I'd like to thank the Irish News for this article. It highlights the forgotten families of the Rising across Ireland. This blog was set up for the very reasons mentioned in the article. As some families participation in the Rising was not documented and therefore needs further investigation. Due to the border campaign in the North, many northerners were not interviewed. This has resulted in gaps in the recording of history especially in the North!

Willie John Nolan did receive a pension and a medal however his sons Brian (deceased) and Paddy Nolan were not included. Paddy's wife Catherine Nolan wrote in 1966 to apply for a medal but this was denied due to him being out of the country at the recognised 3 months period. However it does not tell the full story of Paddy Nolan who had been on the run on a number of occasions. 

Photograph of Paddy Nolan taken at Officers Quarters Willowbank. Picture taken from the Joe Nolan archives.