The Pearse family spoke out in the past against the cruelty of hare coursing

In this the year of the 1916 centenary the aspirations of the brave people behind the rebellion are the subject of scrutiny. Ideas abound as to how we should pay tribute to their heroic attempt to create a fairer Ireland.

I would like to suggest yet another way to honour their supreme sacrifice, one that may not, I concede, be the biggest priority right now but deserves consideration. I refer to the scandal of live hare coursing that continues to shame this country after many other jurisdictions have outlawed it.

According to the sister of Padraig Pearse, the patriot would have backed a ban on this cruel blood sport.