Irish Race Conventions

The Irish Race Conventions were a disconnected series of conventions held in Europe and America between 1881 and 1994. None was concerned in defining the Irish as an ethnic race, but they were arranged to discuss some pressing or emerging political issues at the time concerning Irish nationalism. As such they are a notable barometer of the progress of Irish independence. The main participants and financial supporters of the conventions were usually Irish-Americans.

In 1880 Charles Stewart Parnell had visited Chicago and the American branch of the Irish National Land League was established there. The first convention was held on 30 November - 2 December 1881, following a Clan na Gael convention in August. It covered the recent emerging links between the more violent groups, such as the Fenians, the Land League and the growing Irish Home Rule movement that was led by Parnell.

By 1896 two Home Rule Bills had been defeated in the London parliament, and the Home Rule movement had split over its support for Parnell. A Conservative and Liberal Unionist coalition was in power, both being firmly opposed to Home Rule. The main purpose of the Convention was to try to re-unite the Redmond and Dillon factions that had divided the Irish Parliamentary Party in 1890.

Archbishop Walsh of Toronto had said: "Let a great National Convention be held in Dublin, composed of chosen representatives of the clergy and people of Ireland and of an advisory representation of the Irish race abroad." John Dillon on behalf of the INF replied: "That this party approves of the suggestion made by the Archbishop of Toronto in favour of a "National Convention representative of the Irish race throughout the world."

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