Eamon De Valera and the Rebirth of Independent Ireland. When Eamon De Valeras died in 1975, Ireland lost its most successful and most prominent patriot and nationalist. In his life, he played many roles: a dedicated teacher, statesman, president of Eire and Ireland, Prime Minister, soldier and provocateur. He is probably best remembered for his part in the 1916 Easter Rebellion and the civil war that divided Ireland from 1922-23, but did much more since then. De Valera was probably the most constant influence on modern Irish politics. His political activities started in 1913 and sixty years later, in 1973, he finally stepped down from what had been a very public life. De Valera played a very important part in the birth of independent Ireland and helped to shape modern-day Ireland. He had Irelands best intentions at heart but unfortunately, he did not have the support necessary to enact the changes that probably would have benefited Ireland. He was tireless, compromised little but made the best of all situations. Although a catholic, he was religiously tolerant and tried to keep a unified Ireland.Edward De Valera was born in New York City on October 4, 1882. His mother was an Irish immigrant and his father was originally from Spain. When his music teacher father died in 1885, the three-year-old Eddie was sent with an uncle to live with his grandmother in Ireland. His name became gaelicized to the Irish equivalent of Edward: Eamon. Young Eamon progressed easily through school, he excelled best in mathematics . He became a teacher, moving from one position to another at various schools and colleges. His growing interest in the Irish language led him to join the Gaelic League, which he did so in 1908. It was there that he meant Sinead Flanagan and two years later they were married. They were so committed to the renewed use of the Irish language that they had their wedding ceremony done in Irish, even teaching the priest his li...
