Originator of the ‘New Departure’ dies

Dublin, 28 December 1916 - James Joseph O'Kelly MP has died. O’Kelly was central to what is known as the ‘New Departure’ which bound together the forces of land agitation, Fenianism and parliamentary politics in the 1870s and 1880s.

His contribution in facilitating the rise of Parnellism and in making the prospect of Home Rule for Ireland a very real one stands as the great legacy of his life. His unceasing agitation on behalf of the very poorest of Irish society throughout his career also defined his politics.

There have been many tributes paid to him in the days since his death and his funeral in Glasnevin is expected to be a huge one.

[Editor's note: This is an article from Century Ireland, a fortnightly online newspaper, written from the perspective of a journalist 100 years ago, based on news reports of the time.]