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In Fermoy, Ireland

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Peter O'Neill-Crowley


Peter O'Neill - Crowley was a Fenian leader who took part in the Fenian Rising of 1867.


On Tomb of Peter O'Neill-Crowley

Peter O'Neill Crowley was the leader of the 100-strong IRB unit in Ballymacoda, near Youghal, during the Fenian rising of 1867. This unit successfully attacked Knockadoon coastguard station seeking arms on the night of the Rising, 5 March 1867.


Inscription on Tomb of Peter O'Neill-Crowley

With the wider failure of the rising because of informer betrayal and unseasonable heavy snow and cold weather, Peter O'Neill Crowley, Capt. John McClure and Edward Kelly, along with others, decided to march for Limerick in an effort to link up with other groups in Munster. They hoped, through strength of numbers, to be able to resist English counter measures against their fight for Irish freedom.


Cross on Tomb of Peter O'Neill-Crowley

However, while passing through the Kilclooney area of the end of March 1867, they were attacked by crown forces under the leadership of Henry Edward Redmond R.M. (Uncle to John Redmond, who was prominent in the history of later times). Peter O'Neill Crowley fought bravely but was mortally wounded while trying to ford a strong stream in Kilclooney wood.


Tomb of Peter O'Neill-Crowley in Ballymacoda Churchyard

His funeral from Mitchelstown to Ballymacoda was one of the most impressive demonstrations ever of the Irish people's affection for their beloved Fenian heroes. His funeral passed over Fermoy bridge on its journey southwards followed by mourning thousands who paid their final tribute to a Fenian martyr. He is buried in Ballymacoda, Co.Cork.

The term Fenian, in its original meaning, described anyone who opposed a British presence in Ireland. Of course there's more to it than that. It is a term that originated in the legendary tales of Celtic warrior, Fionn Mac Cumhaill who was the commander in chief of the entire Fianna, his father Cumhaill had been commander before him. It has evolved into a term that is an easy insult for some, and worn as a badge of honor by others. So really, Fenians have been around since the third century A.D. when Fionn Mac Cumhaill lived.
©   Paudie McGrath Cork Ireland 2003 -