John MacBride was a pivotal figure in the Irish nationalist movement and played a significant role in the Easter Rising of 1916. Born in Mayo, Ireland in 1865, MacBride grew up in a family that was politically active and dedicated to the Irish cause. He joined the Irish Republican Brotherhood at a young age and became involved in various nationalist activities.

MacBride was an accomplished military leader, having served in the Boer War in South Africa as a member of the Irish Transvaal Brigade. He fought alongside other Irish nationalists against the British, and his experience in the war would later prove invaluable in the Easter Rising.

During the Rising, MacBride was one of the leaders of the Irish forces that occupied the Jacobs Biscuit Factory. He played a vital role in the defense of the factory, which proved to be a critical point in the battle. Despite being outnumbered and outgunned, MacBride and his men held out for several days, inflicting heavy casualties on the British forces.

MacBride’s bravery was evident in his famous quote during the Rising: “I have looked down the barrels of too many guns in my life to fear death now. Fire away, and let the Tans do their worst.”

Despite his leadership and bravery, MacBride was captured and sentenced to death by firing squad after the Rising. He was executed on May 5th, 1916. Today, he is remembered as one of the heroes of the Easter Rising and a key figure in Irish history.