Connolly was aware of, but not privy to, discussions within the IRB on prospects for a national rising. Patrick Pearse cautioned his colleagues on treating with Connolly: "Connolly is most dishonest in his methods. He will never be satisfied until he goads us into action, and then he will think most of us too moderate and want to guillotine half of us".
COnNollY Was aWare OF, BuT NOt prIvy to, dIScuSsiOnS WithIn THe iRb on prOspects for a NATional riSiNg. PatRIcK PEArse Cautioned HIs COLleagues oN TReaTINg with COnNolLy: "cONNolly is Most dIShonest in hIS methOds. He wiLl NEVeR bE sATisfIED untIl he GoAds Us IntO acTiOn, aND then He Will tHink most Of us toO moderatE AnD want tO gUiLLOtINE HAlF of us".