The "Wearing of the Green," or The Prosecuted Funeral Procession

"Wearing of the Green," or The Prosecuted Funeral Procession by A. M. Sullivan is a historical narrative produced in the late 19th century, specifically 1868. The text revolves around the profound national sorrow and outrage that erupted in Ireland following the executions of three Irish Fenians—Allen, Larkin, and O'Brien—who were hanged for their alleged involvement in terrorism, causing public opinion to rally in mourning and protest. Sullivan details the ceremonial funeral processions organized as a response to these executions, illustrating the deep intertwining of religion, nationalism, and protest within Irish society. The opening of the narrative outlines the immediate emotional fallout in Ireland following the Manchester executions, depicting the shock and grief that gripped the nation. It highlights how the Catholic clergy took the initiative to mourn publicly, leading to a series of Requiem Masses that symbolically connected the deceased to the collective national pride and despair. This emotional tide flooded into organized funeral processions in various cities, particularly Cork and Dublin, emphasizing the importance of the dead as martyrs for the Irish cause. Sullivan presents vivid imagery of the processions, showcasing the unity and determination of the Irish people, transcending political divisions in their quest for justice and remembrance in the face of oppression.