1916 Medal 1916 Medal The 1916 Medal is a service medal of the Republic of Ireland. Established 24 January 1941, the medal was awarded to those who rendered recognized military service during the week of 23 April 1916 during the Easter Rising. The 1916 Medal is a bronze circular medal approximately in diameter. The design replicates the official Irish Army crest, a sunburst surmounted by an 8-pointed star. The obverse of the medal bears a depiction of the death of Cúchulainn, partially surrounded by a sword belt. On the reverse is the inscription: "SEAĊTAIN NA CÁSCA 1916", which translates to "Easter Week
Easter Rising constitutional nationalism. It, and the British reaction to it, led to increased popular support for Irish independence. In December 1918, republicans, represented by the reconstituted Sinn Féin party, won 73 seats in a landslide victory in the general election to the British Parliament. They did not take their seats, but instead convened the First Dáil and declared the independence of the Irish Republic. The Soloheadbeg ambush started the War of Independence. 485 people were killed in the Easter Rising. About 54% were civilians, 30% were British military and police, and 16% were Irish rebels. More than 2,600 were wounded. Many