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Thomas Clarke Luby (16 January 1822 – 29 November 1901) was an Irish revolutionary, author, journalist and one of the founding members of the Irish Republican Brotherhood.
Thomas Clarke Luby, a prominent Fenian, died in New York. Born in Dublin on January 16, 1821, Luby played a significant role in the Irish nationalist movement of the 19th century. He was involved in the Fenian Brotherhood, an Irish republican organization dedicated to achieving Irish independence through revolutionary means.
Irish Republican Brotherhood
The Irish Republican Brotherhood (IRB; Irish: Bráithreachas Phoblacht na hÉireann) was a secret oath-bound fraternal organisation dedicated to the establishment of an “independent democratic republic” in Ireland between 1858 and 1924.
Fenian Brotherhood
Its counterpart in the United States of America was initially the Fenian Brotherhood, but from the 1870s it was Clan na Gael. The members of both wings of the movement are often referred to as “Fenians”.
The IRB played an important role in the history of Ireland, as the chief advocate of republicanism during the campaign for Ireland’s independence from the United Kingdom, successor to movements such as the United Irishmen of the 1790s and the Young Irelanders of the 1840s.
Fenian Activism
Luby was a committed Irish nationalist and played a leading role in the Fenian movement, which sought to establish an independent Irish Republic through armed struggle.
Journalism
He was a journalist and editor, contributing to various nationalist publications. Luby was associated with the newspaper “The Irish People,” which became a key organ for the Fenian Brotherhood.
Imprisonment
In 1865, Luby, along with other Fenian leaders, was arrested and convicted for treason felony due to his involvement in the Fenian conspiracy. He was sentenced to penal servitude in Australia but was released in 1871.
Later Life in the United States
After his release, Luby emigrated to the United States, where he continued to be involved in Irish nationalist circles.
Death
Thomas Clarke Luby died on November 29, 1901, in New York City.
Thomas Clarke Luby’s contributions to the Fenian movement and Irish nationalism are remembered as part of the broader history of Ireland’s quest for independence. His involvement in journalism and activism left a lasting impact on the Irish nationalist narrative during a crucial period in Irish history.