In search of Thomas Sheahan

"This book examines radical political activity in Cork during the crucial decades of the 1820s and 1830s by excavating the political career of Thomas Sheahan, a local radical who played a key role in the politicisation of the city's tradesmen. Sheahan was one of hundreds of local leaders who built the movements for Catholic emancipation and Repeal but he differed from most in that his central objective was the elimination of economic destitution rather than the elevation of liberalism or the Catholic middle-class. He came from humble origins on the northside of the city but, having abandoned studies for the priesthood, his literary abilities led to his appointment in 1826 as editor of the important Cork Mercantile Chronicle. He nonetheless maintained strong links with the shopkeepers and tradesmen of his locality and he was instrumental in establishing the Cork Trades Association during the cholera epidemic of 1832. The trades association played a critical role in the elections later that year and its emergence threatened to divide the O'Connellite movement which had hitherto been completely dominated by the entirely middle class Chamber of Commerce faction. Indeed, this study serves to emphasise the dangers of viewing 'O'Connellism' as a homogenous and cohesive movement untroubled by class interests. An examination of this movement at local level reveals a complex and variegated political life involving several distinct interest groups which were capable of cooperation but also of conflict."--Jacket.