BOER WAR TO EASTER RISING THE WRITINGS OF JOHN MACBRIDE BY ANTHONY J. JORDAN

MAJOR JOHN MACBRIDE ORGANISED AN IRISH TRANSVAAL BRIGADE TO FIGHT ALONGSIDE THE BOERS IN THE ANGLO-BOER WAR OF 1899-1902. HIS MARRIAGE TO MAUD GONNE IN PARIS MADE HIM A HATE FIGURE FOR WB YEATS. THE MARRAIGE WAS A FAILURE AND A COURT CASE ENSUED OVER THE CUSTODY OF THEIR ONLY CHILD, SEAN MACBRIDE. THE MAJOR RETURNED TO IRELAND AND BECAME INVOLVED IN IRISH SEPARATISM. HE PARTICIATED IN THE EASTER 1916 RISING AND WAS EXECUTED AT KILMAINHAM JAIL ON 5TH MAY 1916.