This lecture is focused primarily on the pre-revolutionary period in Ireland and looks at the cultural and visual significance of the image of the boy within Irish nationalist discourse. Particular emphasis is placed on how the figure of Cuchulainn was adapted (especially by Patrick Pearse) to create an idea of modern revolutionary male citizenship. Consideration is also given to the ‘after-life’ of Cuchulainn and some of the changing meanings and representations attached to Cuchulainn within contemporary culture.