Easter Rising in Ireland, 1916
INFORMERS
Informers such as Corydon and Magle did untold damage to the IRB by betraying their oath and giving information to the English.
The Fenian movement split in America in 1865. John O’Mahony took over from Stephans. O’Mahony was later himself to be deposed when his hesitation in calling an insurrection dissatisfied the soldiers he commanded (many of which were veterans of the American Civil War). Colonel Thomas J. Kelly, was appointed Chief of Staff of the IRB in 1867 and departed for Ireland.
A rising was planned for February 1867. Chester Castle in England was to be attacked and simultaneous raids in Ireland were to be carried out. The English knew in advance however as the informer, Corydon, kept them informed. The news had not filtered through to the Fenians in Ireland and sporadic battles took place in Kerry and Dublin.
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