Irish National Foresters
Encyclopedia
The Irish National Foresters' Benefit Society (Coillteoirí Náisiúnta na hÉireann in Irish
) is an Irish
friendly society
.
The INF began in 1877 as a breakaway from the Ancient Order of Foresters
after political disagreements. The INF grew rapidly and soon became the largest friendly society in Ireland. It supported Irish nationalism and its constitution called for "government for Ireland by the Irish people in accordance with Irish ideas and Irish aspirations".
By 1914 the order had spread worldwide and had a quarter of a million members in over 1,000 branches. The influx of Irish labour into Scotland
in the 19th century saw the movement gain a foothold, first in the west and later as far as the east coast.
With the establishment of the Irish Free State
and the gradual expansion of the social welfare system, the INF went into decline. Some branches, particularly in Northern Ireland
, continue to exist. The INF brass band in Navan County Meath is still promoting music in it's suroundings. They practice once a week in the c.y.w.s hall located in the centre of the town.
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...
) is an Irish
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...
friendly society
Friendly society
A friendly society is a mutual association for insurance, pensions or savings and loan-like purposes, or cooperative banking. It is a mutual organization or benefit society composed of a body of people who join together for a common financial or social purpose...
.
The INF began in 1877 as a breakaway from the Ancient Order of Foresters
Ancient Order of Foresters
The Ancient Order of Foresters is a friendly society which was formed in 1834. The society is now known as Foresters Friendly Society, and has approximately 70,000 members...
after political disagreements. The INF grew rapidly and soon became the largest friendly society in Ireland. It supported Irish nationalism and its constitution called for "government for Ireland by the Irish people in accordance with Irish ideas and Irish aspirations".
By 1914 the order had spread worldwide and had a quarter of a million members in over 1,000 branches. The influx of Irish labour into Scotland
Scotland
Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Occupying the northern third of the island of Great Britain, it shares a border with England to the south and is bounded by the North Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, and the North Channel and Irish Sea to the...
in the 19th century saw the movement gain a foothold, first in the west and later as far as the east coast.
With the establishment of the Irish Free State
Irish Free State
The Irish Free State was the state established as a Dominion on 6 December 1922 under the Anglo-Irish Treaty, signed by the British government and Irish representatives exactly twelve months beforehand...
and the gradual expansion of the social welfare system, the INF went into decline. Some branches, particularly in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland is one of the four countries of the United Kingdom. Situated in the north-east of the island of Ireland, it shares a border with the Republic of Ireland to the south and west...
, continue to exist. The INF brass band in Navan County Meath is still promoting music in it's suroundings. They practice once a week in the c.y.w.s hall located in the centre of the town.
Prominent members
- Richard CorishRichard CorishRichard Corish was an Irish politician.Born in Wexford in 1889, Corish was educated by the Christian Brothers in the town. Following his education he became a trade union official....
, High Chief Ranger in 1942- Rt. Hon. Joseph Hutchinson (1852-1928). Founded INF in 1877 with eight other men. Trustee 1881; Treasurer 1844; and General Secretary 1846. High Sheriff of Dublin 1896; Lord Mayor of Dublin 1904-1906.