“Today at noon an Irish Republic will be declared and the flag of the Republic will be hoisted… The Irish Volunteers are now the Irish Republican Army.” With these words, Commandant Edward Daly addressed the First Battalion, Dublin Brigade, as they mobilised at Blackhall Place shortly before noon on Easter Monday.

Around 150 men marched to their positions. Daly commanded the north-west sector of the city, from the Four Courts to Broadstone railway station, with headquarters at Father Mathew Hall on Church Street. The hall also functioned as a first aid station, staffed by members of Cumann na mBan who remained despite being ordered to disperse.

Daly’s forces achieved a notable success in destroying Linenhall Barracks, the only British Army barracks burned during the Rising. However, their failure to capture Broadstone station proved a significant disadvantage, as it allowed British forces a strategic vantage point.

Despite heavy opposition, the First Battalion held their positions throughout the week until the general surrender on Saturday. Ten Volunteers were killed, and Daly was later executed.