The HistoryEdward 'Ned' DalyThe Volunteers First Battalion was commanded by Edward Daly and they were based around the Four Courts area of Dublin during 1916.Daly raided the Bridwell Barracks and found twenty four members of the Dublin Metropolitan Police hidden in their cells. He also raided the Linenhall Barracks, a building which housed the Army Pay Corps, which his men then set on fire in order to disrupt the system. Ned Daly and his men fought pitched battles with the British around the narrow streets of Smithfield and the Market area of Dublin. After the surrender of the rebels an unfortunate incident occoured when British soldiers apparently lost control of themselves. They battered their way into houses along North King Street and shot male residents indiscriminately. The discovery of a shallow grave after the Rising that contained two civilian bodies later led to an investigation, which served to help the decisive shift of public opinion against the British forces. On the other hand Daly had captured Col J.P. Brereton and held him in the Four Courts. Later Brereton commended the garrison for their behaviour and said that he was treated with kindness by the insurgents. Ned Daly was taken to Kilmainham Gaol and executed on the 4th of May 1916. Daly's sister was Kathleen who married Tom Clarke and so suffered a double loss after the Rising. |
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