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.

This is the handwritten details of the armoured car used at the funeral of the McMahon murders 24th March 1922 photo passing Broadway/ St Paul's church Falls Road. 

This early and very rare photograph was taken and developed by Brian Nolan, son of Willie John Nolan under extreme circumstances. It was developed in No 3 Willowbank Huts his home close to the Dunngannon clubrooms. There is a large collection of Willowbank negatives in the Joe Nolan archives which are slowly being released.

This is an official photograph of the same armoured car, taken from the Belfast Telegraph sourced from Jonathon Barden's book. 

This photo is sourced from Jonathon Barden's book.

This is a photo of Willie John Nolan marching in the Easter parade in the 40's/ 50's in Belfast. Taken from the Joe Nolan archives.

Willie John Nolan aka Sean Nolan Vice President of Mitchell's GAA seated 5th from the right beside man in grey suit. Photo taken 1946 in St Kevins school

Old IRA photograph from Joe Nolan archive 1918

Old IRA Special Group number 2 section 1918 taken from Joe Nolan photo archive

Does anyone know the names of these local volunteers?