Click on these images for a short profile of each man
James Napper Tandy	Thomas Russell	Theobald Wolfe Tone
Ireland had close political, commercial and social links with France. The French revolution, which began in 1789, was closely watched from Ireland and republican ideas and thinking began to spread throughout the country. In Belfast the fall of the Bastille was celebrated by northern Presbyterians who were also looking for parliamentary reform and religious equality. A young Protestant barrister, Theobald Wolfe Tone, published a pamphlet called 'An Argument on behalf of the Catholics of Ireland' in which he argued for parliamentary reform. He believed that this could happen if Protestant radicals and Irish Catholics co-operated. Tone was invited to Belfast where he and some northern liberals founded the Society of United Irishmen on 14 October 1791. A branch was founded in Dublin just a month later. Beginning as a debating society, the United Irishmen quickly published a series of motions for reform. Influenced by this, the Irish government passed Relief Acts in 1792 and 1793 which gave Catholics the right to vote, although they were still not allowed to sit in parliament or become judges. Attempts to suppress the United Irishmen only succeeded in their members reforming as a secret revolutionary organisation.

Down through the years, we had both Presbyterians and Catholics persecuted for their religion. In 1791, the United Irishmen were formed in Belfast. All were to be united in one brotherhood of equality and fraternity. Many Ulster Presbyterians joined, all those who desired reform had great hopes of the new alliance But, unfortunately, in time the old cleavage between Catholic and Protestant began in their midst.

King William III

The Loyal Orange Institution (Orange Order) was founded in Loughgall, Co. Armagh, in the year 1795, after the Battle of the Diamond. When the skirmish ended, the Protestants formed a circle, joined hands and declared their brotherhood in Loyalty to the Crown, the Country and the Reformed Religion.

Both Presbyterians and Catholics fought in the rebellion of 1798. Seven men are said to have left Castlefin to join the fight in the South, two survived - one a Catholic, the other a Presbyterian (unfortunately their names are not known).

Blacksmiths in the area were busy making pikes in secret. One smith, Hugh McLaughlin, from Pollyarnan, refused to do so - till a model coffin containing a small pike was left at his door. Hugh was jailed for his pains, but was released after some time.

Cart-loads of pikes and muskets were collected by the Militia and dumped in the river at Castlefin Bridge, in the presence of Lord Cornwallis. Andrew Stilly, a Presbyterian, is named as colonel of the United Irishmen, in Co. Donegal.

On 2nd July 1798, the Rev. James Porter was hanged near his meeting-house, in Greyabbey, Co. Down, for his alleged involvement with the United Irishmen. He had, previously, raised the heckles of the Marquis of Londonderry, by writing a series of articles, exposing the evils of landlordism. Rev. Porter was a native of Tamnawood, Ballindrait.

Battle of Lough Swilly, 1798 -
Captured-' La Hoche' brought into Lough Swilly. Re-fitted and used under Nelson as 'The Donegal.'

Detachment of Culdaff Yeomanry and Loyal Finn Water Regiment, marched to Castle Quay to take French prisoners.