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Unknown Artist, Ireland, 19th century , Irish

Title

Cast of the Death Mask of Charles Joseph Kickham (1828-1882), Fenian and Writer

Date1882

MediumPlaster

Dimensions

31 cm

Credit LinePresented, Mrs H. Platt, 1925

Object numberNGI.8155

Label TextBorn and raised in Co. Tipperary, Kickham became interested in politics in response to the repeal movement of the 1840s. Disillusioned with parliamentary politics, he joined the Young Ireland movement and became subsequently a prominent Fenian. The physical effects of imprisonment with hard labour from 1865 to 1869 compounded his existing eyesight and hearing problems. However, he remained active within the Irish Republican Brotherhood. He was a popular writer, whose most celebrated works included the novel Knocknagow, or, The Homes of Tipperary (1873) and the ballad ‘Slievenamon’. He died in Blackrock, Co. Dublin.