
Jeremiah O’Donovan Rossa, a prominent figure in Irish history and one of the last remaining links to the Fenian movement, has passed away at St. Vincent’s Hospital on Staten Island, New York. His death marks the end of an era, leaving behind a legacy deeply rooted in Ireland’s struggle for independence.
Born in Roscarbery, Co Cork in September 1831, O’Donovan Rossa experienced the hardships of the Famine and was deeply moved by the suffering of his fellow countrymen. His early involvement in political and literary circles led him to become a key figure in the Irish nationalist movement.
In 1858, O’Donovan Rossa was instrumental in the formation of the Phoenix Society, a political club aimed at promoting Irish independence. It was during this time that he first encountered James Stephens, a mysterious stranger who would later recruit him into the Fenian Brotherhood.
Under Stephens’ leadership, O’Donovan Rossa became deeply involved in the Fenian movement, which sought to overthrow British rule in Ireland through armed rebellion. He played a pivotal role in recruiting and organizing members, spreading the message of Irish nationalism both at home and abroad.
The outbreak of the American Civil War in 1861 provided a new opportunity for the Fenians, as many Irish immigrants flocked to the Northern armies in the hope of gaining military experience to use in the fight for Irish independence.
Despite setbacks and internal divisions, O’Donovan Rossa remained steadfast in his commitment to the cause. In 1863, he was involved in the founding of “The Irish People,” a newspaper dedicated to promoting Fenian ideals and organizing resistance against British rule.
However, O’Donovan Rossa’s activism eventually led to his arrest and imprisonment. In a highly publicized trial, he defended himself vigorously, refusing to acknowledge the authority of the British court. He was eventually sentenced to penal servitude for life but was released in the early 1870s as part of an amnesty for Fenian prisoners.
O’Donovan Rossa spent the remainder of his life in exile, primarily in the United States, where he continued to advocate for Irish independence through journalism and activism. He returned to Ireland briefly in 1894, where he was greeted as a hero by the Irish people.
In his later years, O’Donovan Rossa remained a symbol of resistance and defiance against British rule. His passing marks the end of an era but serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of the Fenian movement and the ongoing struggle for Irish freedom.
Weekly Freeman’s Journal – Saturday 03 July 1915