 1916.

Kelly Patrick. Volunteer, 5th Battalion (Fingal Battalion), Lusk Company, Dublin Brigade, Irish Volunteers. Born on the 17th of April 1896 died on the 28th of March 1945, aged 20 years old at the time of the Rising. Fought at Finglas County Dublin, the G.P.O. and at the Mendicity Institute on Usher's Island. He mobilised with about twenty other at Fingal on the Monday, they proceeded to the G.P.O. and he was then sent to the Mendicity Institute on Usher's Island on the Tuesday. On the Wednesday, about 4pm, the Mendicity Institute was overrun with British Troops and they were forced to surrender. He was detained at Arbour Hill for a few days then taken to Richmond barracks for trial, he was sentenced to Death which was commuted to three years. He was deported and detained first at Dartmoor then Lewis then Maidstone then Pentonville, he was released on the 17th of July 1917. He served during the War of Independence and did not take part in the Civil War.

Kelly Richard. Volunteer, Lusk Company, 5th Battalion (Fingal Battalion), Dublin Brigade, Irish Volunteers. Born on the 19th of March 1896 died on the 1st of December 1973, aged 20 years old at the time of the Rising. Fought at the G.P.O. and the Mendicity Institute Usher's Island. He was captured on Friday the 28th of April and held at Arbour Hill and Court-martialled at Richmond Barracks where he was sentenced to death commuted to three years Penal Servitude. He was deported and held at Portland and Lewes Prisons. He was released on the 17th of June 1917. He served throughout the War of Independence. During 1920 he took part in a number of IRA operations including the attack on Rush RIC Barracks and the killing of suspected British spy Jack Straw. He was detained by Crown Forces in Arbour Hill and Ballykinlar from the 14th of December 1920 to the 11th of December 1921. He joined the National Army in February 1922 serving until being discharged time expired in April 1924.

Levins George. Volunteer, B Company, Dublin Brigade, Irish Volunteers. Born on the 16th of August 1872 died on the 19th of December 1957, aged 43 years old at the time of the Rising. Fought at Mendicity Institute on Usher's Island. He joined the Volunteers in 1914. He was captured on the Wednesday of the Rising and convicted by Court Martial on the 8th of May and sentenced to death, commuted by the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief to 3 years penal servitude. He was deported and imprisoned at Portland and Lewis Jails, he was released in June 1917. He assisted in reorganising E Company after release and was elected Captain of that company but had to resign a short after due to ill health. He did not take part in the War of Independence. He took the Anti-Treaty side in the Civil War and was involved in the fighting around Barry’s Hotel and Hammon Lane for about two weeks.

Marks James. Volunteer, Swords Company, 5 Battalion (Fingal Battalion), Dublin Brigade, Irish Volunteers. Born in 1895 died on the 16th of December 1939, aged about 21 years old at the time of the Rising. Fought at Finglas, the General Post Office and the Mendicity Institute on Usher's Island. He joined the Volunteers in 1914. He was captured on the Wednesday of the Rising and convicted by Court Martial on the 6th of May and sentenced to death, commuted by the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief to 3 years penal servitude. He was deported and imprisoned at Portland, Lewis and Pentonville Jails, he was released in June 1917. He re-joined the Volunteers and served throughout the War of Independence. He did not take part in the Civil War.

Meehan William. Volunteer, Lusk Company, 5 Battalion (Fingal Battalion), Dublin Brigade, Irish Volunteers. Born on the 3rd of July 1886 died on the 22nd of July 1975, aged 29 years old at the time of the Rising. Fought at Finglas, the General Post Office and the Mendicity Institute on Usher's Island. He joined the Volunteers in 1913. He was captured on the Wednesday of the Rising and convicted by Court Martial on the 6th of May and sentenced to death, commuted by the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief to 3 years penal servitude. He was deported and imprisoned at Portland, Lewis and Pentonville Jails, he was released in June 1917. He re-joined the Volunteers and served throughout the War of Independence mostly involved in Policing. He did not take part in the Civil War.

McLoughlin Seán. (John). Lieutenant, General Headquarters, Fianna Éireann. Born in June 1895 died on the 13th of February 1960, aged 20 years old during the Rising. Fought at the Mendicity Institute on Usher's Island, the Four Courts, the General Post Office, Lower Abbey Street and Moore Street. He joined Fianna Eireann in 1910 and took part in the Howth Gun-Running. He was deported after the surrender first to Knutsford then Frongoch, he was released on the 24th of December 1916. He fought during the War of Independence and in 1921 was sent by Michael Collins and Cathal Brugha to England and although still engaged in IRA activities it was considered better for his safety and health as he suffered from heart and lung problems. He returned to Ireland during the Civil War and was active in the Trade Union movement and Communists party.

Norton Joseph. Mendicity Institute, Irish Volunteers. Died in 1917. He was sentenced to death commuted to three years penal servitude for his part in the Rising. He was deported and held in Lewes Prison and was released under the general amnesty in June 1917. He caught pneumonia while in detention and died from the illness at the end of November 1917. He was from Lispopple in Swords County Dublin and was buried in Swords Cemetery. About 2000 mourners attended the funeral including his brother William who fought at the Battle of Ashbourne during the Rising. The approach to the cemetery was lined with Fianna cyclists and the Fianna buglers played the Last Post and formed a cordon around the graveside.  Other mourners included William Cosgrave M.P., Doctor Hayes, G Plunkett, J Shouldice, H Boland and R Coleman. Among the mourners were about 1,000 Volunteers from the City including a good muster from the Fingal Battalion as well as representatives from Skerries, Lusk, The Naul and Saint Margaret’s. Cumann na mBan were also strongly represented as well as ten Fingal Sinn Fein clubs and several GAA clubs.

O'Dea William. Convicted by Court Martial on the 8th of May and sentenced to death, commuted by the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief to 3 years penal servitude.

O'Kelly Thomas. D Company, 1st Battalion, Dublin Brigade, Irish Volunteers. Born in 1881 died on the 28th of April 1937, aged about 35 years old at the time of the Rising. Fought at the Mendicity Institute on Usher's Island. He took part in the Howth Gun-Running.  After the surrender he was sentenced to death before this was commuted to three years imprisonment, he was detained at Portland and Lewis Prisons, he was released in June 1917. He served throughout the War of Independence mainly involved in intelligence work. He did not take part in the Civil War.

Peppard Thomas. Lusk Company 5th Battalion Dublin Brigade Irish Volunteers. Joined the Irish Volunteers in July 1914. Spent Easter Monday night guarding the road near Blanchardstown, although the railway was damaged nearby he did not take part in this action. On Tuesday morning he was detailed to proceed into the Dublin City in order to reinforce Volunteer units there. After reporting to the G.P.O. he was posted to the Mendicity Institute. He remained in the Mendicity Institution until the Wednesday when the Institute had to be evacuated after coming under heavy attack by the British and the Volunteers were forced to surrender. He was held in Arbour Hill Detention Barracks and brought before a court martial in Richmond Barracks. He was detained in Kilmainham Jail, he was sentenced to death commuted to three years penal servitude and transported to Portland Prison UK. After a spell in Portland he was transferred to Lewes Jail, he was released in June or July 1917. Convicted by Court Martial on the 6th of May and sentenced to death, commuted by the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief to 3 years penal servitude. He re-joined the Irish Volunteers when they reorganised and assisted in organising the Irish Volunteers in the Fingal area. On the 1st April 1918 he held the rank of Battalion Adjutant. He became a member of the Active Service Unit (Flying Column) and that he was involved in attacks at Rush, Lusk and Skerries. He became an Intelligence Officer with the 37th Battalion at Gormanstown. He enlisted in the National Army on the 25th of May 1922 and was demobilised on the 7th of March 1924 at the rank of Lieutenant.

Roach Edward Joseph. Volunteer, D Company, 1st Battalion, Dublin Brigade, Irish Volunteers. Born in 1898 died on the 21st of February 1963, aged about 18 years old at the time of the Rising. Fought at the Mendicity Institute on Usher’s Island and at the G.P.O. On the Monday he went with his Company to the Mendicity Institute where he remained until Monday evening when he was sent with a dispatch to the G.P.O. He remained at the G.P.O. Monday night and returned to the Mendicity Institute on the Tuesday morning. On the Tuesday and Wednesday he was involved in heavy fighting as British troops attacked the Institute, British troops eventually overran the building forcing the Volunteers to surrender. He was court-martialled sentenced to three years penal servitude, this was reduced to one year on account of his age. He was deported and released from Lewes Prison about February 1917 and resumed activities with his Company immediately. He lost his job in the Guinness Brewery due to his participation in the Rising and was unemployed for some years. He served throughout the War of Independence he did not take part in the Civil War.

Liam Staines

Staines Liam. (William F.). He was born at Belanagare County Roscommon in 1898 and educated at Saint Gabriel’s School, Aughrim Street and the Christian Schools, North Richmond Street, Dublin. He won a scholarship to Dublin University in 1915 studying Engineering. He was a member of the Third Order of Saint Francis. He joined the Fianna in 1908 serving with F Slugha Dublin Battalion Fianna Éireann until 1913 when he transferred to the 1st Battalion, Dublin Brigade, Irish Volunteers, severely wounded in the Mendicity Institution.  Died on the 2nd of November 1918. On the Wednesday the Institute was heavily attacked by British Forces, the enemy were able to get close enough to throw hand-grenades, one grenade entered a room occupied by several Volunteers, Staines attempted to throw the grenade out the window but it exploded before he was able to throw it. Although the injury caused him to lose part of his skull he managed to survive. After treatment in King George’s Hospital he was taken to Kilmainham then deported and interned at Knutsford, Wandsworth and Frongoch. He was taken ill on the 27th of October 1918 and died within a week.

Wilson James. Volunteer, 5th Battalion, Swords Company, Dublin brigade, Irish Volunteers. Born in 1899 died on the 23rd of October 1967, aged about 27 years old during the Rising. Fought at the Mendicity Institute, Usher's Island. His cousin Peter Wilson was killed in Action. His two brothers William and Peter also fought at the Mendicity Institute, Usher's Island. He was captured on the Wednesday evening of the Rising he was tried on the 6th of May, sentenced to 2 years with hard labour, he was released in July 1916. He served with the Irish Volunteers between 1917 and 1918 and the IRA from 1920 to 1922 through the War of Independence and Truce Period and with the National Army in 1922 and 1923 during the Civil War. During the War of Independence he served with local IRA Brigade Active Service Unit (Flying Column) taking part in operations such as the shooting of RIC Sergeant Kirwan at Ballyloughill, destruction of Rush Coast Guard Station and Lusk Remounts Depot. Joining the National Army in April 1922 he served with the Supply Depot at Wellington Barrack, Dublin for a time, leaving the Defence Forces in March 1926 at the rank of Company Sergeant Major, his last post being with the 20th Battalion in Kilkenny.

Wilson Peter, Killed in Action.

Wilson Peter. Volunteer, Swords Company, Dublin Brigade, Irish Volunteers. Born in 1890 died on the 18th of February 1973, aged about 26 years old during the Rising. Fought in the G.P.O. and Mendicity Institute, Usher's Island areas. He was captured on the Wednesday evening of the Rising. Convicted by Court Martial on the 6th of May and sentenced to death, commuted by the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief to 3 years penal servitude. He was released from Pentonville Prison in June 1917.  His cousin also Peter Wilson was killed in Action. His two brothers William and James also fought at the Mendicity Institute, Usher's Island. Peter Wilson joined the Volunteers in 1914. He re-joined the Volunteers on his release and took part in several engagements with Crown Forces during the War of Independence including Lissenhall Wood ambush, ambushing Police cars on the Belfast Road and an attack on the Coast Guard Station at Lusk. He spent about seven months on the run. He took no part in the Civil War.

Wilson William. Volunteer, Swords Company, 5 Battalion (Fingal Battalion), Dublin Brigade, Irish Volunteers. Born in 1891 died on the 30th of October 1956, aged about 25 years old during the Rising. Fought at Finglas, the General Post Office and the Mendicity Institute on Usher's Island. Captured on the Wednesday evening of the Rising he was convicted by Court Martial on the 6th of May and sentenced to death, commuted by the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief to 3 years penal servitude, he was released in June 1917. His cousin Peter Wilson was killed in Action. His two brothers James and Peter also fought at the Mendicity Institute, Usher's Island. During the War of Independence William Wilson took part in the burning of Malahide and Santry RIC barracks by the IRA. He was arrested in December 1920 and interned until December 1921. He joined the National Army on the 15th of March 1922 serving during the subsequent Civil War. On the 10th of October 1922 he was wounded during attempted escape by Irregular (IRA) prisoners from Mountjoy Prison where he was on duty. He was discharged medically unfit from the Defence Forces on 17 December 1923.Tiermaclane, County Clare.