Ashe, Thomas

born 1885 - died 25 Sept. 1917

Born in Kinard. county Kerry. Led (Volunteer Commandant) fifth battalion in N. County Dublin during Easter Rising 1916. Was the only defense for the rebels on North side of city. Ambushed 40 RIC during rising in a fight that lasted more than 5 hours. Elected president of IRB supreme council in June 1917. Refused to work or wear prison clothes after capture despite being deprived of boots, bed and bedding for 50 hours a week as punishment for insubordination.
Went on hunger strike and was force fed from 21 September 1917 to 23 September 1917. He fell ill and died soon after. The jury proclaimed heart failure. It is very possible, in fact probable that he died as a result of the force feeding. At the beginning of the hunger strike he is quoted as saying "They have branded me a criminal. Even though I do die, I die in a good cause." He was 32.
He was buried in Glasnevin Cemetary on 30 September 1917. 30 to 40 thousand people were in the procession.

 While in Lewes prison he had written a poem "Let me carry your cross for Ireland, lord"

Let me Carry your Cross for Ireland, Lord 
The hour of her trial draws near,
And the pangs and the pains of the sacrifice
May be borne by comrades dear.

But, Lord, take me from the offering throng,
There are many far less prepared,
Through anxious and all as they are to die
That Ireland may be spared.

Let me carry your Cross for Ireland, Lord
My cares in this world are few.
And few are the tears will for me fall
When I go on my way to You.

Spare. Oh! Spare to their loved ones dear
The brother and son and sire.
That the cause we love may never die
In the land of our Heart's desire!

Let me carry your Cross for Ireland, Lord!
Let me suffer the pain and shame
I bow my head to their rage and hate,
And I take on myself the blame.

Let them do with my body whate'er they will,
My spirit I offer to You.
That the faithful few who heard her call
May be spared to Roisin Dubh.

Let me carry your Cross for Ireland, Lord!
For Ireland weak with tears,
For the aged man of the clouded brow,
And the child of tender years;

For the empty homes of her golden plains;
For the hopes of her future, too!
Let me carry your Cross for Ireland, Lord!
for the cause of Roisin Dubh.