The Limerick diocese and the nation mourn the loss of Reverend Eugene Sheehy, a veteran priest and staunch advocate for the Irish people, who passed away yesterday afternoon in a Dublin hospital.

Father Sheehy, brother of Member of Parliament David Sheehy, was a revered figure, known for his unwavering commitment to social justice and his prominent role in the Land League movement. Born in Limerick in 1841, he pursued his studies for the priesthood at the Jesuit Seminary in Limerick and the Irish College in Paris.

Ordained in July 1868, Father Sheehy’s early career as a curate in Kilmallock coincided with the tumultuous Land War, where he fearlessly championed the rights of tenant farmers and emerged as a leading voice for the oppressed. His tireless efforts on behalf of the people earned him the moniker “the Land League priest.”

Later appointed parish priest of Bruree, Father Sheehy continued his dedicated service to the Church and community. He was highly regarded by the late Bishop of Limerick, Most Reverend Dr Butler, who deeply appreciated Father Sheehy’s tireless work for his parishioners.

A tireless advocate for education, Father Sheehy oversaw significant improvements in both churches and schools within his parish. He was known for his energy, enterprise, and deep compassion, always striving to enhance the spiritual and educational well-being of those entrusted to his care.

Father Sheehy’s passing marks the end of an era, as he was one of the last surviving figures from the Land League era, a time of intense social and political upheaval in Ireland. His legacy as a courageous and resourceful priest, deeply involved in the national struggles of his time, will be remembered and cherished by many.

His death leaves a void in the hearts of those who knew him and admired his dedication to his faith and his country. Father Sheehy’s contributions to the Church and the Irish people will forever be etched in the annals of history.

Father Sheehy: The Land League Priest and Champion of the Oppressed

From the outset of the Land League’s formation in 1879, Father Eugene Sheehy became a powerful advocate for tenant farmers’ rights. His impassioned speeches on the platform and his organizational skills propelled the movement forward in County Limerick. He continued his activism in the National League, the successor to the Land League, and remained at the forefront of the Plan of Campaign.

His prominence grew in 1880 while serving in Kilmallock, and he became a key figure in the land agitation that swept through the county. During this period, numerous eviction campaigns were carried out by landlords, and Father Sheehy attended most of them, providing solace and support to those who were dispossessed.

One of the most notable eviction campaigns was at Murroe, which saw a massive deployment of military and police forces to Kilmallock. While there was no organized resistance to the evictions themselves, Father Sheehy and others mobilized public opinion against the injustices suffered by the tenants.

Large crowds gathered to protest, and their voices were amplified through reports sent to America and Canada, where they generated widespread sympathy for the evicted families.

The Murroe evictions also witnessed an unexpected form of opposition. The military and police had been deployed in large numbers, and telegraph lines were cut to prevent communication. This resulted in a two-day delay in the eviction process, as the authorities awaited instructions. When communication was finally restored, a message arrived directing the bailiffs and the military to an entirely different location.

Father Sheehy’s unwavering support for the tenant farmers, combined with his organizational abilities and powerful oratory, made him a formidable figure in the Land League movement. His legacy as a champion of the oppressed continues to inspire those who fight for social justice and equality.

In the face of adversity, Father Sheehy’s courage and determination never wavered. He remained a steadfast advocate for the rights of the Irish people, and his contributions to the Land League and subsequent movements for social change will forever be remembered as an integral part of Ireland’s history.

Father Sheehy Exposes Eviction Fraud, Catalyzes Land Act Reforms

Father Sheehy’s unwavering determination to expose injustice was evident in his actions during the eviction crisis. He meticulously collected funds to help tenants pay their exorbitant rents and, once the Land Act was in effect, ensured applications were filed to establish fair rents.

The Land Commission’s subsequent reduction of those rents by 30 to 35 percent exposed the landlords’ extortionate demands, revealing that the tenants had been paying one and a half times the just amount. This revelation fueled widespread outrage over the evictions and the underlying rent exploitation.

The landlords had viewed the Limerick eviction campaign as a crucial test of their power, with figures like Norrish-Dodard, the solicitor of the Property Defence Association, and Spanner, one of its agents, overseeing the proceedings. However, Father Sheehy’s meticulous documentation and exposure of the unjust rents completely undermined their plans.

What was intended as a demonstration of landlordism’s strength became a potent weapon against it, leading to amendments in the Land Act to protect leaseholders. Father Sheehy’s strategic approach not only saved countless families from eviction but also contributed to significant legal reforms that benefited tenant farmers across Ireland.

Father Sheehy’s charisma and intellect made him an effective leader and orator. His clear and impassioned speeches resonated with audiences both in Ireland and abroad, raising awareness of the plight of Irish tenants and garnering international support for their cause.

His unwavering commitment to social justice, combined with his strategic thinking and tireless advocacy, cemented his legacy as a champion of the oppressed. Father Sheehy’s life and work serve as a testament to the power of individual action and the enduring impact of those who dare to challenge injustice.

Father Sheehy’s Imprisonment: A Spark in the Irish Nationalist Struggle

Father Sheehy’s influential voice and organizational prowess did not go unnoticed by the British government. Following a powerful speech at a Kilmallock meeting in 1881 and his participation in a major South of Ireland Convention in Limerick City alongside Reverend Harold Rylett, Father Sheehy was arrested under the repressive Forster Coercion Act. He was subsequently held in Kilmainham Jail for nine months without trial.

Father Sheehy’s imprisonment, along with that of other patriotic priests under the Coercion Act, triggered a heated debate in the House of Commons. This led to the suspension of Mr Parnell and all Irish Nationalist representatives, who promptly returned to Ireland. Upon arrival, Mr Parnell was arrested at Morrison’s Hotel, further fueling the nationalist fervor.

Father Sheehy’s detention became a rallying point for the Irish people, symbolizing the government’s attempts to silence dissenting voices and suppress the growing national movement. The injustice of his imprisonment, without charge or trial, fueled public outrage and strengthened the resolve of those fighting for Irish self-determination.

This pivotal moment in Irish history solidified Father Sheehy’s status as a national hero and martyr for the cause. His unwavering commitment to justice and his resilience in the face of oppression served as an inspiration to countless others who continued the struggle for Irish independence.

The events surrounding Father Sheehy’s imprisonment demonstrate the interconnectedness of political activism, social justice, and religious leadership in Ireland during this turbulent period. His story serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought for a better future for their country and the enduring power of their legacy.

American Tour and Narrow Escape

Following his release from prison in late 1881, Father Sheehy embarked on a speaking tour of America and Canada alongside T.M. Healy. To evade potential arrest as “suspects” under the Coercion Act, they booked their passage from Havre, France, under assumed names.

Upon their return, they stopped in Paris, where news of the Phoenix Park murders reached them. Uncertain about returning to Ireland amidst the heightened tensions, Father Sheehy sought advice from his brother, MP.. David Sheehy, who consulted with the Bishop of Limerick, Dr Butler.

The bishop saw no objection to their return but cautioned them about outstanding warrants for their re-arrest under the Coercion Act. He advised them to remain in Paris, offering to cover the costs of their stay. After a delay, they eventually returned to Ireland, but the warrants were never executed.

Clifford Lloyd, the notorious Resident Magistrate known for his harsh enforcement of the Coercion Act, was allegedly furious at their escape, claiming he had been outwitted by the “Land League priest.” This episode further solidified Father Sheehy’s reputation as a cunning and resilient figure in the struggle for Irish independence.

The American tour not only raised awareness of the Irish cause in North America but also served as a testament to Father Sheehy’s unwavering commitment to his principles. Despite facing personal risks and government opposition, he remained steadfast in his advocacy for the rights of Irish tenant farmers. His courage and determination continued to inspire the nationalist movement, making him a revered figure in the fight for Irish self-government.

Father Sheehy’s Heroism Sparks Defiance Against Oppression

Upon returning to Ireland, Father Sheehy found himself at the center of a new struggle, this time against Clifford Lloyd, the notorious Resident Magistrate known for his heavy-handed tactics in enforcing the Coercion Act. The ensuing conflict, fueled by Father Sheehy’s impassioned speeches and unwavering leadership, ignited a wave of resistance against oppression across Limerick and the South of Ireland.

Father Sheehy’s eloquence and organizational skills galvanized communities in Cork, Waterford, Clonmel, Tralee, and other areas to stand up against injustice. His tireless efforts eventually led to Clifford Lloyd’s removal from his position and reassignment to a colonial post, a significant victory for the Irish people.

Following this triumph, Father Sheehy was appointed parish priest of Bruree, a position he held until his failing health forced him to retire. His popularity among the people was immense, as evidenced by Michael Davitt’s description of him in “The Fall of Feudalism in Ireland” as a “staunch Land Leaguer and a man of considerable ability.” Davitt further noted that Father Sheehy’s unjust imprisonment as a “common malefactor” only added fuel to the already volatile situation in the country.

Father Sheehy’s unwavering commitment to justice, his powerful oratory, and his unwavering support for the oppressed cemented his place as a true hero of the Land League days. His legacy continues to inspire generations of Irish people who strive for equality and freedom.

Freeman’s Journal – Monday 16 July 1917