Paddy joined the Irish Volunteers at 18 and was barely 21 years of age when he took the very courageous step to turn out during Easter Week 1916, and take up arms to fight against the might of the British Army for his Country's independence.

Paddy K. did not talk very much about 1916 or keep any records regarding his brave part in the Easter Rising, but David Kilmartin has tirelessly researched in the Military Archives, Government Records, Irish Historical Societies, the National Archives, and the many books, publications, and studies available from the time.

I have also had access to the documents, papers, and accounts of his brother-in-law Patrick Stephenson who, as a fellow volunteer, kept records of his own and Paddy K's actions from 1916-1922. I have also had the notes of my Father and Paddy K's nephew, Patrick Heuston Stephenson who noted Paddy K's rarely articulated memories. Consequently an interesting picture of Paddy K's courageous role has emerged.

As borne out by the above, Paddy K was indeed a remarkable man who, from a very poor and deprived childhood, went on to establish a strong and significant business in Stoneybatter. In the 1940s he served as a ranking officer in the Irish Free State Army, and that was after a period when he was an accomplished Irish Boxer. A sport in which his sons Fergus and Colm were also successfull, Fergus representing Ireland.

Like his brother-in-law Paddy S, Paddy K was a founding supporter in the restoration of Kilmainham Jail

Paddy was married twice, had nine children whose descendants now reside in all corners of the world, it is hoped that this site will help them to keep the memory of Patrick Joseph Kilmartin alive, and that he will be someone that they can all be justly proud of.

                                      Jim Stephenson
                                      Sheffield 2008