Information Board marking Offaly’s links to the Land War unveiled
Shannonbridge Hall hosted an event marking the village’s important role in 19th Century land agitation
On August 29th Shannonbridge Hall hosted an event marking the village’s important role in 19th Century land agitation, in particular a rally organised by the Ballinasloe Tenants Defence Association at Shannonbridge in 1876.
The BTDA was closely tied to Matt Harris, a Ballinasloe publican and building contractor, who served on the Irish Republican Brotherhood’s Supreme Council. The association drew support from prominent nationalists like William Kilroe and Michael Reddy of Shannonbridge, Peter Kelly of Blackwater Lodge, John Millar of Ballydangan, James Kilmartin of Shralea and Malachy O’Sullivan of Ballinasloe.
In May 1876, it held a rally at Shannonbridge attracting 2,000 people. Local Parish Priest Fr O’Reilly chaired the meeting which was also addressed by James Kilmartin and other speakers.
The rally focused on securing seeking ‘Fair Rent, Fixity of Tenure and Free Sale’ for small tenant farmers. In 1879 the Land League was established to fight for the same objectives. The Ballinasloe Tenants Defence Association was quickly assimilated into the League and its members played important roles in the organisation’s activities such as rent strikes and boycotting.
The event was chaired by Declan Ryan with Aidan Doyle providing a short reflection on the ability of commemorations to allow local communities to raise awareness of their own history.
Jack Darcy recited ‘The Eviction Fight’ a traditional poem which recounts the story of the ‘Battle of Clonfinlough’ when locals repulsed an effort by military and police to serve eviction notices during the Land War.
The night concluded with the unveiling of Information Board which was produced by Brosna Press. The board which recounts details of the Tenants’ Rights Rally will be on public display in the village during the coming weeks.