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Theobald Wolfe Tone

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From my tenderest youth I have considered the union of Ireland with Great-Britain as the scourge of the Irish nation. And that the people of this country can have neither happiness nor freedom whilst that connection endures. Every day's experience, and every fact that arose, convinced me of this truth; and I resolved, if I could, to separate the two countries. But as I knew Ireland could not of herself, throw off the yoke, I sought for help wherever I could find it.
--
Speech to the Court-Martial, assembled to pass sentence on his life (November 10, 1798)

 
Theobald Wolfe Tone

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