Thomas Cloney facts for kids

Thomas Cloney (born in 1773 – died February 20, 1850) was an important Irish leader. He was part of the Society of United Irishmen, a group that wanted Ireland to be independent. Cloney led a major rebellion in County Wexford in 1798. Later, he worked with Robert Emmet to try and start another uprising in 1803.

Thomas Cloney: A Young Rebel Leader

Thomas Cloney was born to Catholic parents in Moneyhore, Wexford. His father, Denis Cloney, was a successful businessman. His mother was Mary Kavanagh. Thomas had three sisters but no brothers.

When he was still young, Thomas Cloney became a Colonel in the United Irishmen. This was just before the 1798 rebellion began. During the uprising in Wexford, he fought in several battles. These included the Battle of Three Rocks and the Battle of New Ross. He also led an attack on Borris House. People often called him "General Cloney" because of his leadership.

Challenges and Comebacks

After the rebellion failed, Cloney was put in prison in Wexford. He was also held briefly at a tough place called Geneva Barracks. He faced a very serious punishment, but it was changed. Instead, he was sent away from Ireland for life to a place called New South Wales. This was a colony where prisoners were sent.

After spending 21 months in jail, he was set free. The condition was that he had to leave Ireland for two years. He spent most of this time in Liverpool, England.

Working with Robert Emmet

Thomas Cloney returned to Ireland in May 1803. He quickly joined up with Robert Emmet and his friends. Cloney helped arrange a meeting with Emmet in Dublin. It seems Emmet had chosen Cloney to be his General for County Wexford. This would have happened if Emmet's uprising in Dublin had succeeded.

When Emmet's plan failed, Cloney was arrested again. He was held in Dublin Castle and then in Kilmainham Gaol. He was released in November 1804 because of his health.

Life After the Rebellions

After his release, Cloney moved to Graiguenamanagh in County Kilkenny. His home there was known as "Whitehall." Thomas Cloney was one of only two main rebel leaders from 1798 who survived and stayed in Ireland. The other was Joseph Holt.

Cloney the Historian

Thomas Cloney also wrote a book about the 1798 Rebellion. It was one of the first books written from the point of view of the rebels who lost. The book is called "A Personal Narrative of those Transactions in the County of Wexford, in which the author was engaged, during the awful period of 1798." He had wanted to publish it earlier. However, his lawyer told him it was not a good idea at the time.

Later Years and Legacy

Cloney stayed involved in politics throughout his life. He was a strong supporter of Daniel O'Connell. O'Connell worked to gain Catholic Emancipation for Catholics. This meant giving them more rights. He also wanted to end the Act of Union, which joined Ireland and Great Britain.

Many important Irish figures visited Cloney at his "Whitehall" home. These included Father Theobald Mathew and Daniel O'Connell. In 1848, he was visited by William Smith O'Brien and Thomas Francis Meagher. This was just before the Young Irelander Rebellion of 1848.

Thomas Cloney never married. He was an important part of life in Graiguenamanagh. He lived there for the rest of his life. He passed away on February 20, 1850, at the age of 76 or 77. He was buried in St Mullin's Cemetery in County Carlow. His large tombstone overlooks the River Barrow.

Sources

• Edward Hay, "History of the Insurrection of the County of Wexford, A. D. 1798" (Dublin, 1803)
• Stephen Gwynn (ed.), "Memoirs of Miles Byrne - edited by his Widow", 2 vols. (Dublin & London, 1907).
• K. Whelan (ed) & W. Nolan (assoc. ed.), "Wexford: History and Society" (Dublin: Geography Publications, 1987)
• Joyce, John. General Thomas Cloney: A Wexford Rebel of 1798 (Dublin: Geography Publications, 1988)