This Irish-language title for the “Irish Volunteers” of 1913 was retained when the Volunteers became known in English as the “Irish Republican Army” (IRA) during the War of Independence of 1919-1922. Ireland has had a long history of violent opposition to British occupation, and, in his talk, Dr. Matthews will discuss the rise of the “physical force” approach to Irish independence, from the Rising of 1798 to the Fenian movement of the 19th century, to the Irish Volunteers of 1913, through the formation of the IRA in 1919, and concluding with its demobilization in Northern Ireland in 1998.

WILLIAM J. MATTHEWS received his Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Connecticut. He is Professor Emeritus at University of Massachusetts, Amherst, where he has taught for over 30 years. Professor Matthews holds dual American/Irish citizenship and has studied many areas of Irish history, including the Irish Uprising and Civil War. We warmly welcome Dr. Matthews back for this, his seventh speaking engagement with the Museum of Newport Irish History.