Eugene Sheehy (priest) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Father Eugene Sheehy
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| Born |
Eugene Sheehy
25 December 1841 |
| Died | July 1917 Dublin
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| Nationality | Irish |
| Education | Mungret College |
| Alma mater | Irish College in Paris |
| Occupation | Priest |
| Known for | Irish National Land League |
Father Eugene Sheehy (born December 25, 1841 – died July 1917) was an important Irish priest. He helped lead a group called the Irish National Land League in Kilmallock. He also helped start the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA). People called him the "Land League priest" because he worked hard for farmers' rights. His actions even led to him being put in prison. Father Sheehy also taught Éamon de Valera, who later became a president of Ireland.
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Early Life and Education
Eugene Sheehy was born in Broadford, County Limerick, Ireland. His parents were Richard Sheehy and Johanna Shea. He had a sister named Mary Sheehy and a brother named David Sheehy.
He went to school at Mungret College in Limerick. Later, he studied to become a priest at the Irish College in Paris.
Working for Farmers' Rights
Father Sheehy was a strong and proud person. He got involved with the Irish National Land League. This group worked to help farmers get fair rents and own their land.
Arrest and Imprisonment
His work with the Land League caused problems with the local judge, Clifford Lloyd. On May 20, 1881, Father Sheehy was arrested. This was because of speeches he made.
He was put in prison until September of that year. Clifford Lloyd wrote about the scene when Father Sheehy was arrested. He said people knelt down and asked for his blessing.
Father Sheehy was first held in Naas Jail. Then he was moved to Kilmainham Gaol. There, he joined other important Irish leaders. These included Charles Stewart Parnell, Michael Davitt, and John Dillon.
Continued Work and Travel
In November 1881, Father Sheehy traveled to the United States. He gave speeches to raise money and awareness for the Land League. He spoke at the Cooper's Union in New York. He also attended a big Irish meeting in Chicago.
Helping Start the GAA
Father Sheehy was at a meeting in Thurles in 1884. This was where the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) was started. The GAA promotes Irish sports like Gaelic football and hurling.
A photo from that day shows him with other founders. These included Michael Davitt and Michael Cusack.
Speaking for Independence
Also in 1884, Father Sheehy spoke to a large crowd in Knockaderry, Limerick. He talked about Ireland becoming independent. News of his speech even reached New Zealand.
In 1886, he became the parish priest of Bruree. That same year, he went to Galway to support Charles Stewart Parnell.
Later Years and Legacy
Father Sheehy's niece, Hanna Sheehy Skeffington, shared an interesting story. She said a famous quote by Parnell was first spoken by her uncle. At a dinner in Cork, Father Sheehy said, "No man has a right to set bounds to the onward march of a nation." Parnell liked the phrase and started using it himself.
In 1900, Father Sheehy retired from his church work. He moved to Dublin. He was in the city during the Easter Rising in 1916. This was an important event in Ireland's fight for freedom. He was even present in the General Post Office (GPO). He helped the Irish Volunteers there.
Father Eugene Sheehy died the next year, in July 1917, at age 76. He was buried in Glasnevin Cemetery.
