“house of guinness” star Niamh McCormack discovers Ancestral Link to Irish republican Brotherhood: A deep Dive
Published: October 26, 2023
Last Updated: October 26, 2023
The Revelation: A Family Secret Uncovered
Niamh McCormack, who plays the pivotal role of ellen Cochrane in Netflix’s new historical drama House of Guinness, recently revealed a remarkable personal connection to the very cause her character champions. In an interview with RTÉ Entertainment, McCormack disclosed that her great-grandfather was a First Lieutenant in the Irish Republican Brotherhood (IRB), a secret, revolutionary Irish nationalist institution founded in 1858.
This discovery occurred after filming had concluded, adding a serendipitous layer to her performance. “I have a personal connection to the Irish Republican Brotherhood,” McCormack stated. “My great grandad was the First Lieutenant in the IRB so it’s in my DNA somewhere. It’s like cosmic or something! I had no idea and it just makes it so much more special for me.” She expressed relief that she wasn’t aware of the connection during filming, believing it allowed her choices to stem from a more organic and intuitive place.
Understanding the Irish Republican Brotherhood (IRB)
The IRB, often referred to as the Fenians, played a crucial role in the Irish nationalist movement throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Founded by James Stephens, the organization aimed to achieve Irish independence from British rule through armed rebellion. Here’s a breakdown of key aspects:
* Origins & Ideology: The IRB emerged from the aftermath of the Great Famine (1845-1849), fueled by resentment towards British policies and a desire for self-governance. Their ideology centered on establishing an autonomous Irish Republic.
* Methods: Initially focused on building a network of dedicated revolutionaries, the IRB engaged in various activities, including:
* Recruitment: Secretly recruiting members from all social classes.
* Arms Procurement: Attempting to acquire weapons and funding, often through donations from Irish communities abroad (especially in the United States).
* Fenian Raids: Launching small-scale raids into British territory (Canada) in the 1860s, which ultimately failed.
* political Activism: Influencing public opinion and supporting nationalist politicians.
* Key Events & Impact:
* 1867 Fenian Rising: A poorly coordinated uprising that was quickly suppressed by British authorities.
* Influence on Later Movements: Despite setbacks, the IRB’s ideals and organizational structure significantly influenced later Irish nationalist movements, including the easter Rising of 1916.
* Split & Evolution: The IRB experienced internal divisions and evolved over time, eventually contributing to the formation of other organizations like the Irish Volunteers.
IRB Membership & Structure (Estimated)
| Rank/Position | Description | Estimated Numbers (Late 19th Century) |
|---|---|---|
| Center (Local Branch Leader) | Responsible for organizing and overseeing activities within a specific area. | ~10-20 per Centre |
| First Lieutenant | Second-in-command of a Centre, frequently enough responsible for recruitment and training. McCormack’s great-grandfather held this position. | 1 per Centre |
| Secretary | Managed administrative tasks and communication. | 1 per Centre |
| Treasurer | Handled finances and fundraising. | 1 per Centre |
| Rank & File Members | The bulk of the organization, participating in meetings, drills, and other activities. |