Eamonn Ceannt
| Éamonn Ceannt | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born |
21 September 1881 Ballymoe, County Galway, Ireland |
| Died | 8 May 1916 (aged 34) Kilmainham Gaol, Dublin, Ireland |
| Buried at | Arbour Hill Prison, Dublin |
| Allegiance |
Irish Volunteers Irish Republican Brotherhood |
| Years of service | 1913–1916 |
| Rank | Commandant |
| Commands held | 4th Battalion |
| Battles/wars | Easter Rising |
Éamonn Ceannt (21 September 1881 – 8 May 1916), born Edward Thomas Kent, was an Irish republican, mostly known for his role in the Easter Rising of 1916.
Ceannt was born in the little village of Ballymoe, overlooking the River Suck in County Galway. His parents were James Kent (4 July 1839 – 1895) and Joanne Galway. (They were married on 5 July 1870.) He was the sixth of seven children, the others being William, Michael, Richard, Nell, John and James. His father, James Kent was an RIC officer. Stationed in Ballymoe, in 1883 he was promoted and transferred to Ardee, County Louth. When his father retired from the force, the family moved to Dublin. They were a very religious Catholic family and it has been said that Ceannt's religious teaching as a child stayed with him for the rest of his life.
Two events that evoked nationalism at the end of the 19th century were the 1798 commemoration and the Boer War in South Africa. Éamonn became interested in these events. He took part in the commemoration.
In 1899, Ceannt joined the central branch of the Gaelic League. It was here where he first met many of the men who would play a major role in the rising, including; Patrick Pearse and Eoin MacNeill. He became increasingly involved in Nationalist movements and had a strong interest in the Irish language. The main purposes of the league were to educate people on the Irish culture, revive the Irish language along with Irish music, dancing, poetry, literature and history. Ceannt was an extremely committed member to the league, he was an elected a member of the governing body and by 1905 he was teaching Irish language classes in branch offices of the league. In February 1900 Ceannt, along with Edward Martyn founded Cumann na bPíobairí (The Pipers Club). Ceannt's musical talents earned him a gold medal at the 1906 Oireachtas and in 1905 he even put on a performance for Pope Pius X. It is said that the main language in the Pipers Club was Irish and played a role in reviving Irish music. It was through the Gaelic League where Ceannt first met his wife, Frances Mary O’Brennan who was known as Aine. She joined the League as she shared an interest in the Irish culture and heritage. They got married in June 1905. Their son, Ronan was born in June 1906.
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