The emphasis for the past decade has been on the Revolutionary period 1913-1923 yet the story of constitutional nationalism and its unique and bitter conflict in pre revolutionary Cork is of interest.
In the present day, John Redmond Street and Great William O’Brien Street are busy thoroughfares located close together on the north side of Cork City, yet how many know about either Mr O’Brien or Mr Redmond or indeed how just over a century ago the vicious riots and violence between their passionate followers resulted in 90 admissions to the South Infirmary and North Infirmary (The present Maldron Hotel) hospitals on just one night in May 1910.
The Irish Parliamentary Party (IPP), whose MPs attended Westminister was forever riven with splits even as it sought Home Rule for Ireland. In 1910, Cork split from the IPP. Later the All For Ireland League (AFIL) led by Mallow born William O’Brien succeeded in winning eight of the nine seats available in the House of Commons for Cork in the 1911 election as well as aquiring seats in many local authority elections.
Cork city and county witnessed pitched violent battles in many villages and towns yet both factions professed a nationalist outlook in supporting Home Rule, both had significant working class support and both leaders had little time for trade unions or socialism. And then in 1914, Redmond and O’Brien advocated participation by their followers in the First World War. Pat Murphy will discuss the events in Cork City at this time, fascinating for locals and visitors.
Dr. Patrick Murphy was born in Cork and grew up in Ballyphehane. He attended Sullivan’s Quay school which he left at the age of 15 having failed the Inter Cert. His subsequent education was funded by the British taxpayer after he moved to England in 1984. He has a BA in social science, an MA in social history from the University of Nottingham and a PhD from the University of Liverpool with a thesis on the All for Ireland League.
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