7 October 1843
Clontarf meeting

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Irish MP Daniel O'Connell, who campaigns for the repeal of the union between Britain and Ireland, has become disillusioned with parliamentary methods. He forms the Repeal Association and builds a grassroots campaign in Ireland. The Catholic priesthood, the Catholic middle classes and the numerous Catholic poor all give their support. People flock to repeal meetings across Ireland. The government responds with coercion, using force and repressive policing against suspected agitators.

O'Connell declares 1843 the 'Year of Repeal' and, with the support of the Catholic clergy, calls a mass meeting at Clontarf, the site of a famous Irish battle victory. The government bans it. Fearing that British troops will fire on the people, O'Connell calls off the meeting, but despite this, he is jailed for conspiracy.

In 1844, he is released on appeal and resumes arguing for constitutional change. But his supporters are disappointed and the repeal movement falters. A more radical nationalist movement, the Young Ireland Group, argues that change will only be brought about by force.

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