CROKE, THOMAS WILLIAM. – Archbishop of Cashel (Ireland), b. at Mallow (diocese of Cloyne) on 19 May 1824, d. at Thurles on 22 July 1902.
C. was one of the supporters of Irish independence and conducted active nationalist and religious propaganda in view of the country’s particular situation. He initially followed O' Connell’s politics, subsequently joining the Young Ireland party. Having returned to his homeland from Auckland, he resumed his activity as a priest and patriot, supporting the Home Rule movement led by his friend Parnell. He became more widely popular when, through various manifestos urging No rent, he reacted against the despotic British
laws. Always acting in the interests of his country, he went to Rome several times to secure the Vatican’s support for Ireland against the manoeuvres of English diplomacy. Following Parnell’s fall, he definitively withdrew from the political struggle.
Gabriella de Stefano