The "Wearing of the Green," or The Prosecuted Funeral Procession

"Wearing of the Green," or The Prosecuted Funeral Procession by A. M. Sullivan is a recounting of events from 1868, telling of Ireland's widespread grief and fury after the executions of Allen, Larkin, and O'Brien, three Irish Fenians. These executions, tied to alleged terrorist acts, ignited public demonstrations of mourning and resistance. Sullivan paints a picture of solemn funeral processions organized in response, showing how intertwined religion, nationalism, and protest were in Irish culture. The narrative begins by showcasing the intense emotional reaction in Ireland to the Manchester hangings, highlighting the sorrow that enveloped the country. Catholic priests publicly mourned the loss, holding Requiem Masses that linked the executed men to national pride and despair. These feelings transformed into organized funeral marches in cities like Cork and Dublin, underscoring the importance of the dead as martyrs for the Irish cause, and Sullivan captures vivid images of the marches, revealing the united front of the Irish people, moving past political differences to seek justice and remember the deceased.