February 7, 1877

John O’Mahoney, Irish patriot and founder of the Fenian Brotherhood, died on this day in New York City. After joining Daniel O’Connell’s movement for the repeal of the Union Act of 1800 and becoming dissatisfied with the progress, O’Mahoney led and took part in the Young Irelander Rebellion of 1848 in Co. Tipperary. His involvement forced him to leave Ireland. He first settled in Paris but then moved to New York City and founded the Fenian Brotherhood in 1858. Fellow Fenian Brotherhood member James Stephens returned to Dublin later that year and founded the Irish counterpart, the Irish Republican Brotherhood. After his death in 1877, O’Mahoney’s body was returned to Ireland and interred in Glasnevin cemetery.