Comments. The design of the obverse suggests that Ireland was ready
to be plucked by assault from the sea, and the unknown issuer may have been
in sympathy with the United Irishmen Society who organised resistance against
English domination of the country. One of their leaders, Theodore Wolfe
Tone, visited America and France seeking help, and in 1798 the United Irishmen
staged a revolt in Dublin, but it was quickly suppressed. Revolts also broke
out among the peasantry in the south and in May fifteen thousand men captured
Wexford, and later created a large camp on Vinegar Hill. (See Wexford No.2.)
|