Phoenix National and Literary Society facts for kids

The Phoenix National and Literary Society (also called the Phoenix Society) was an Irish nationalist group that existed from 1856 to 1859. It was based in West Cork, Ireland.

Jeremiah O'Donovan Rossa started the society in Skibbereen in December 1856. He wanted to bring back the ideas of the Young Ireland movement. That group had been stopped after its rebellion in 1848. The Phoenix Society aimed to encourage smart people to support Irish independence. It also wanted to promote a Gaelic revival, which meant bringing back Irish language and culture. The government stopped the society in 1859, calling it rebellious.

What Does 'Phoenix' Mean?

Jeremiah O'Donovan Rossa explained how the society got its name. He wrote about a meeting where they chose the name.

He suggested "Phoenix National and Literary Society." The word Phoenix comes from a myth about a bird that rises from ashes. O'Donovan Rossa said it meant the Irish cause would "rise again from the ashes." This idea was important for Irish history.

How the Society Started

At first, the Phoenix Society met openly. It was a bit like a club where young men could learn and discuss ideas. It attracted many young men from West Cork and Kerry.

The society bought nationalist newspapers. They had meeting rooms, first in a drug store, then in another place. They also secretly began practicing military drills.

In January 1858, a newspaper called the Dundalk Democrat wrote about the society's first anniversary. This article was later shared and caught the attention of James Stephens and John O'Mahony.

Joining the Irish Republican Brotherhood

In May 1858, James Stephens visited the Phoenix Society. He convinced many members to join his new group, the Irish Republican Brotherhood (IRB). The IRB was a secret society that made members take special oaths.

The Phoenix Trials

In late 1858, there was concern about "Phoenix Societies" across Ireland. This included the group in Skibbereen and other secret groups started by Stephens.

On December 8, 15 members were arrested in Cork and Kerry. At the 1859 Kerry Spring Assizes (a type of court), Daniel O'Sullivan Agreem was sentenced to ten years in prison. He was accused of a serious crime against the government.

O'Donovan Rossa, Mortimer Moynahan, and William O'Shea were held in Cork County Gaol. Other arrested people were released on bail.

The "Phoenix trials" mostly relied on one person's story. This person was Daniel O'Sullivan Goula, who had been hired by Moynahan. He decided to tell the government what he knew. This act was seen as very dishonorable and made many people support the arrested members.

Newspapers that first called the members "misguided" changed their minds. They began to see them as innocent people who had been tricked.

After the 1859 UK election, the three men held in Cork made a deal. They agreed to say they were guilty if they and Agreem could be released and leave the country. The new government agreed to this.

Phoenix Legacy

The name "Phoenix" was remembered in New York City. John O'Mahony and John O'Leary started a newspaper called The Phoenix. John O'Mahony also created a group called "Phoenix Zouaves." This was a Fenian Brotherhood militia. It later became part of the 69th Infantry Regiment during the American Civil War.