To some, they were patriotic heroes. To others, traitorous rebels. We say anybody whose exploits inspired the founding of an authentic Irish pub in Las Vegas deserves a glass raised in his name. Or, rather, their names-nine in all. (Hope you’re thirsty.) But, on to the story …

In 1848, nine fervent Irish nationalists-Thomas Francis Meagher, John Mitchel, Patrick O’Donoghue, Terence Bellew McManus, William O’Brien, Charles Gavan Duffy, John Dillon, Thomas D’Arcy McGee, and Richard O’Gorman-valiantly fought for Irish independence. They lost. Later tried, convicted and sentenced to death, the Nine Fine found themselves ripe for political martyrdom-and the British monarchy knew it. As a result, their death sentences were commuted and most were exiled all the way to Tasmania-not a nice place to visit or live. This is where their epic tale of redemption begins.

Five of the men-Meagher, Mitchel, O’Donoghue, McManus, and O’Brien-were forcefully sent to Satan’s vacationland. The sixth, Duffy-who was tried but acquitted due to lack of evidence-voluntarily made the trip to Tasmania. The other three men-Dillon, McGee and O’Gorman-escaped to America. As to their fates, some became noted authors, others Civil War heroes. One was named a minister of agriculture and one was elected prime minister.