In Search of Thomas Sheahan: Radical Politics in Cork, 1824-1836 Volume 37

Focusing on the political landscape of Cork in the 1820s and 1830s, the book delves into Thomas Sheahan's radical activism, highlighting his unique commitment to combating economic destitution over traditional liberal or middle-class aspirations. As a key figure in the Catholic emancipation and Repeal movements, he founded the Cork Trades Association, challenging the dominance of the middle-class Chamber of Commerce within O'Connell's movement. This analysis reveals the complexities and class divisions within O'Connellism, countering the notion of it as a unified front.