John McDonagh was the brother of Thomas McDonagh, one of the signatories of the 1916 Proclamation, one of the executed leaders and officer in charge of the Jacob’s garrison. John later became a well-known film director and playwright in the US (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0331084/). The earlier part of his statement gives details of living with Thomas and his family at Oakley Road in Ranelagh, and of attempting to start a scheme to insure Volunteers against loss of livelihood. He also recounts a mission to Cashel on Holy Thursday with a message in code about the forthcoming Rising.

McDonagh last saw his brother in Richmond Barracks after the surrender. He himself was sent to Knutsford Jail and thence to Frongoch. He was released in August 1916.