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14th Feb., 1916. My dearest Pierce, Best and heartiest
wishes for your birthday.
May God give you many,
many of them and every
blessing that can make
life happy. Always affectionately Father.
Letter from Patrick Langford Beazley to his son Piaras Béaslaí wishing his son best
wishes on his birthday.Béaslaí (1881-1965); was an English born influential member
of the IRB (Irish Republican Brotherhood). He joined the Irish Volunteers on their
foundation late in 1913. When visiting his parents he smuggled guns to Ireland. In
February of 1916 he published the Fáinne, a publication to organise Gaelic speakers.Béaslaí
was an officer during the Easter Rising. He was court-martialled and sentenced to
five years’ for his part. In prison he wrote and memorised poems about his captivity.
This letter is part of a collection of letters by Piaras’ parents, mostly during Béaslai’s
internment. After his release he became involved in politics.