Harry Foran facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Harry Foran
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|---|---|
| Born |
Martin Henry Foran
c. 1850 |
| Died | 25 April 1908 |
Martin Henry "Harry" Foran (born around 1850 – died April 25, 1908) was an Australian schoolteacher and journalist. He was also a well-known public speaker and tried to become a politician. Foran was known for speaking up for working-class people and for his strong opinions.
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Harry Foran's Early Life
Harry Foran was born near Kilkee in County Clare, Ireland, around 1850. His father, James Forhen, was the head of a fishing family. Harry first thought about becoming a priest.
Instead, he became a student teacher in 1871. He became involved in groups that wanted to improve conditions for tenants (people who rented land). He also supported the idea of "Home Rule" for Ireland, which meant Ireland would govern itself.
Moving to Australia
Because of his political activities, Harry Foran decided to move to Australia. He arrived in Victoria in 1876. There, he continued his work as a teacher.
He was known for speaking his mind, which sometimes caused issues. His teaching license was even held back for a while. However, his story became quite famous in the newspapers.
A Voice in Sydney Politics
In 1893, Foran moved to Sydney. He started working as a journalist. He also became a regular speaker at a public park called The Domain. This park was a famous place for people to give speeches.
Harry Foran mostly spoke to Catholic working-class people. He was part of a group called the radical wing of the Protectionist Party. He often disagreed with the Labour Leagues.
Running for Parliament
Foran edited a newspaper called Sydney Irish World from 1894 to 1895. He tried to get elected to the New South Wales Parliament several times. He ran as an independent candidate in 1894, 1895, 1898, and 1901, but he was not successful.
He also ran in the first federal election for the area of East Sydney. He came in second place to the Premier, George Reid. During this time, people gave him nicknames like "Domain Demosthenes" and "the Mayor of Hyde Park" because of his powerful speeches.
Later Years and Legacy
In 1902, Harry Foran returned to Melbourne. He continued his public speaking activities at Yarra Bank. He ran for election in the area of Melbourne Ports in 1903.
Even though he had disagreed with them before, he joined the Labor Party in 1904. He sometimes wrote for a Catholic newspaper called the Tribune. He was clearly connected to the Catholic part of the Labor Party.
His Final Years
Harry Foran's health began to get worse. He died on April 25, 1908, at St Vincent's Hospital in Fitzroy. He passed away from illnesses called jaundice and hydatids.
People remembered him in different ways. Some called him a "political failure." Others called him a "knight of the Southern Cross." Many agreed that he was "probably the most fluent public speaker in Australia."
