East Clare Heritage, Tuamgraney, will commemorate the achievement of the Bodyke tenants who fought so tenaciously and successfully the evils of landlordism during the land wars of the late 19th century. It was 125 years ago this summer since these tenants of Colonel O’Callaghan of Maryfort, Tulla, banded together under Fr. Peter Murphy to oppose rack renting and the nefarious system of Victorian property rights which prevailed at that time. The role played by those local tenants and their families during the summer of 1887 was a most significant part of the land war and contributed hugely to the eventual overthrow of the Irish land holding system. For a brief period the wider world became their stage as news of the challenge was reported in newspapers in Britain, France, Germany, U.S.A and of course throughout Ireland. For a week long period the events of Bodyke were hotly debated in the House of Commons and the House of Lords as the Irish and Liberal M.Ps, hammered home to the Conservative Government the evils of landlordism and the need for granting of Home Rule. The public is invited to re-visit those eventful days at a talk on the Evictions by John S. Kelly on Friday July 20th at 8.00 pm in the Heritage Centre, St. Cronin’s Church, Tuamgraney. In addition the Centre is hosting an exhibition of original documents such as maps, letters, eviction notices and photographs relating to the Evictions. More information on the Bodyke Evictions...
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