Willie Pearse

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

William Pearse (better known as Willie Pearse, Irish: Liam Mac Piarais; November 15, 1891 – May 4, 1916) was an Irish nationalist and younger brother of Patrick Pearse.

Willie Pearse was born in Dublin and throughout his life lived in the shadow of his brother to whom he was devoted and with whom he formed a particularly close relationship. He was trained to take over his father's stonemason business, but gave it up to help Patrick run St. Enda's School which he founded in 1908. He was involved in the arts and theatre at St. Enda's and aided the overall running of the school.

He followed his brother into the Irish Volunteers and the Republican movement. He took part in the Easter Rising in 1916, constantly staying by his brother's side at the General Post Office. Following the surrender he was court-martialed and sentenced to be shot. It has been said that as he was only a minor player in the struggle it was his surname that condemned him. However, at his court martial he rather trumpeted his involvement, exaggerating it even, and perhaps condemned himself.

On May 3, Willie Pearse was granted permission to visit his brother in Kilmainham Jail, to see him for the final time. However, while Willie was en route, Patrick Pearse was executed. Willie was executed the following day.

In 1966, Dublin's Westland Row railway station was renamed Pearse Station to honour Willie and his brother.