Above : Threat Of Irish Fenians

Amongst the Irish Fenians there was profound discouragement. They had built much of their hopes on the American aid, and of its coming there was no sign. Still they would do something. They would, however desperate were the odds against them, try the chances of war. As a result of their deliberations, risings in various parts of the country were decided on. One broke out (prematurely) in Cahirciveen (Co. Kerry) in February, 1867. Others followed (March) in several of the southern counties. At Tallaght, near Dublin, there were some slight kirmishes between the police and the insurgents.
All these movements were speedily suppressed. The insurgents scattered all over the country, and were arrested in hundreds. The rebellion, if such a name can be given it, was over. The price of it was be paid. A greatly exaggerated account of the happenings in Ireland had reached the United States. A party of American officers and soldiers started from New York, towards the end of April. Their boat frm Jacfmell, was loaded with arms and ammunition for the Fenians.With these, however, they failed to land.T hey themselves got ashore in a boat but were immediately arrested.Severa troops were captured and American Fenians now began, death sentence were passed on many. Some were even condemned to ‘ but a11 thc« had the death penalty commuted.