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Fenian is a term used since the 1850s for Irish nationalists (who oppose British rule in Ireland). It can also specifically refer to members of the Irish Republican Brotherhood (see Historical usage below). The term is still used especially in Scotland and Northern Ireland, where its original meaning has continued and possibly expanded to include all supporters of Irish nationalism and by extension Roman Catholics of Irish descent, many of whom are traditionally (sometimes incorrectly) seen as supporters of Irish nationalism. The term in its more modern usage is often considered offensive and a sectarian insult.
Etymology
The term derives from the Irish Na Fianna or Na Fianna Éireann who in Celtic mythology were a band of warriors formed to protect Ireland, Fionn Mac Cumhaill being the most famous of its warriors.
Historical usage
The Fenian Brotherhood, the Irish Republican Brotherhood's American branch, was founded in 1858 by John O'Mahony, James Stephens, and Michael Doheny, to gain Irish-American support for armed rebellion in Ireland. Initially, O'Mahony ran operations in the USA, sending funds to Stephens and the IRB in Ireland. The U.S. chapter of the movement was also sometimes referred to as the IRB, and later as Clan na Gael.
"Fenian" is the sole epitaph on the headstone of Tom Clarke, in Glasnevin Cemetery in Dublin. Clarke was executed by British army firing squad after the Easter Rising of 1916.
Contemporary usage
Northern Ireland
In Northern Ireland, Fenian is used by some as a term for Roman Catholics or Irish nationalists (often inaccurately seen to be synonymous), and is generally considered by many people (both Catholic and Protestant) to be offensive. It is also sometimes used as a general swear word or insult. Many supporters of Irish republicanism label themselves as "fenians".Scotland
The term Fenian is used similarly in western Scotland. During Scottish football matches it is often aimed by some supporters of other clubs, particularly Rangers, at Celtic F.C. supportershttp://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/4918702.stm. Celtic F.C. has its roots in Glasgow's immigrant Irish population and the club has thus been traditionally associated with Irish nationalism and Catholicism.It is maintained by many that it does not refer to Roman Catholics in general. Protestant Celtic players such as Paul Lambert have not been spared this name from opposing supporters. Celtic supporters have also been reported as using the term to deride Roman Catholics who play for Rangers, an example being when Celtic supporters sang to Chris Burke, "Who's the fenian in the blue?".http://www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/sportscotland/offtheball/illinformer/?2004/03/29
See also
External links
- BBC History article on the Irish Republican Brotherhood
- 1865 newspaper Article describing the Fenians
Footnotes
Fenian is also the name of the horse that won the Belmont Stakes in 1869. His image appears on the trophy awarded to the winner of the Belmont Stakes.
Irish rebellion | Fenian Raids | Pejorative terms for people | Ethnic slurs
"Fenian"