Comdt. Michael Mallin

1 Dec 1874: Michael Thomas Christopher Mallin was born In a tenement in Dublin’s Liberties neighbourhood to John Mallin, a carpenter, and his wife Sarah (née Dowling).

In early life, he experienced great economic hardship and developed growing distaste for the position his fellow countrymen found themselves. His Uncle, John Dowling, was a Sergeant in the British Army and managed to convince a fifteen year old Mallin to enlist as a drummer in the 21st Royal Scots Fusiliers. He’d be stationed in both England and Ireland, rounding out his service with a lengthy stint in India.

During this time he became even more disillusioned with Britain’s oppressive colonial actions throughout the world and specifically how they impacted Ireland. He was not shy in voicing his opinions, possibly eliminating any chance at a promotion - as a lowly drummer he would serve for fourteen years.

Upon his return to Ireland, Mallin openly and aggressively professed anti-British views, taking up the causes of trade unionism and socialist politics. He even led a sympathy strike during the 1913 Dublin Lockout.

He would join James Connolly’s Irish Citizen Army (ICA), serving as their chief training officer and in 1914 was promoted to Chief of Staff.  

Easter Monday, 24 Apr 1916, Mallin led a small force to St. Stephen’s Green where they dug defensive trenches and built barricades. Once Cpt. Christopher Poole and Countess Markievizv reached the park, Mallin had hope to relocate some of their force to the Shelbourne Hotel, overlooking the park and offering solid sniper positions.

Unfortunately, British forces beat him to it and began firing directly down onto the rebels whose trenchwork offered no protection. Instead, ICA forces retreated to Dublin’s College of Surgeons which they successfully held until 30 Apr 1916 when he received a written order to surrender from from James Connolly, already in enemy hands. 

He would be executed by firing squad at Stonebreakers Yard, Kilmainham Gaol 8 May 1916 along with Éamonn Ceannt, Seán Heuston and Con Colbert. Mallin left behind his wife Agnes Mallin (née Hickey), three sons and two daughters - the youngest born after his passing.