3 Marlboro Street

Just two days into the new year 1901 a group of men gathered at number 3 Marlboro Street where, in their shared interest in Irish culture, they founded the Cork Celtic Literary Society. Those present on that occasion would go on to play roles in Ireland's fight for freedom. 

Among the founders were Liam de Roiste, Terence MacSwiney, Fred Cronin and Daniel Corkery. Batt Kelleher was elected chairman, Dan Tierney was elected treasurer and De Roiste the secretary. 

De Roiste's Witness Statement on the founding of the Celtic Lit Soc.

The society held Irish classes, produced a journal called Eire Og and held lively political debates. A year into it's existence it was decided to make Maud Gonne MacBride it's honourary president. Her husband Major John MacBride was bestowed with the Vice Presidency. They attended a St Patrick's Day demonstration on the Grand Parade in 1902 and afterwards Maud Gonne delivered a fiery lecture at the Assembly Rooms on the South Mall under the banner of the Celtic Literary Society. 

Liam de Roiste

Also in 1902 the Celtic Literary Society protested at a Unionist event at the Opera House. During the protest treasurer Tierney get knocked out by a policeman's baton. 

De Roiste's account of the Opera House disturbances.

In 1902 the Cork branch of Inghinidhe na hEireann (the precursor to Cumann na mBan) was founded at the Celtic Literary Rooms at 3 Marlboro Street. They later moved to rooms at 18 Great Georges Street (Washington Street) which the RIC raided one Spring Sunday to remove green flags flying from the windows. The Inghinidhe barricaded the door but, the force of the policemen burst through it and the ladies met the brunt of their batons. During the event furniture and windows were smashed and the flags confiscated by the RIC. 

18 Washington Street

In 1903 the Celtic Literary Society established their own GAA team - Eire Og. They also set up their own choir group specifically for the singing of rebel songs! A year later the Cork Dramatic Society was founded within the Celtic Literary Society. 

Members of the Cork Dramatic Society, including Terence MacSwiney seated in centre.

The Dramatic Society would later move to 16 Fr Mathew Street to a building known as An Dun, which also served as HQ for Na Fianna Eireann. The Dramatic Society produced plays by Macroom man T.C Murray and Douglas native Lennox Robinson as well as Terence MacSwiney and Daniel Corkery. 

By 1905 membership numbers at the Celtic Literary Society had dwindled to just 15 but it's legacy would be felt in the years to follow on the Rebel streets of Cork.