Davin’s American Invasion
Archived: 10 October 2026
In 1888 Ireland faced coercion, agrarian conflict and scrutiny of constitutional nationalism. The Special Commission investigated allegations against Charles Stewart Parnell and Irish MPs, while the Plan of Campaign provoked prosecutions, evictions and papal condemnation. Local government reform failed, leaving Ireland without elected county councils. Meanwhile, Horace Plunkett promoted co-operation, Christian Brothers College opened in Cork, and W. B. Yeats published Fairy and Folk Tales of the Irish Peasantry. Maurice Davin led Gaelic Athletic Association athletes to America, promoting hurling among emigrants despite financial difficulties. These developments demonstrated continuing struggles over political representation, land, religion, culture and Irish institutional independence.
