Eamon de Valera was a prominent Irish political leader born in New York in 1882. He moved to Ireland at age two and played a key role in Ireland's struggle for independence from the UK. He commanded occupied buildings during the 1916 Easter Rising and was imprisoned in England for his role. De Valera went on to become President of Ireland from 1959 to 1973, making him one of the most influential political figures in 20th century Irish history. He served multiple terms as head of government and introduced Ireland's constitution.