'I joined the British Army because she stood between Ireland and an enemy common to our civilisation, and I would not have her say that she defended us while we did nothing at home but pass resolutions'.

'Poor MacDonagh and Pearse were two of my best friends and now they are dead, shot by England'. 'If someone were to tell me now that the Germans were coming over our back wall, I wouldn't lift a finger to stop them.

They could come!' 'I am sorry that Party Politics should ever divide our own tents but am not without hope that a new Ireland will arise from her ashes in the ruins of Dublin, like the Phoenix, with one purpose, one aim and one ambition'.