The HistoryThomas ClarkeBorn in the Isle of Wight to a Leitrim man and a Tipperary woman his parents eventually settled in Dungannon, Co. Tyrone. Tom emigrated to America to find work at an early age, taking a position as an explosives operative during construction work on Staten Island.As a member of the IRB from the age of 18 Tom was sent to London on their orders to put his new skills to work for their cause. He was captured with a case of liquid explosives and spent fifteen years in Pentonville Prison. Upon his release he married Kathleen, a niece of his old cell mate, John Daly, the Mayor of Limerick. Clarke settled back in America but returned to Dublin in 1907 whereupon he set up a small shop at 75a Parnell Street. This business premises was often used for meetings as he and his new friend, Sean MacDiarmada set about reviving the IRB and planning an uprising. His drooping moustache and quiet manner lent an air of indifference to him but it has been said that the largest file in Dublin Castle was marked Tom Clarke. As the oldest and most respected member of the Military Council Clarke was given the honour of signing the Proclamation first. |
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