The History

Michael Mallin (1874-1916)

Born in Dublin his early youth was spent in the British Army as a drummer boy. He was stationed in India and was promoted to the rank of NCO. There is a story that he was the only witness amongst 14 who claimed that a certain Indian nationalists had attacked a British official. Mallin claimed that the person who was arrested was innocent but on the testimony of the others the man was executed.

After 14 years in the service he returned to Dublin. He became a silk weaver and became involved in organized Labour eventually being elected as Secretary to the Silk Wavers Union. During the Lockout of 1913-14 Mallin became involved with James Connolly and the ICA. The departure of Jack White to the Irish Volunteers saw Mallin become the main trainer of the small force. He wrote for the Workers’ Republic and gave endless lectures on tactics and was eventually made Chief of Staff of the Citizen Army.

Mallin was also a crack shot no doubt thanks to his training in the British Army. He commanded the Stephen’s Green area with Markievicz, as his second. The taking of the green as opposed to the surrounding buildings did not show a great tactician but nonetheless those who were under him said he fought bravely. Mallin left a wife and small children behind when he was executed on 8 May 1916. His last letter to his wife and children is probably one of the most poignant of all the final words written by the executed leaders.