Fenian
From Free net encyclopedia
Fenian is a term used since the 1860s for an Irish nationalist who espouses or is perceived to espouse violence against British rule, usually by people opposed to their aims. It can also specifically refer to members of the Irish Republican Brotherhood, founded in Ireland by James Stephens and others.
The Fenian Brotherhood, the IRB's American branch, was founded in 1858 by John O'Mahony, Michael Doheny (1805–1863), and Stephens, to gain Irish-American support for armed rebellion in Ireland. Initially, O'Mahony ran operations in the USA, sending funds to Stephens and the IRB in Ireland. The U.S. chapter of the movement was also sometimes referred to as the IRB, and later as Clan na Gael.
The term derives from the Irish Na Fianna or Na Fianna Éireann which in Celtic mythology were a band of warriors formed to protect Ireland, Fionn Mac Cumhaill being the most famous of its warriors.
"Fenian" is the sole epitaph on the headstone of Thomas J. Clarke, in Glasnevin Cemetery in Dublin. Clarke was executed by British army firing squad after the Easter Rising of 1916.
The term is also sometimes used by Northern Ireland Unionists as a derogatory term for Irish nationalists. This usage can also be found in western Scotland to describe people of Irish descent, particularly during Old Firm football matches where it is usually aimed at Celtic F.C. supporters, due to that team's large Irish Catholic support.
While the term itself does not mean 'Catholic' it is clear that it has been used in this context by some groups. The term has evolved derogatory connotations because of this.
See also
External links
- 1865 Newspaper Article Describing the Fenians
Fenian is also the name of the horse that won the Belmont Stakes in 1869. His image appears atop the trophy awarded to the winner of the Belmont Stakes.sv:Fenier