Fenian

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 .

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The Fenian Brotherhood was founded in Ireland by James Stephens and others, and transferred to the United States 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.

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The term derives from the Irish Na Fianna or Na Fianna ?ireann which in Celtic mythology were a band of warriors formed to protect Ireland, Fionn Mac Cumhaill being the most famous of its warriors.

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"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.

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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 Catholics of Irish descent, particularly during Old Firm football matches where it is usually aimed at Celtic F.C. supporters, due to that team's Irish connections.

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Irish: Irish may refer to:...

Nationalist: REDIRECT Nationalism...

British: The word British has several different uses. See the article on Britain for more details on the development and use of the word Britain....

Fenian related Images and Photos (experimental)

Orangeman and Fenian the Loyal Ulsterman Would Like to Take His Shillelagh to the Wild Fenian

Gunfight Between Fenian "Moonlighters" and the Police at Mill Near Cork