The Immortal Irishman: The Irish Revolutionary Who Became an American Hero

Egan outlines the harsh and oppressive history of Ireland under English rule, spanning over seven centuries. This came with the systemic denial of Irish identity and culture, as the Irish people were stripped of their language, religion, and rights. They were forbidden from owning land, attending school, or practicing their faith openly. Cultural expressions, such as playing the harp or singing traditional songs, were outlawed, and severe penalties were imposed on those who resisted these prohibitions.

Thomas Francis Meagher was born on August 3, 1823, in Waterford, Ireland—a city scarred by its history of English conquest and oppression. Meagher grew up amidst the reminders of Ireland's subjugation, from the Viking-built Reginald’s Tower to the British warships in the harbor. Despite his privileged upbringing in a wealthy family, Meagher was aware of the injustices suffered by his fellow countrymen, becoming increasingly passionate about the Irish nationalist cause.

Egan traces the historical roots of English domination, beginning with the 1155 papal bull (a public decree issued by the pope) that sanctioned Henry II's conquest of Ireland. Over the centuries, various laws and acts, including the Statutes of Kilkenny and the Penal Laws, sought to erode Irish culture and identity. The chapter also highlights the brutalities of figures like Oliver Cromwell, the man who orchestrated the ouster and execution of King Charles I and became Lord Protector of Britain; Cromwell’s campaigns of violence and eviction in Ireland left lasting scars on the Irish people.

Despite their relentless oppression, the Irish people remained resilient. Cultural and religious defiance persisted, ultimately fueling nationalist sentiments. This is the backdrop for Meagher's life, which would be marked by his struggle against British rule and his dedication to the cause of Irish freedom.

After being expelled from Clongowes School for leading a rebellion over inadequate food, 16-year-old Meagher transferred to Stonyhurst, a prestigious Jesuit school in Lancashire intended to mold influential Catholics, where Meagher. The imposing architecture and rigorous discipline of the school contrasted with his previous life in Waterford.

At Stonyhurst, Meagher adapted to a strict routine, including early morning prayers, a demanding academic schedule, and strict rules on attire and behavior. Despite being instructed to shed his Irish accent and conform to English norms, Meagher remained connected to his Irish identity. His defiant refusal to play the clarinet for a celebration of an English victory and his subsequent punishment exemplified his resistance to English authority. Despite the challenges, Meagher excelled in rhetoric and debate, earning recognition for his speaking and writing skills. His defiance of authority continued, however, when he exaggerated his Irish accent in a school play, resulting in further punishment.

As Britain grew into a global power, England’s oppression of Ireland continued. The Act of Union in 1801, which dissolved the Irish Parliament and integrated Ireland into the United Kingdom, further disenfranchised the Irish population. Despite the Penal Laws being loosened, the Irish remained largely powerless under British rule.

Meagher’s return to Waterford in 1843, after completing his education, marked a period of internal conflict. He was torn between the comforts of his privileged life and the desire to fight for Irish independence. Influenced by Daniel O’Connell, the Liberator who achieved Catholic emancipation in 1829, Meagher became involved in the Repeal movement, aiming to overturn the Act of Union. His father's political success and friendship with O’Connell provided Meagher with opportunities, but the young man remained dissatisfied with the slow pace of reform.

In Dublin, Meagher’s disillusionment grew as he witnessed the British government’s oppressive tactics, including the arrest and imprisonment of O’Connell. Meagher’s commitment to the Irish nationalist cause deepened, driven by a desire to break free from English rule and achieve self-governance.

Thomas Davis, a poet and lawyer educated at Trinity and the son of a British army surgeon, co-founded the influential journal The Nation, which became the voice of Young Ireland. His poetry and essays, which emphasized a unified Ireland beyond religious and regional divides, were widely read and recited, even among the largely illiterate peasant population.

Inspired, Meagher immersed himself in Davis’s works. Abandoning his law studies, Meagher began writing poetry and submitting it to The Nation. Davis’s words provided a sense of pride and motivation for the Irish, who had long been demeaned and oppressed. Meagher's passion for Irish nationalism intensified, and he became eager to contribute in any way he could.

At Conciliation Hall, a center of Irish nationalist discourse, Meagher was exposed to influential figures like William Smith O’Brien, a Protestant aristocrat who had joined the Young Ireland movement. O’Brien’s dramatic speech, pledging his support to the cause, left a significant impression on Meagher, who worked on drafting repeal language for parliamentary committees and participating in nightly meetings at Conciliation Hall.

Amid the burgeoning famine, Meagher’s commitment to the cause deepened. The potato blight of 1845 devastated the primary food source for millions of Irish peasants. Meanwhile, much of the abundant harvest of other crops was exported. The combination led to widespread starvation and death. The British government's inadequate response, driven by a rigid adherence to free-market principles and a lack of empathy, exacerbated the crisis. Charles Trevelyan, in charge of famine relief as Assistant Secretary of the Treasury, epitomized this attitude, viewing the famine as a divine mechanism for population control rather than a humanitarian disaster.

After the death of Thomas Davis in 1845, Meagher emerged as a prominent voice within the Young Ireland movement. Meagher’s speeches and writings gained attention for advocating the use of force, if necessary, to achieve Irish independence, challenging the more conservative and gradual approach of Daniel O’Connell. In a speech dubbed “The Sword Speech” at Conciliation Hall, Meagher argued that freedom might require armed resistance, drawing inspiration from the American Revolution.

The harsh Irish winter of 1846-1847 exacerbated the suffering caused by the Great Famine. Families in workhouses, imprisoned for being impoverished, separated, and wearing convict-like uniforms, faced especially severe conditions. In 1847, the British government tried a new relief strategy with soup kitchens, led by French chef Alexis Soyer. However, the inadequate nutritional content of the soup led to further deterioration of the people's health, and the initiative was eventually deemed a failure.

The Whig government, led by Prime Minister John Russell, maintained strict laissez-faire policies. After the soup kitchens were closed, Russell announced that the British government could not feed the Irish people, leading to increased hostility and more aggressive evictions of peasants. In response, Meagher and his allies grew more vocal and urgent in their calls for action. His "Sword" speech became a rallying cry, and he gained widespread support among the young and educated, despite internal conflicts and opposition from O'Connell's more conservative followers.

Despite the warnings of his father, who supported the British government, Meagher felt a sense of duty to fight for Irish independence. Reports from the countryside, such as the one by William Bennett in County Mayo, painted a grim picture of starvation and suffering, further fueling Meagher's resolve. As typhus spread, adding to the death toll, and with British authorities showing no sign of relenting, Irish people began arming themselves and forming confederation clubs based on Young Ireland's principles. Meagher's speeches continued to inspire, and his activities became more clandestine as English informants, like John Donnellan Balfe, infiltrated the movement.

In 1847, emigration from Ireland surged, with many fleeing to Canada and the United States, despite the perilous journey on so-called "coffin ships" where disease and death were rampant. Political repression by the English continued, including the arrest and transportation of journalist John Mitchel under the new Treason Felony Act. This law effectively criminalized Irish nationalism, leading to further arrests and trials of Young Ireland leaders.

Meagher's own arrest in Waterford, in front of a large and supportive crowd, showcased his influence and the desperation of the people. After securing his release on bail, he organized a rally on Slievenamon Mountain, where he delivered a speech emphasizing the need for armed resistance and independence. The chapter ends with Meagher preparing for an insurrection, parting with his father for what he believed would be the final time, and embracing the revolutionary cause with a sense of destiny and determination.

After suspending habeas corpus (the right to contest unlawful detention) on July 22, 1848, the British government issued arrest warrants for the leaders of the Young Ireland movement, including Meagher and William Smith O’Brien, making them fugitives. Meagher and his companions, including John Blake Dillon and Patrick J. Smyth, faced bleak prospects as they attempted to continue their revolt in Kilkenny and nearby towns. Their efforts were stymied by the fact that the local supportive population was weakened and starving. O’Brien's attempt to rally a force at Ballingarry ended in disaster when police barricaded themselves in a house and shot at the rebels, resulting in casualties and the disintegration of the rebel force.

Meagher and his comrades were soon captured. He was arrested near Holycross and taken to Dublin, where he was imprisoned in Kilmainham Gaol. The prison, known for its harsh conditions and historical significance, has already housed many who had suffered under British rule, including 18th century rebel leader Robert Emmet. The Young Ireland leaders faced trial in Clonmel, where they were convicted of high treason; the trials marked by biased juries and swift verdicts.

At his trial, Meagher ended his testimony with a speech where he expressed no regret for his actions, asserting his dedication to Ireland’s freedom. Despite recommendations for mercy due to his youth, he was sentenced to death by hanging, drawing, and quartering. However, due to international pressure and Queen Victoria's planned visit to Ireland, the sentences of the Young Ireland leaders were commuted to transportation for life to Tasmania, a remote penal colony in Australia. Meagher’s final reflections on leaving Ireland revealed his enduring hope for his country's future despite his own fate. The transportation marked the end of immediate revolutionary activities, but set the stage for his continued influence on the Irish diaspora.