The Immortal Irishman: The Irish Revolutionary Who Became an American Hero

Thomas Francis Meagher, the central figure of The Immortal Irishman, was a charismatic and dynamic activist. In Egan’s telling, his life encapsulates the spirit of 19th century Irish nationalism and the Irish American immigrant experience.

Born in Waterford, Ireland, in 1823, Meagher rose to prominence as a passionate orator and leader of the Young Ireland movement, advocating for Irish independence from British rule. His eloquence and fervor earned him the nickname "Meagher of the Sword" (56), symbolizing his commitment to both the pen and the sword in the fight for Irish freedom.

Meagher's significance extends beyond his revolutionary activities in Ireland. After he was sentenced to death for his role in the 1848 rebellion, his sentence was commuted to transportation to Tasmania. His escape from this Australian penal colony and subsequent arrival in the United States marked the beginning of a new chapter in his life. In America, Meagher continued to champion the cause of Irish independence while also embracing his new identity as an American. He played a crucial role on the Union side of the American Civil War, leading the Irish Brigade with distinction and earning a reputation as a brave and inspiring leader. After this, Meagher became acting governor of the Montana Territory, attempting to bring order to a place ruled by vigilante violence and dreaming of creating a new haven for Irish Americans.

Egan's portrays Meagher as having an unwavering commitment to justice and freedom, but suffering from personal flaws including alcohol use disorder. As told by Egan, Meagher's life was one of resilience and transformation, reflecting a broader narrative of the Irish diaspora. His journey from a revolutionary in Ireland to a celebrated hero in America exemplifies the challenges and opportunities faced by Irish immigrants in the 19th century, including issues of identity, exile, and the quest for belonging.

Daniel O'Connell, known as "The Liberator," was a notable figure in 19th century Irish politics. O'Connell was an advocate for Catholic emancipation and Irish self-governance, promoting the use of non-violent means to achieve his goals. He led the successful campaign for Catholic emancipation in 1829, which was a significant victory for Irish Catholics, allowing them to hold public office and win seats in the British Parliament.

O'Connell's significance in The Immortal Irishman lies in his mentorship and ideological influence on Meagher. Although Meagher ultimately embraced more radical methods, rejecting O'Connell's strictly non-violent approach, the foundation of Meagher's political beliefs was heavily influenced by O'Connell's principles. O'Connell's ability to mobilize and inspire the Irish populace through his oratory and political acumen provided a blueprint for Meagher's own activism.

Egan presents O'Connell as a complex figure whose dedication to peaceful reform sometimes clashed with the rising tide of militant nationalism among younger Irish leaders like Meagher. Despite these differences, O'Connell's legacy as a champion of Irish rights and his impact on subsequent generations of Irish nationalists are apparent. His death in 1847 marked the end of an era, setting the stage for the more aggressive phase of the Irish independence movement that Meagher and his contemporaries would lead.

John Mitchel was one of the most radical and influential members of the Young Ireland movement, known for his fiery rhetoric and uncompromising stance against British rule. Born in Derry, Ireland, in 1815, Mitchel became a prominent journalist and political activist. His writings in The United Irishman newspaper, which he founded in 1848, were instrumental in galvanizing Irish nationalist sentiment and advocating for armed rebellion against British authority.

Mitchel's significance in Meagher's story is multifaceted. He was a close associate and ideological ally of Meagher within the Young Ireland movement. Their shared commitment to Irish independence and willingness to use force if necessary set them apart from more moderate nationalists. Mitchel's arrest and subsequent transportation to Bermuda, and then to Tasmania, were part of the British crackdown on the 1848 rebellion, events that also impacted Meagher and other Young Ireland leaders.

Egan underscores Mitchel’s role in the radicalization of the Irish nationalist movement. However, Mitchel's advocacy for Irish independence clashes with his later support for the Confederate cause during the American Civil War. Despite these contradictions in his political views, Mitchel's relationship with Meagher, marked by mutual respect and shared purpose, is a testament to the solidarity and ideological fervor that characterized the Young Ireland movement.