March 17, 1858

The Irish Republican Brotherhood (IRB) was founded in Dublin by James Stephens on this day 1858. After the collapse of the 1848 rebellion, James Stephens and John O’Mahony fled to Europe to avoid being arrested. In 1856, he made returned to Ireland. O’Mahony had moved to America in 1853 and begun the Emmet Monument Association. He contacted Stephens, asking him to start a similar organization in Ireland. Stephens wrote back, explaining his conditions and requirements, which amounted to uncontrolled power and £100 a month for the first three months. It was on March 17, 1858 that Stephens received his letter of acceptance from O’Mahony, and £80.