- February 7, 1877
John Francis O’Mahony (1815 – 7 February 1877) was a Gaelic scholar and the founding member of the Fenian Brotherhood in the United States, sister organisation to the Irish Republican Brotherhood. Despite coming from a reasonably wealthy family and being well educated, the primary pursuit of O’Mahoney’s life was that of Irish Independence from the United Kingdom, a calling that ultimately left him in poverty. O’Mahony fought in the Young Irelander Rebellion of 1848 as well as the US Civil War, and was involved organisationally in the Fenian Rising of 1867 in Ireland and the Fenian Raids on Canada.
John O’Mahony, died in New York City. O’Mahony passed away on February 7, 1877, in New York, where he had spent much of his life actively involved in Irish nationalist activities.
As a prominent figure in the Irish nationalist movement, John O’Mahony played a crucial role in organizing Irish immigrants in the United States to support the cause of Irish independence from British rule. In 1858, he founded the Fenian Brotherhood, an Irish republican organization dedicated to achieving Irish independence through revolutionary means.
Under O’Mahony’s leadership, the Fenian Brotherhood worked to raise funds, train volunteers, and plan military actions aimed at liberating Ireland from British control. Although the Fenian movement faced internal divisions and external challenges, it had a significant impact on shaping Irish nationalism in the 19th century.
John O’Mahony’s death marked the passing of one of the key figures in the history of Irish nationalism and the Fenian movement. His legacy continues to be remembered and honored by those who continue to strive for Irish independence and the promotion of Irish culture and heritage.