Important Figures In Modern Irish History

Important Figures In Modern Irish History

Daniel O' Connell- Leader of the Emancipation Movement, this barrister succeeded in having most civil disabilities against catholics lifted by way of the 1829 Act of that nature. Later went on to try and achieve Irish Home Rule through actions such as the 'Penny Rent' and Monster Rallies, but was interrupted and ultimately failed due to the Irish Famine of the 1840s.

Charles Stuart Parnell- Leader of the Irish Home Rule movement of the late 19th century, he received some reward for government support, but was often ostracized and jailed by the British establishment. His downfall was due to an affair he had with one of his comrade's wives.

James Craig- Leading figure in Ulster Unionist Party, was a founder of the Ulster Volunteer Force. One of the exponents of the 'New Style' along with the likes of Bonar-Law, using verbal menace and physical force to maintain the 6 northern counties' union with the rest of the UK. 1st PM of Northern Ireland

Edward Carson- Former Southern Unionist, when the likelihood of a united Ireland remaining within the union became less likely, left his TCD seat, and became a Belfast MP. Member of the war cabinet.

Patrick Pearse- Writer, former member of the Gaelic League, IRB leader, and part of the 7-man conspiracy that participated in the 1916 'Sinn Féin' Rising. Executed at Dublin Castle afterwards.

James Connolly- leader of the ITGWU and the ICA, was a socialist who committed to armed rebellion on the outbreak of World War I. In January 1916, 'disappeared' for 3 days, and returned a leading member of the IRB. Conspirator in the 1916 Rising, was injured, and was subsequently executed whilst tied to a chair, under martial law.

Michael Collins- Leading member of the IRA, engaged in guerrilla warfare and infiltration of Dublin Castle. After negotiating the Treaty in London, he sided with pro-treaty Sinn Féin, and was shot dead whilst allegedly seeking peace negotiations during the civil war.

Eamonn DeValera- On the side of anti-treaty Sinn Féin, later founder of Fianna Fáil, taoiseach and president. Drafted the Constitution of Ireland.

Mary Robinson- 1st female President of Ireland in 1990, was succeeded by Mary Mc Aleese.

E-mail me: ireland@gazmac.freeserve.co.uk

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