Trinity College Dublin: A bulwark of Empire at the centre of the 1916 Rising

For the British, the importance of the successful defence of Trinity College during the rebellion can not be underestimated, writes assistant librarian at TCD, Ellen O’Flaherty

In the aftermath of the Rising, Major G A Harris, Adjutant of the Dublin University Officers’ Training Corps (OTC), was tasked with writing a report for the military authorities on the defence of Trinity College Dublin (TCD) during the period April 24 to May 6, 1916.

The OTC was established in 1910 and offered students specialised military training, as well as the possibility of a fast-track to commissions in the regular army.