Fianna Éireann
Encyclopedia
Irish language
Irish , also known as Irish Gaelic, is a Goidelic language of the Indo-European language family, originating in Ireland and historically spoken by the Irish people. Irish is now spoken as a first language by a minority of Irish people, as well as being a second language of a larger proportion of...
: "Soldiery of Ireland
Ireland
Ireland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth...
" or "Warriors' of Ireland
Ireland
Ireland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth...
", named after the mythological
Irish mythology
The mythology of pre-Christian Ireland did not entirely survive the conversion to Christianity, but much of it was preserved, shorn of its religious meanings, in medieval Irish literature, which represents the most extensive and best preserved of all the branch and the Historical Cycle. There are...
Fianna
Fianna
Fianna were small, semi-independent warrior bands in Irish mythology and Scottish mythology, most notably in the stories of the Fenian Cycle, where they are led by Fionn mac Cumhaill....
), has been used by various Irish republican
Irish Republicanism
Irish republicanism is an ideology based on the belief that all of Ireland should be an independent republic.In 1801, under the Act of Union, the Kingdom of Great Britain and the Kingdom of Ireland merged to form the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland...
youth movements throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. "Fianna na hEireann" [sic] is currently on the list of terrorist groups proscribed in the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
under the Terrorism Act (2000). In the early '90s with the development of the Peace Process and Sinn Féin Youth, Fianna Éireann was eventually disbanded and replaced by Ógra Shinn Féin
Ógra Shinn Féin
Ógra Shinn Féin is the youth wing of the Irish political party Sinn Féin. ÓSF is active and organised throughout Ireland. It is often considered the most prominent incarnation of Fianna Éireann. Upon its establishment in 1997 it was originally known as Sinn Féin Youth, it changed to Ógra Shinn...
.
Fianna Éireann, organised as a youth hurling league for boys and girls, existed in West Belfast
Belfast
Belfast is the capital of and largest city in Northern Ireland. By population, it is the 14th biggest city in the United Kingdom and second biggest on the island of Ireland . It is the seat of the devolved government and legislative Northern Ireland Assembly...
, ca. 1903 (see Witness Statement of Bulmer Hobson
Bulmer Hobson
John Bulmer Hobson was a leading member of the Irish Volunteers and the Irish Republican Brotherhood before the Easter Rising in 1916...
to the Bureau of Military History, 1948). This was the brainchild of Bulmer Hobson
Bulmer Hobson
John Bulmer Hobson was a leading member of the Irish Volunteers and the Irish Republican Brotherhood before the Easter Rising in 1916...
(see Hobson's Statement to BMH), a committed IRB member. (Hobson's statemnt) Hobson relocated to Dublin and the organisation collapsed in Belfast. In Dublin, Hobson became acquainted with Constance Markievicz, Helena Moloney
Helena Moloney
Helena Moloney was a prominent Irish republican, feminist and labor activist. She fought in the 1916 Easter Rising and later became the second woman president of the Irish Trade Union Congress....
and others, who were all members of the newly founded Sinn Féin. They were members of the Drumcondra branch. Hobson told Markievicz of his Belfast experiment and the seed was sown with her. With Helena Moloney
Helena Moloney
Helena Moloney was a prominent Irish republican, feminist and labor activist. She fought in the 1916 Easter Rising and later became the second woman president of the Irish Trade Union Congress....
and Sean McGarry, Markievicz and Hobson soon recreated a new Fianna Éireann. Prior to the setting up of Na Fianna in Dublin in 1909, it has now transpired that Lord Baden Powell had reportedly unsuccessfully sought the assistance of Patrick Pearse
Patrick Pearse
Patrick Henry Pearse was an Irish teacher, barrister, poet, writer, nationalist and political activist who was one of the leaders of the Easter Rising in 1916...
in setting up a branch of his Boy Scouts in Dublin. ("Talk History" radio programme, Newstalk Radio, 18 August 2009)
Irish Volunteers
As Na Fianna Éireann had been organised four years earlier than the Irish Volunteers, and that many of its members were now young adults, fully trained in many aspects of warfare, it was no wonder that many young members transferred over to the Volunteers in 1913. The original committee which set up the new volunteer movement had three Fianna members on it. (Hobson, ibid.) Seamus Pounch was instrumental in the training of the newly formed Cumann na mBan in 1914. (Witness Statement of Seamus Pounch)Fianna Éireann Handbook
As with all scouting organisations, an instructional handbook was a necessity. The job of producing this book fell to Seamus O'Riain. With articles from Patrick Pearse and Roger CasementRoger Casement
Roger David Casement —Sir Roger Casement CMG between 1911 and shortly before his execution for treason, when he was stripped of his British honours—was an Irish patriot, poet, revolutionary, and nationalist....
, and advertisements from suppliers of uniforms and equipment, the first Fianna handbook appeared in 1913. It came at a time when the Irish Volunteers was founded and the book was widely used by this group also. Countess Markievicz bought a large rambling house at Ranelagh
Ranelagh
Ranelagh is a residential area and urban village on the south side of Dublin, Ireland. It is in the postal district of Dublin 6. It is in the local government electoral area of Rathmines and the Dáil Constituency of Dublin South-East.-History:...
, Surrey House. It became the unofficial headquarters of Na Fianna for some time. The older boys would gather and train here, and a mini firing range was set up in the basement. The boys also had a radio set in operation and this led to a raid from the DMP. A proper HQ was later set up in D'Olier Street. (Witness Statement of Gary Holohan)
Gun Running
Na Fianna played a major part in the Howth and KilcooleKilcoole
Kilcoole is a village in County Wicklow, Ireland. It is three kilometres south of Greystones, 14 kilometres north of Wicklow, and about 25 kilometres south of Dublin. It was used as the set for the Irish television series Glenroe, which ran through the 1980s and 1990s...
gun-running episodes. Fianna members brought their treck-cart to Howth Pier to meet the Asgard. The treck-cart was full of homemade batons, and these were distributed to the Volunteers on the pier. The cart was then used to carry the surplus rifles back to the city. At Clontarf
Clontarf, Dublin
Clontarf is a coastal suburb on the northside of Dublin, in Ireland. It is most famous for giving the name to the Battle of Clontarf in 1014, in which Brian Boru, High King of Ireland, defeated the Vikings of Dublin and their allies, the Irish of Leinster. This battle, which extended to districts...
, the DMP and British Military were awaiting the return of the volunteers and a confrontation ensued. Fianna officers made a quick decision and detoured with their gun-laden cart up the Howth Road, arriving eventually at Kilmore Road, Artane
Artane
Artane may refer to:* Artane, Dublin, a suburb of Dublin, Ireland.* Artane Industrial school, an Industrial school in the above suburb.* Artane, a brand-name for the drug trihexyphenidyl used to treat Parkinson's disease....
, where the arms were safely stored for future recovery. (Holohan, ibid.)
1916 Insurrection
Fianna was represented at all the garrisons that were involved in the fighting of Easter Week 1916. Even though they were now more heavily involved with the Irish Volunteers, Cornelius ColbertCornelius Colbert
-Legacy:*Colbert Railway Station in Limerick City is named after him.*Con Colbert Road in Dublin is named in his honour.*Fianna Fáil Cumann in University of Limerick is named after him....
and Seán Heuston
Sean Heuston
Seán Heuston, , born Jack Heuston, and sometimes referred to as J. J. Heuston, was an Irish rebel and member of Fianna Éireann who took part in the Easter Rising of 1916. With about 20 Volunteers, he held the Mendicity Institution on the River Liffey for over two days, though it was originally only...
were still regarded as Fianna members. Colbert was under the command of Eamonn Ceannt
Éamonn Ceannt
Éamonn Ceannt , born Edward Thomas Kent, was an Irish republican, mostly known for his role in the Easter Rising of 1916.-Background:...
at Watkins Brewery, while Heuston was given the task of commanding the Mendicity Institution
Mendicity Institution
The Mendicity Institution in Dublin, Ireland, is one of Ireland's oldest charities. It continues its charitable work of providing meals to Dublin's needy from its premises at Island Street, south of Usher's Island, its former location.-History:...
. Colbert and Heuston both were executed for their part in the Rising. In Galway
Galway
Galway or City of Galway is a city in County Galway, Republic of Ireland. It is the sixth largest and the fastest-growing city in Ireland. It is also the third largest city within the Republic and the only city in the Province of Connacht. Located on the west coast of Ireland, it sits on the...
, Liam Mellows
Liam Mellows
Liam Mellows was an Irish Republican and Sinn Féin politician. Born in England, Mellows grew up in County Wexford in Ireland. He was active with the Irish Republican Brotherhood and Irish Volunteers, and participated in the Easter Rising in County Galway, and the War of Independence...
was in command of activities, but he escaped capture and got safely to to the United States. Countess Markievicz, second in command to Michael Mallin
Michael Mallin
Michael Mallin was an Irish rebel and socialist who took an active role in the 1916 Easter Rising....
at the College of Surgeons, was sentenced to death, but eventually reprieved due to her gender. After the provisional government abandoned the GPO, and set up HQ at Moore Street, James Connolly
James Connolly
James Connolly was an Irish republican and socialist leader. He was born in the Cowgate area of Edinburgh, Scotland, to Irish immigrant parents and spoke with a Scottish accent throughout his life. He left school for working life at the age of 11, but became one of the leading Marxist theorists of...
gave command of the GPO to Seán McLoughlin, a Fianna officer. His orders were to oversee the safe retreat of the rest of the occupants. (Witness Statement of Eamon Martin)
Several of the Fianna were killed in action at this time. Seán Healy was shot dead at Phibsboro
Phibsboro
Phibsborough , often formerly shortened to Phibsboro and later Phibsboro , is a district of Dublin in Ireland.-Location:Phibsboro' is located in the Dublin 7 postal district on the Northside of the city. The area is very close to the city centre, about two kilometres from the River Liffey which...
whilst delivering despatches, Seán Howard and Seán Ryan died in similar fashion. Volunteers under the command of Fianna officer Paddy Houlihan captured and burned down the Linenhall Barracks. Eamon Martin, a future Chief of Staff was seriously wounded at the Broadstone Railway Station. Possibly the first shots of the Rising were fired by Fianna officers who attacked and captured the Magazine Fort in the Phoenix Park
Phoenix Park
Phoenix Park is an urban park in Dublin, Ireland, lying 2–4 km west of the city centre, north of the River Liffey. Its 16 km perimeter wall encloses , one of the largest walled city parks in Europe. It includes large areas of grassland and tree-lined avenues, and since the seventeenth...
. Gerald Playfair, an unarmed teenager and the son of the fort commander, was shot and killed by Garry Holohan as he [Playfair] ran to raise the alarm at Islandbridge Barracks. (Holohan, ibid.)
Internment
At least fifteenn Fianna officers from the Dublin Brigade were rounded up after the Rising and interned at Frongoch, North Wales. (Witness Statement of Eamon Martin)Inspector Mills of the DMP
One year after the Rising, a large demonstration was held outside the burnt-out shell of Liberty Hall. A large contingent of DMP, under an Inspector Mills, arrived and the Riot Act was read to the crowd. The police waded into the crowd with batons and Inspector Mills was struck a mortal blow to the head with a hurley stick. His assailant was Ernie Murray, a young Fianna officer, who was O/C of a Sluagh on Parnell Square. Murray made off from the scene along Abbey Street, pursued by a DMP man. He was cornered at Marlborough Street, but he drew a revolver and the policeman backed off. Murray was secreted away to the United States, where he remained until the Truce of 1921. (Holohan, ibid.)Post 1916 reorganisation
A provisional governing committee was set up in Dublin in May 1916, including Eamon Martin, Seamus Pounch, Theo Fitzgerald, Liam Staines and Joe Reynolds. All had evaded the round-up after the Rising. This committee functioned until January 1917, when it handed over command to the newly released senior officers. (Witness Statement of Joe Reynolds)Na Fianna was first to re-organise after the Easter Rising
Easter Rising
The Easter Rising was an insurrection staged in Ireland during Easter Week, 1916. The Rising was mounted by Irish republicans with the aims of ending British rule in Ireland and establishing the Irish Republic at a time when the British Empire was heavily engaged in the First World War...
of 1916. In February 1917 a section of Na Fianna marched in full uniform to mass at Blanchardstown
Blanchardstown
Blanchardstown is a large suburb of Dublin in the district of Fingal, Ireland. It is within the historical barony of Castleknock. It is located 10 km north-west of the city centre. The suburb is in the Dublin 15 postal area, the Dublin West electoral constituency, and Fingal County...
, County Dublin for Michael Mallin
Michael Mallin
Michael Mallin was an Irish rebel and socialist who took an active role in the 1916 Easter Rising....
, who had been executed following the Easter Rising
Easter Rising
The Easter Rising was an insurrection staged in Ireland during Easter Week, 1916. The Rising was mounted by Irish republicans with the aims of ending British rule in Ireland and establishing the Irish Republic at a time when the British Empire was heavily engaged in the First World War...
. "As the police did not interfere, we got courage and got bolder and bolder. On one route march, the police at James Street stopped us and an Inspector of the DMP grabbed me. However, as the Fianna scouts became so threatening, I was released." (Witness Statement of Garry Holohan)
Na Fianna continued to defy the British ban on marching and parading, and drilled openly with hurleys in open defiance. This inevitably led to clashes with the DMP and the RIC in outlying areas. The most notable clash occurred in July 1917, when the whole Dublin Battalion went on a route march through the South City and County. Efforts were made by the DMP to stop the march and break it up at Terenure and Rathmines DMP stations, but the paraders broke through the cordons at both points. The march continued to the GPO, where the parade was dismissed. (Witness Statement of Aodh Mac Neill)
Seán Saunders recalled being arrested with at Milltown with Roddy Connolly (son of James Connolly
James Connolly
James Connolly was an Irish republican and socialist leader. He was born in the Cowgate area of Edinburgh, Scotland, to Irish immigrant parents and spoke with a Scottish accent throughout his life. He left school for working life at the age of 11, but became one of the leading Marxist theorists of...
), Hugo MacNeill, Theo Fitzgerald, Seán McLoughlin and Garry Holohan. (Witness Statement of Seán Saunders)
Reorganisation of June 1917
An intensive recruiting campaign had been set in motion throughouthe city and county after the earlier reorganisation of January 1917, and it proved to be a tremendous success. Recruits came in large numbers and new companies were formed. In June, the Dublin Battalion had become so large and unwieldy, that it was decided to set up a Brigade structure of two battalions. The county was simply split in two, with the Liffey as the divide. South of the Liffey became the 1st Battalion and north of the Liffey became the 2nd Battalion. The Dublin Brigade Staff in June 1917 comprised Garry Holohan (Commandant), P.J. Stephenson (Adjutant) and Joe Reynolds (QM).Army Agreement
It came to the attention of GHQ Staff c1918, that in many areas around the country that Na Fianna was being controlled by the local units of the Irish Volunteers. A meeting of Fianna GHQ representatives and Volunteer representatives was held in Dublin to discuss the problem. What emerged from this meeting was known as the Army Agreement. From that point on, the Volunteers would not seek to control Fianna in their areas. Those who reached the age of seventeen had transferred to the Volunteers ranks; this would now cease and any transfer would be voluntary. The volunteer O/C was to liaise with the Fianna O/C on all local matters, and due consideration was to be extended to Fianna. During the "Tan War" Fianna members featured prominently in every brigade area. Some lost their lives or were imprisoned. In the picture taken of the West Mayo Brigade Active Service Unit in 1921, ten of the thirty in the photograph had been members of the Westport Fianna Sluagh, as had Tom Derrig, who rose to the rank of Adjutant General during the Civil War. (Westport Fianna Sluagh, Westport Historical Society Journal, 2007 publication.)Truce
During the Truce, Na Fianna devoted a great amount of time to training. At least three full-time training camps were set up to train potential officers. Each prospective officer had to attend the camp for one weeks training. One of these camps was held at Kilmore Road, Artane and another at Kilmashogue Mountain. Na Fianna held discussions all over the country where they debated the terms of the Anglo-Irish TreatyAnglo-Irish Treaty
The Anglo-Irish Treaty , officially called the Articles of Agreement for a Treaty Between Great Britain and Ireland, was a treaty between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and representatives of the secessionist Irish Republic that concluded the Irish War of...
. At an Ard Fheis, Fianna rejected the Treaty and called for all to still work for a Republic. In support of this, the Dublin Brigade's Fianna Éireann marched to The Smithfield where they were reviewed by senior Republican leaders. (Poblacht na h-Éireann, 16 January 1922)
Civil War
Fianna Éireann played a major part in the civil war fighting, especially in Dublin. When the Four Courts Garrison was attacked in July 1922, a second front was created to relieve the Four Courts. The Dublin Brigade, Fianna Éireann provided many leaders in this period. All along the eastern side of O'Connell Street buildings were taken over and barricaded. Parnell Square and Parnell Street were similarly barricaded. Fianna, under their new Brigadier, Seán Harling, took over 35 North Great Georges Street as a barracks. (Bureau of Military History, Witness Statement of Seán Saunders)In August 1922 (the same month that saw the deaths of Michael Collins
Michael Collins (Irish leader)
Michael "Mick" Collins was an Irish revolutionary leader, Minister for Finance and Teachta Dála for Cork South in the First Dáil of 1919, Director of Intelligence for the IRA, and member of the Irish delegation during the Anglo-Irish Treaty negotiations. Subsequently, he was both Chairman of the...
and Arthur Griffith
Arthur Griffith
Arthur Griffith was the founder and third leader of Sinn Féin. He served as President of Dáil Éireann from January to August 1922, and was head of the Irish delegation at the negotiations in London that produced the Anglo-Irish Treaty of 1921.-Early life:...
), Na Fianna Éireann sustained a heavy blow when two of their senior officers in Dublin, Seán Cole and Alf Colley, were shot dead by Free State Army Intelligence members at The Thatch, Whitehall.
Executions
The bullet-riddled corpses of three teenaged Na Fianna scouts Edwin Hughes (17), Joseph Rogers (16) and Brendan Holohan (16) were found at The Quarries, Naas Road, Clondalkin, on 28 November 1922. They were all from Drumcondra area and had been putting up republican posters in the Clonliffe Road district. They were arrested by Charlie Dalton (younger brother of Emmet DaltonEmmet Dalton
Emmet Dalton was an Irish soldier and film producer. He served in the British Army in the First World War, reaching the rank of Major. However, on his return to Ireland he became one of the senior figures in the Dublin Brigade of the guerrilla Irish Republican Army which fought against British...
) and Nicholas Tobin, two high-ranking Free State officers. The scouts were brought for interrogation to Wellington Barracks, where Free State Army Intelligence had their HQ. That was the last time that they were seen alive.
When the Free State started to execute Republican prisoners, the first to be shot were four young men who had left Na Fianna to join the Republican Army. They were followed by another group of three, who had similarly graduated from the ranks of the Dublin Brigade, Fianna Éireann. ("War News" No. 37, 3 December 1922)
The executions of Rory O'Connor
Rory O'Connor
Rory O'Connor may refer to:* Ruaidrí Ua Conchobair, , king of Connacht and High King of Ireland* Rory O'Connor , an Irish Republican of the 1920s, who fought in the Irish War of Independence and the Irish Civil War...
, Joe McKelvey
Joe McKelvey
Joe McKelvey was an Irish Republican Army officer who was executed during the Irish Civil War. He participated in the anti-Treaty IRA's repudiation of the authority of the Dáil in March 1922 and was elected to the IRA Army Executive...
, Liam Mellows
Liam Mellows
Liam Mellows was an Irish Republican and Sinn Féin politician. Born in England, Mellows grew up in County Wexford in Ireland. He was active with the Irish Republican Brotherhood and Irish Volunteers, and participated in the Easter Rising in County Galway, and the War of Independence...
and Dick Barrett
Richard Barrett (Irish Republican)
Richard Barrett was a prominent Irish Republican Army volunteer who was executed during the Irish Civil War in 1922.-War of Independence:...
became a symbol for Na Fianna. They became known as "The Four Martyrs". Until 1964, an annual concert was held by Na Fianna to commemorate their executions. A very prominent ex Fianna officer, Aodh MacNeill (son of Eoin MacNeill
Eoin MacNeill
Eoin MacNeill was an Irish scholar, nationalist, revolutionary and politician. MacNeill is regarded as the father of the modern study of early Irish medieval history. He was a co-founder of the Gaelic League, to preserve Irish language and culture, going on to establish the Irish Volunteers...
), officiated at the executions. Eamon Martin related that he was a cellmate of Mellows in Mountjoy Prison. It is now estimated that some 22,000 people were interned during the Civil War period 1922-24. Fianna Éireann was decimated with the loss of most of its officers and the organisation went underground until well after the general release of prisoners in 1924. There was mass unemployment then, and most young men had to emigrate to survive. This left Na Fianna more or less leaderless for a few years. After the Civil War, Seán Harling became the leading light in Na Fianna Éireann. The Special Branch of An Garda Siochana eventually compromised him and turned him into an agent provocateur. For years he posed as a leading Fianna officer and Republican. He was eventually exposed by IRA Intelligence. Two former Fianna members made an attempt on his life 1n 1928, but Harling escaped and actually shot dead one of his attackers—Tim Coughlan. Harling was secreted out of the country by the Special Branch and ended up in the U.S. until his return in 1933 to Ireland. (Report of Inquiry into the death of Tim Coughlan, 1928, at NA.)
Fianna proscribed
The Free State government brought in new legislation in 1931 to counter the popularity of the resurgent Fianna. Fianna Éireann, the IRA and Cumann na mBan were all classified as illegal organisations. Many arrests followed and these organisations had once again to go underground for a period. When Fianna Fáil was elected to power the following year this legislation was revoked and the prisoners were freed. In 1932, many young republicans switched allegiance from the republican movement to Fianna Fáil. In 1934 the Fianna Fáil government set up a version of the Free State CID, when they enticed members of the Dublin Brigade IRA to join the Special Branch of An Garda Siochana. IRA volunteers were sworn in as Gardaí detective officers and were issued handguns, ammunition, badges and whistles. They were under the control of Ned Broy of the CID and became known as the "Broy Harriers". The term "Broy Harrier" was first used in the Seanad by Senator O'Rourke during the discussion on the Garda Siochana estimates on 13 August 1933. (Report of Seanad debate, National newspapers, 14 August 1933)Post WW2 reorganisation
Fianna Éireann did not operate openly between 1939-47 due to coercion, internment and lack of suitable leaders. Any person that showed leadership and organisational skills was monitored by the special branch, and were eventually interned. A group of young boys was organised in the Pipers Club in Thomas Street under the name of Clann Piarsaigh. Tom Lyons, an ex internee, was the man who led this group and they were the forerunners of the Fianna that emerged after WWII.There was a general reorganisation of the Republican Movement when the prisoners were all released by 1947.The IRA took Na Fianna under its wing. It now appears that the first Chief Scout of Na Fianna after the reorganisation was Tomas Óg MacCurtain of Cork (United Irishman newspaper, November 1948) who emerged from Portlaoise Prison
Portlaoise Prison
Portlaoise Prison is the Republic of Ireland's only high security prison. It is located in Portlaoise, County Laois. It should not be confused with the Midlands Prison, which is a newer, medium security prison situated directly beside it....
after a general amnesty given by the Fianna Fáil government in 1946. He had been imprisoned for shooting dead a special branch detective in Cork. He had been given the death sentence, but because he was the son of Thomas MacCurtain, the sentence was commuted to life imprisonment. MacCurtain put Na Fianna back on track and around 1950 the reins of leadership passed to Dick Bell, who, in turn, passed the reins of leadership to Ned Kelly in 1952. When Kelly was dismissed from the republican movement in 1954, he was replaced as Chief Scout by George Darle from Drumcondra
Drumcondra, Dublin
Drumcondra is a residential area and inner suburb on the Northside of Dublin, Ireland. It is administered by Dublin City Council.The River Tolka and the Royal Canal flow through the area.-History:...
. Darle was a nominee of the IRA and he brought some new blood into the organisation. (United Irishman, January 1955)
Old Fianna Organisation
Fianna Éireann survived the Civil war period intact, they had sided with The Republic. The organisation was decimated then, and further disintigration occurred in 1926 when Fianna Fáil was founded. When WW2 broke out, the old IRA and old Fianna organisations marched as a body to Griffith Barracks in Dublin and they joined the Irish Army there as a separate battalion. When on parade, this battalion was allowed to fly the Fianna and Oglaigh na h-Éireann flags. When the war was over these bodies stayed intact and had premises at Parnell Square. They marched in Bodenstown with Fianna Fáil and attended all the usual commemorations organised by the government. (Irish Press, 9 August 1940)In 1953, the Old Fianna organisation issued an invitation to Ned Kelly (Chief Scout) to meet with them. The Old Fianna reportedly offered their Fianna flag to the Fianna of 1953. However, when Kelly heard that the flag would be handed over in a military barracks in an official ceremony, that was unacceptable, and the parley proved fruitless. The old Fianna petered out in the late 1950s. (Fianna Éireann notes, United Irishman, September 1953)
1950 and after
The Republican Movement was again decimated by internment, emigration and dissension, as a result of the Second World War. By 1948 there were signs of re-organisation. Fianna Éireann, as an organisation, was moribund. Tomas Òg MacCurtain of Cork was put in charge as a caretaker Chief Scout. Around 1950, Dick Bell, of Old Cabra, Dublin, was then elected as Chief Scout. There was no one place that Na Fianna could claim as their Headquarters, and they depended on the use of old buildings that were in Republican ownership, or owned by Republican sympathisers. There were premises at 9 Upper Blessington Street and 32 Blessington Street, the Kevin Barry Hall on Parnell Square and another on North Frederick Street. (from Fianna Éireann notes, United Irishman, December 1952)In 1952, Ned Kelly of Long Lane, Dorset Street, Dublin, became Chief Scout. Soon he gather around him a cadre of young leaders and had four Sluaithe running in the Dublin area. These were at North City, Drimnag/Crumlin, Dundrum and Finglas. He had as his adjutant Brian McConnell from Swilly Road in Cabra. His QM was Annrai MacGloin, from Bohernabreena.
Saor Uladh
In 1954/55 a serious split occurred in the republican Movement. Activists, led by Joe Christle, became disenchanted with the leadership. They were looking for armed action in occupied Ireland, but were being restrained by the Army Council. This breakaway group called themselves Saor UladhSaor Uladh
Saor Uladh - was a short-lived paramilitary organisation in Northern Ireland in the 1950s.Seen as a splinter group of the Irish Republican Army, it was formed in County Tyrone by Liam Kelly and Phil O'Donnell in 1953...
. They also set up a youth group, and unfortunately called themselves Fianna Éireann. They had a 'Chief Scout' called Gearoid O'Kelly, who previously had a Fianna Sluagh in Newbridge, but was now living in Ballyboden. This 'Fianna' had one Sluagh at Inchicore, with members mainly from the Drimnagh/Crumlin area. They were unrecognisable from members of Na Fianna Éireann. One serious clash occurred between these groups, later in 1959. Around 1955 Kelly was replaced as Chief Scout by George Darle from Drumcondra. Darle brought some new members into Na Fianna, including Frank Lee and Terry Kiely. They set about reorganising Na Fianna and soon new Sluaithe were being formed in Navan, Dundalk, Drogheda and Sligo. A new modern uniform was also mooted at this time. (Fianna Éireann weekly notes in Dublin Evening Mail, August 1958)
The Border Campaign by the IRA began in December 1956 and it led to Na Fianna losing many of its members, especially in Dublin. In January 1957, 38 IRA recruits were surrounded in a house, used as a training camp, in Glencree, Co. Wicklow. At least 12 of these had been members of Na Fianna in the Dublin Battalion. This was a great set-back at the time, and responsibility now fell on the younger members to carry on with the organising. Finglas, for instance, had lost its O/C, and its QM. (Fianna Éireann notes, United Irishman, February 1957)
Uniform changes ca. 1958
The uniform in 1958 was basically the same as when Fianna was founded in 1909 and some members were advocating change. Scouts wore a green blouse with two rows of brass buttons, an orange neckerchief, slouch hat, blacks shorts and a white lanyard that was attached to his scout whistle. Officers were still wearing riding breeches and a military type jacket, slouch hat and a Sam Brown belt. As slouch hats were hard to find, berets became the head dress for officers. Different type uniforms were mooted and an American Boy Scout pattern was decided on. Scouts would now wear a green shirt with two pockets and a military-style side hat. The uniforms eventually arrived and were first seen at the annual Dick McKee Commemoration in FinglasFinglas
-See also:* List of towns and villages in Ireland* List of abbeys and priories in Ireland...
Village in November 1958 (United Irishman, December 1958, p. 3). Eventually, the side hats were replaced by a green beret, and the long trousers for officers were replaced by black shorts or breeches again. Lee and Kiely left Na Fianna after a falling out. (Fianna Éireann notes, United Irishman, March, 1959)
Jubilee Camp 1959
- A committee was sent up by GHQ in 1958 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Na Fianna's founding. Chief scout Jimmy Cruise headed this body and it was decided to hold a camp in central Ireland for all Fianna sluaithe. Permission was given by the Patrician BrothersPatrician BrothersThe Patrician Brothers, or Brothers of Saint Patrick, are a Roman Catholic congregation for the religious and literary education of youth and the instruction of the faithful in Christian piety.-History:This Brotherhood was founded by the Right Rev. Dr...
, Ballyfin, County LaoisCounty LaoisCounty Laois is a county in Ireland. It is part of the Midlands Region and is also located in the province of Leinster. It was formerly known as Queen's County until the establishment of the Irish Free State in 1922. The county's name was formerly spelt as Laoighis and Leix. Laois County Council...
, to use their extensive grounds for this purpose in August 1959. These were years when money was scarce and travelling made difficult. Consequently, only about 100 Fianna members attended the camp. Each sluagh catered for itself and there were joint activities organised. The Special Branch of An Garda Siochana was busy while the camp was in progress, visiting the homes of Fianna members, especially the young scouts, telling the parents that the boys were on an IRA training camp. Quite a few members were lost this way. In 1959, Fianna was given the privilege of having its colour party lead the annual pilgrimage to the grave of Wolfe Tone at BodenstownBodenstownBodenstown is a townland on the outskirts of Sallins in County Kildare, Ireland.The most notable local features are a golf club and the parish cemetery for Sallins. The cemetery is best known as the gravesite of Theobald Wolfe Tone, the eighteenth century Irish revolutionary and leader of the...
. A report to the Ard Fheis in 1963 showed that, as well as the sluaithe mentioned above, there were now new units in Roscrea, Nenagh, and Ballyfermot/Chapelizod. A new department had been set up which catered for friends of Na fianna who were either too old to join, or were not in a position to do so. This was known as the dept. of Associated Members. This new section was run by the Adjutant General. (Fianna newspaper, January 1964)
Junior members
Fianna had always catered for boys between the ages of eleven years and sixteen years. About Around 1959 a new idea was put in place to cater for younger boys. This was the brainchild mainly of a Fianna officer from the Finglas Dick McKee Sluagh, Paul Shannon. With the assistance of some Cumann na mBan members, boys as young as eight years were allowed into the ranks of Na Fianna. They wore a plain green sweater and yellow neckerchief. This venture was an immediate success and most Sluaithe followed suit.Fianna Handbook
A committee was set up circa 1963 to gather funds in order to produce a new Fianna handbook. All of the committee were members of the GHQ, and included Liam MacAnUltaigh, Deasun O'Briain, Brian Mulvanney, Uinsionn O'Cathain and Tony Shannon. Funds and advertisers were procured and a new handbook appeared ca. 1965. This was the third edition of the handbook, the others having been printed in 1913 and 1924. (Fianna Handbook advertised for sale in United Irishman, January 1965)Arrest of Fianna officers
Around November 1963 action was taken against Gearoid O'Kelly who was posing as "Chief Scout" of Na Fianna. He was constantly seen about Dublin on weekends, collecting money in pubs for 'Republican Prisoners Dependents'. He was warned several times to desist, but continued to carry on. On a Saturday night in November 1963 he was stopped near his home at Ballyboden Road, RathfarnhamRathfarnham
Rathfarnham or Rathfarnam is a Southside suburb of Dublin, Ireland. It is south of Terenure, east of Templeogue, and is in the postal districts of Dublin 14 and 16. It is within the administrative areas of both Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown and South Dublin County Councils.The area of Rathfarnham...
, by a party of armed men. They bundled him into a field and "tarred and feathered" him. The consequence of this action was that about eleven senior officers were arrested by the Special Branch the following Monday morning and brought to the Bridewell. (Reports from National newspapers of the date) After a few hours, O'Kelly was brought in to try to identify those who may have assaulted him. The officers were all brought into one room and O'Kelly viewed them through a glass panel from an adjoining room. No one was detained, and most had alibis, as they were at an Ard Coiste meeting at Gardiner Place at the time of the assault and had been seen entering and leaving the building by the Special Branch men who constantly watched that premises. O'Kelly had also fallen out with his 'Fianna' and two of his associates (Weldon and Phelan), spent six months in prison for assaulting him. He gave up his activities at this stage. (report of court case in National newspapers of the date)
Activities
The 1950s and 1960s were very active years for Fianna members. A Sluagh usually held one meeting per week, where all met on parade in full uniform. All the usual scouting test work was undertaken, games played and instructions given regarding hikes or camps on the following weekend. Weather never held the scouts back from the 'great outdoors', and Fianna members could be encountered in all weathers , especially in the Dublin/Wicklow mountains. This was a time when much military surplus clothing and camping equipment was coming on the market in the aftermath of the Korean War of 1951/2. One Sluagh, Finglas, actually had snow tents. These were ex British Army and were suitable for camping out in all types of weather. Another favourite weekend pastime was 'shacking'. Throughout the mountains were numerous old deserted houses (shacks), and at weekends Na Fianna would use them for shelter. One favourite one was called 'Thunders' in Glencree. Another was in the Glen of the Downs, beside Delgany Village, where there was a Fianna Sluagh. All-night hikes were a favourite with the officers. The last bus out of town to Rathfarnham, Enniskerry or Bohernabreena would be taken, and then the group would march all night across the hills, to where they would pick up the first bus back to the city again. Youth-hostelling was also undertaken and this was a favourite with the younger scouts. Hostels such as Glencree, Baltyboys and Knockree were all within striking distance of the buses from Dublin. Many Dublin Sluagh organised Whit weekend camps and annual week long camps. During the early 1960s national camps were held at CastleDermot in County Carlow and another at Glencolumbkille in County Donegal.Republican commemorations were constantly being held and Na Fianna was obliged to turn out in full to them. The annual Easter Commemoration was usually the first on the calendar. The parade would line up at St. Stephens Green and march all the way to Glasnevin Cemetery. On the same day, a parade was usually held in Blackrock or Deans Grange Cemetery as well. The Wolf Tone Commemoration was next in line, usually on the last Sunday in June. This was usually a great day out. Trains would come from Dublin, Cork and Kerry for the occasion, and buses from all parts of the country: it was a festive occasion. In November there was held the Manchester Martyrs parade and concert, and in December Na Fianna always hosted the Four Martyrs Concert in Dublin. In between all of these occasions, there were many times when Na Fianna was invited to provide colour-parties and contingents in various parts of the country to commemorate fallen republican soldiers. It was an era when many headstone, memorials and wayside crosses were erected.
Many republican demonstrations were held in these years to protest against internment and coercion. Na Fianna always played its part on these occasions and was highly visible on the streets when needed. A major source of income always came from the sale of the Easter Lily at Eastertime. Many times the boxes and contents were confiscated by the Garda, as Na Fianna never applied for permits.
Splits
The organisation split into factions with differing political views and ideologies over the subsequent decades, in a manner comparable to that of the various organisations claiming the title Irish Republican Army. Following the 1969/70 split in the Irish Republican ArmyIrish Republican Army (1922–1969)
The original Irish Republican Army fought a guerrilla war against British rule in Ireland in the Irish War of Independence 1919–1921. Following the signing of the Anglo-Irish Treaty on 6 December 1921, the IRA in the 26 counties that were to become the Irish Free State split between supporters and...
and Sinn Féin
Sinn Féin
Sinn Féin is a left wing, Irish republican political party in Ireland. The name is Irish for "ourselves" or "we ourselves", although it is frequently mistranslated as "ourselves alone". Originating in the Sinn Féin organisation founded in 1905 by Arthur Griffith, it took its current form in 1970...
, two organisations claiming the title of Fianna Éireann emerged. One was aligned with the Provisional IRA. The other was aligned with the Official IRA
Official IRA
The Official Irish Republican Army or Official IRA is an Irish republican paramilitary group whose goal was to create a "32-county workers' republic" in Ireland. It emerged from a split in the Irish Republican Army in December 1969, shortly after the beginning of "The Troubles"...
.
The latter developed along socialist lines mirroring the political developments in Official Sinn Féin, and eventually in the late 1970s was renamed the Irish Democratic Youth Movement (IDYM), ending its semi-paramilitary training. It forged links with similar groups associated with communist and workers parties abroad, most notably with the Free German Youth
Free German Youth
The Free German Youth, also known as the FDJ , was the official socialist youth movement of the German Democratic Republic and the Socialist Unity Party of Germany....
in the German Democratic Republic
German Democratic Republic
The German Democratic Republic , informally called East Germany by West Germany and other countries, was a socialist state established in 1949 in the Soviet zone of occupied Germany, including East Berlin of the Allied-occupied capital city...
. With the reorganisation of Sinn Féin The Workers Party into The Workers' Party
Workers' Party of Ireland
The Workers' Party is a left-wing republican political party in Ireland. Originating in the Sinn Féin organisation founded in 1905 by Arthur Griffith, it took its current form in 1970 after a split within the party, adopting its current name in 1982....
in 1982, the IDYM became simply Workers' Party Youth, which continues today and has taken a role as an affiliate of the World Federation of Democratic Youth
World Federation of Democratic Youth
The World Federation of Democratic Youth is a progressive youth organization, recognized by the United Nations as an international youth non-governmental organization. WFDY describes itself as an "anti-imperialist, left-wing" organisation...
.
Another extant Fianna group is linked to the 32 County Sovereignty Movement
32 County Sovereignty Movement
The 32 County Sovereignty Movement, often abbreviated to 32CSM or 32csm, is an Irish republican political organisation.The 32CSM's objectives are:* "The restoration of Irish national sovereignty"....
and allegedly to the Real Irish Republican Army
Real Irish Republican Army
The Real Irish Republican Army, otherwise known as the Real IRA , and styling itself as Óglaigh na hÉireann , is an Irish republican paramilitary organisation which aims to bring about a united Ireland...
.
The Na Fianna Éireann linked to Republican Sinn Féin
Republican Sinn Féin
Republican Sinn Féin or RSF is an unregisteredAlthough an active movement, RSF is not registered as a political party in either Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland. minor political party operating in Ireland. It emerged in 1986 as a result of a split in Sinn Féin...
claims to be the legitimate Na Fianna Éireann on the basis of Irish Republican legitimatism
Irish republican legitimatism
A concept within Irish republicanism, Irish republican legitimatism denies the legitimacy of the political entities of Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland and posits that the pre-partition Irish Republic continues to exist...
.
The 1988 Easter Statement from the GHQ staff of Na Fianna Éireann addressed the issue of those who followed the provisional line in the 1986 split. The statement said that they had "altered Na Fianna constitution without consulting the rank and file members of the organisation, to allow them to support participants in usurping institutions. By so doing, they have automatically expelled themselves from Na Fianna Éireann."
Chief Scouts
- Eamon MartinEamon MartinEamon Martin was an Irish Republican.Martin was born in Dublin and educated at Westland Row Christian Brothers School. He was a former Chief of Staff of Fianna Éireann, which he helped to found...
(ca. 1917-1922) - Pádraig Ó Riain, July 1915 (Ó Riain fell out of favour after the Rising; Bureau of Military History Statement from Ó Riain's sister, ca. 1953)
- Constance Markievicz (ca. 1923)
- "Langlaoich" (ca. 1929; aka Liam Langley)
- Frank RyanFrank Ryan (Irish republican)Frank Ryan was a prominent member of the Irish Republican Army, editor of An Phoblacht, leftist activist and leader of Irish volunteers on the Republican side in the Spanish Civil War....
(ca. 1932) - George Plunkett (ca. 1933)
- Tomas Og macCurtain, Cork. c.1948-50
- Dick BellDick BellRichard Albert "Dick" Bell, PC was a member of the Canadian House of Commons representing Carleton from 1957 to 1963 and from 1965 to 1968.He was born at Britannia Bay in Nepean Township, Ontario in 1913...
, Dublin. c1950-52 - Ned Kelly, Dublin1952-55
- George DarleDublin 1955-57
- Pat Madden, Cork1958
- Jimmy Cruise, Dublin 1958-60
- Brian Murphy,Dublin1960-62
- Uinsionn Ó Cathain (ca. 1962-64)
- Liam McNulty (Liam Mac an Ultaigh; ca. 1964-?)
- Donal Varian, Cork (ca. 19 ?-?)
Notable former members
- Gerry AdamsGerry AdamsGerry Adams is an Irish republican politician and Teachta Dála for the constituency of Louth. From 1983 to 1992 and from 1997 to 2011, he was an abstentionist Westminster Member of Parliament for Belfast West. He is the president of Sinn Féin, the second largest political party in Northern...
- Brendan BehanBrendan BehanBrendan Francis Behan was an Irish poet, short story writer, novelist, and playwright who wrote in both Irish and English. He was also an Irish republican and a volunteer in the Irish Republican Army.-Early life:...
- Dominic BehanDominic BehanDominic Behan was an Irish songwriter, short story writer, novelist and playwright who wrote in both Irish and English. He was also a committed socialist and Irish Republican...
- Stephen BehanStephen BehanStephen Behan was an Irish republican who was father of writers Brendan, Brian and Dominic Behan.Behan lived in a house in Russell Street on the Northside of Dublin which belonged to his mother Christine English, who owned a number of properties in the area...
- Con ColbertCornelius Colbert-Legacy:*Colbert Railway Station in Limerick City is named after him.*Con Colbert Road in Dublin is named in his honour.*Fianna Fáil Cumann in University of Limerick is named after him....
- Seán Ó CionnaithSeán Ó CionnaithSeán Ó Cionnaith was an Irish socialist republican politician, and a prominent member of The Workers' Party....
- Gerald DonaghyGerald DonaghyGerald V. Donaghy was a native of the Bogside, Derry who was killed by the Parachute Regiment on Bloody Sunday in Derry, Northern Ireland.-Boyhood:...
- Kieran DohertyKieran DohertyKieran Doherty TD was an Irish republican hunger striker, Teachta Dála and a volunteer in the Belfast Brigade of the Provisional Irish Republican Army ....
- Cathal GouldingCathal GouldingCathal Goulding was Chief of Staff of the Irish Republican Army and the Official IRA.One of seven children born into a republican family in East Arran Street in the north inner city of Dublin, Goulding was involved as teenager in Fianna Éireann, the IRA youth wing which he joined with his...
- Seán HeustonSean HeustonSeán Heuston, , born Jack Heuston, and sometimes referred to as J. J. Heuston, was an Irish rebel and member of Fianna Éireann who took part in the Easter Rising of 1916. With about 20 Volunteers, he held the Mendicity Institution on the River Liffey for over two days, though it was originally only...
- Seán LemassSeán LemassSeán Francis Lemass was one of the most prominent Irish politicians of the 20th century. He served as Taoiseach from 1959 until 1966....
- Kevin Lynch
- Raymond McCreeshRaymond McCreeshRaymond Peter "Ray" McCreesh was an Irish republican hunger striker and a volunteer in the South Armagh Brigade of the Provisional Irish Republican Army .-Background:...
- Tomás MacCurtain
- Thomas McElweeThomas McElweeThomas McElwee was an Irish republican hunger striker and a volunteer in the Provisional Irish Republican Army .-Early life:...
- Eamon MartinEamon MartinEamon Martin was an Irish Republican.Martin was born in Dublin and educated at Westland Row Christian Brothers School. He was a former Chief of Staff of Fianna Éireann, which he helped to found...
- Patsy O'HaraPatsy O'HaraPatsy O'Hara was an Irish republican hunger striker and member of the Irish National Liberation Army .He was born in Bishop Street, Derry, Northern Ireland. O'Hara joined Na Fianna Éireann in 1970, and in 1971 his brother Sean was interned in Long Kesh. In late 1971, he was shot and wounded by a...
- Jimmy Steele
Published books
- Damian Lawlor, Na Fianna Éireann and the Irish Revolution- 1909 to 1923
- Marnie Hay, Bulmer Hobson and the Nationalist Movement in Twentieth Century Ireland
- J. Anthony Gaughan, Scouting in Ireland
- Wolfe Tone Annual, 1962 by Briain O'hUiginn
- Fianna Éireann Handbooks, 1913, 1924, 1964
See also
- Ógra Shinn FéinÓgra Shinn FéinÓgra Shinn Féin is the youth wing of the Irish political party Sinn Féin. ÓSF is active and organised throughout Ireland. It is often considered the most prominent incarnation of Fianna Éireann. Upon its establishment in 1997 it was originally known as Sinn Féin Youth, it changed to Ógra Shinn...
- Republican Socialist Youth MovementRepublican Socialist Youth MovementThe Republican Socialist Youth Movement ' is the youth organization of the Irish Republican Socialist Movement.-See also:*Ógra Shinn Féin*Fianna Éireann*Socialist Youth...
- Young Citizen VolunteersYoung Citizen VolunteersThe Young Citizen Volunteers of Northern Ireland had its first meeting just prior to the signing of the Solemn League and Covenant , opposing Home Rule, in Belfast City Hall on September 10, 1912...
Current
- Na Fianna Éireann - official website (linked to Republican Sinn Féin)
- Fianna Éireann - official website (linked to 32 County Sovereignty Movement)
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8UAg2Hug4o - Video on You Tube showing the history of Fianna Éireann
- Ógra Shinn Féin - Official Website (Youth Wing of Sinn Féin which superseded the Provisional's Fianna).