Denis Dowling Mulcahy facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Denis Dowling Mulcahy
Mulcahy, c. 1880s
Born	1833 Redmondstown, County Tipperary, Ireland
Died	September 13, 1900 (aged 66–67) Newark, New Jersey, United States
Organization	Irish Republican Brotherhood

Denis Dowling Mulcahy (1833 – 13 September 1900) was an important member of the Irish Republican Brotherhood. He was also a medical doctor. This group worked for Ireland's independence from British rule.

Early Life and Family

Denis Dowling Mulcahy was born in 1833 in Redmondstown, County Tipperary, Ireland. He later lived in Powerstown, which is close to Clonmel. His father supported the Young Ireland movement. This group wanted to end British rule in Ireland. His father also supported James Stephens, a key leader of the Fenians. The Fenians were another group working for Irish independence.

Working for The Irish People Newspaper

Starting the Newspaper

Mulcahy joined the team at The Irish People newspaper. James Stephens started this newspaper on 28 November 1863. It received money from the Irish Republican Brotherhood in the United States. The newspaper's offices were in Dublin.

Mulcahy's Colleagues

Mulcahy worked with Charles Kickham and Thomas Clarke Luby. John O'Leary was in charge of the newspaper's writing. Other important people like O’Donovan Rossa helped with the business side.

Arrest and Time in Prison

Discovery of Plans

In 1865, plans for a rebellion in Ireland were found. These plans were made in America. Police raided the offices of the Irish People on 15 September. They arrested Mulcahy and his colleagues.

Life in Prison

Mulcahy was found guilty and sent to prison. He spent time in Portland and Millbank Prisons. He became very ill with a lung problem. Even so, he was made to do hard work. He was later moved to a special prison for sick people.

Release and Exile

In December 1870, many Fenian prisoners were set free. This was part of an amnesty. However, they had to leave the United Kingdom for the rest of their original prison sentences. Mulcahy asked to stay because he supported his elderly father. His request was denied. So, Mulcahy moved to France for two years.

Journey to America

In January 1871, Mulcahy sailed to New York City. He traveled on a ship called the SS Russia. Eight other Fenians who had been released from prison were with him.

Life in America

Helping Irish Exiles

In New York, Mulcahy worked to create a list of Irish political exiles. He hoped to bring all the different Irish groups in the city together. He wanted them to work as one team.

John O'Mahony's Funeral

In 1877, Mulcahy found John O'Mahony, a former leader of the American Fenian Brotherhood, very ill. Mulcahy tried to help him, but O'Mahony passed away. Mulcahy then brought O'Mahony's body back to Ireland. O'Mahony was buried in Glasnevin Cemetery. Mulcahy felt that people cared more about dead heroes than about living ones.

Later Life in New Jersey

Mulcahy did not agree with the "New Departure" movement. This movement tried to combine different Irish political groups. He was careful about Charles Stewart Parnell, another Irish leader. Mulcahy worried that Parnell might want too much power.

Mulcahy spent his final years as a successful medical doctor. He had a good medical practice in Newark, New Jersey. He passed away there on 13 September 1900.

Images for kids

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  Denis Dowling Mulcahy with fellow Irish Republicans Thomas Clarke Luby and John O'Leary