From a site describing ostensibly the history of the Irish Kilt:
In 1900 Padraig Pearse (who in 1916 read the declaration of Irish Independence and was shot a few days later) was asked to suggest a "National" dress. In his reply he said "Frankly, I would much prefer to see you arrayed in a kilt . . . (rather than traditional types of Irish trousers)"



The illustration shows Pearse's school St Enda's with the boys in kilts. The man overseeing the drill, Con Colbert, was one of those executed in 1916 with Willy Pearse another leading kilt wearer. None of the pupils attending the school in 1916 took part in the Rising. While some former pupils did fight (they would have been young men by the time of the Rebellion), none were killed, though many were sent to prison as a result of their involvement.
Now are those kids doing calisthenics, or are they sticking their fingers in their ears?

Regards,
Rex.