Ireland Since Parnell

"Ireland Since Parnell" by Captain D.D. Sheehan is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The work provides a critical narrative of the political landscape in Ireland following the life and influence of Charles Stewart Parnell, exploring themes of leadership, national aspirations, and the struggles that followed Parnell’s downfall. The author reflects on the impact of Parnell's actions and how they shaped the course of Irish politics and society. At the start of the text, Sheehan introduces himself, recounting his early experiences growing up in a politically active family influenced by Irish nationalism. He shares personal memories of eviction and societal upheaval, positioning these experiences against the backdrop of Ireland's political challenges. The opening chapters set the stage for a deep analysis of Parnell’s leadership, his rise to power, and the eventual factionalism that led to his downfall. Sheehan hints at the broader implications of these events on Ireland's quest for autonomy and the complexities of its political factions. Through reflections on Parnell’s era, the author expresses both admiration for the leader and regret for the subsequent chaos that ensued after his leadership ended, promising a comprehensive examination of Ireland's political evolution in the years that followed. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Daniel Desmond Sheehan, usually known as D. D. Sheehan was an Irish nationalist, politician, labour leader, journalist, barrister and author. He served as Member of Parliament (MP) in the House of Commons of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland representing Mid-Cork from 1901 to 1918, a constituency comprising the districts of Ahadallane, Ballincollig, Ballyvourney, Blarney, Coachford, Farran, Inchigeelagh, Macroom, Millstreet and Shandangan. As co-founder and President of the Irish Land and Labour Association, he was credited with considerable success in land reform, labour reforms and in rural state housing. From 1909, he was General Secretary of the Central Executive of the All-for-Ireland League, favouring a policy of National reconciliation between all creeds and classes in Ireland. During World War I he served as Irish regiments officer with the 16th (Irish) Division in France, 1915–16. He resigned his parliamentary seat in 1918 and lived in England for several years, returning to Dublin following the ending of the civil war, when he was appointed editor of the Dublin Chronicle.