Cuba Five facts for kids
From left to right: John Devoy, Charles Underwood O'Connell, Henry (Harry) Mulleda, Jeremiah O'Donovan Rossa, and John McClure.
This article is about a group of Irish rebels. For Cuban intelligence officers, see Cuban Five.
The Cuba Five (Irish: An Cúigear Chúba) were five Irish rebels who were held in British prisons. In 1871, they were set free. However, there was a condition: they could not enter Britain (which included Ireland at the time) until their original prison sentences ended. They chose to leave their homeland and live in America. This is called going into exile.
They traveled across the Atlantic Ocean on a ship named SS Cuba. They sailed from the Liverpool docks. The five men were John Devoy, Jeremiah O'Donovan Rossa, Charles Underwood O'Connell, Henry Mullady, and John McClure.
Who Were the Cuba Five?
The Cuba Five were part of a group called the Fenian Brotherhood. This was a movement that wanted Ireland to be free from British rule. These five men were important figures in this fight for independence. They believed strongly in their cause.
Their Journey to Freedom
When the Cuba Five arrived in New York, they received a huge and exciting welcome. Many people were there to greet them. It was a very special moment for them and their supporters. They hoped to bring together the Fenian Brotherhood, which had become divided.
What Happened Next?
Even with their warm welcome, the Cuba Five were not able to fully reunite the Fenian Brotherhood. However, two of the men, John Devoy and Jeremiah O'Donovan Rossa, became very important leaders. They were probably the most famous members of the Fenian movement in the United States during the late 1800s and early 1900s. They continued to work for Ireland's freedom from America.
