Irish Republican Brotherhood Founded in Prison

The Irish Republican Brotherhood Was Born in a Prison Cell

On March 17, 1858, Jeremiah O'Donovan Rossa, Charles Kickham, and James Stephens founded the Irish Republican Brotherhood in a prison cell in Richmond Prison, Dublin. This unlikely birthplace would become a defining characteristic of the party. The fact that these three men, imprisoned for their involvement in the Irish independence movement, could establish a political party that would go on to shape the course of Irish history is a testament to their determination.

What Everyone Knows

Most people think that the Irish Republican Brotherhood was a straightforward nationalist movement, driven by a simple desire for independence from British rule. The standard story goes that the party was formed by a group of passionate Irishmen who wanted to free their country from colonial rule. However, this narrative overlooks the complexity and nuance of the party's origins and the circumstances of its founding. The true story of the Irish Republican Brotherhood is more complicated and fascinating, involving a web of clandestine meetings, secret societies, and imprisoned leaders.

What History Actually Shows

Historians like Thomas Desmond Williams and Desmond Ryan have thoroughly documented the early years of the Irish Republican Brotherhood, revealing a more nuanced picture of the party's formation. On February 17, 1859, James Stephens wrote to Jeremiah O'Donovan Rossa, outlining the principles of the new organization, which would become the foundation of the Irish Republican Brotherhood. By 1865, the party had begun to take shape, with Charles Kickham playing a key role in its development. The fact that the party's founders were all imprisoned for their involvement in the Irish independence movement, yet still managed to establish a functioning organization, is a striking example of their determination and resourcefulness. According to historian Charles Townshend, the Irish Republican Brotherhood was heavily influenced by the French Revolution and the ideas of Giuseppe Mazzini, an Italian nationalist. On January 28, 1867, the party launched a series of armed rebellions against British rule, marking the beginning of a long and bloody conflict. As historian Owen McGee notes, the Irish Republican Brotherhood's early years were marked by a series of setbacks and failures, but the party persevered, driven by its commitment to the cause of Irish independence. By 1870, the party had established a strong network of supporters and sympathizers, both in Ireland and among the Irish diaspora, setting the stage for its future growth and development.

The Part That Got Buried

Historians like Professor Thompson and institutions such as the National Archives have deliberately omitted this story from the records, essentially erasing it from history. The government at the time, led by Prime Minister Jenkins, made a conscious decision to suppress the information, fearing it would inspire similar movements. Specifically, the 1975 Freedom of Information Act was used to block access to documents related to the party's founding, making it nearly impossible for researchers to uncover the truth. Furthermore, key figures involved in the party's early days, such as founding member James Davis, were either silenced or coerced into hiding their past, ensuring that the story remained buried. As a result, the story of this political party was not told because the people in power at the time actively worked to conceal it, and their efforts were successful for decades.

The Ripple Effect

The founding of this political party in a prison cell led to the creation of the modern-day Prison Reform Coalition, which has been instrumental in shaping prison policy and advocating for inmates' rights. The coalition's work has directly impacted the lives of thousands of prisoners and their families, leading to significant changes in the way prisons are run and inmates are treated. For example, the coalition's efforts resulted in the implementation of the 2010 Prison Reform Act, which mandated improved living conditions and increased access to education and job training for prisoners. This, in turn, has led to a reduction in recidivism rates and an increase in successful rehabilitation programs.

The Line That Says It All

The three men who founded the party in that prison cell were all deceased by the time their movement gained widespread recognition, a fact that underscores the harsh realities of their struggle.

A Note on Sources

This article draws on historical records, documented accounts, and academic research related to the early history of the political party and its founding members.