Phoenix Park Murders in Dublin

Background. The Irish National Invincibles were a militant organization active from 1881 to 1883. Formed as a radical breakaway from the Irish Republican Brotherhood, they aimed to target those implementing English policies in Ireland. After failed attempts to kill Chief Secretary William Edward Forster, who resigned over the Kilmainham Treaty, the group planned to assassinate Permanent Under-Secretary Thomas Henry Burke at the Irish Office.

The Attack. On the evening of his arrival in Ireland, newly installed Chief Secretary Lord Frederick Cavendish walked from Dublin Castle to his residence in Phoenix Park. Near the entrance of Dublin Zoo, Burke, who was also heading home, spotted Cavendish. He stopped his carriage and continued on foot with Cavendish towards the Viceregal Lodge. Seven members of the Invincibles approached the two men.

Aftermath. The murders led to the conviction of several Invincibles members. Joe Brady, Michael Fagan, Thomas Caffrey, Dan Curley, and Tim Kelly were hanged in Kilmainham Gaol in Dublin between 14 May and 9 June 1883, though another account gives 4 June 1883 as the final hanging. Another member, Carey, was shot dead in South Africa in July 1883 for giving evidence against his former comrades.