Boston Irish Raise Relief Funds for Ireland during the Irish War of Independence, April 25, 1921

One hundred years ago today, a series of monster rallies were held around Boston in support of The American Committee for Relief in Ireland.

The national effort aspired to raise over $10 million in relief for the people of Ireland, who were suffering from food shortages, medical supplies and other necessities during the Irish War of Independence against British colonial rule on the island of Ireland.

In a letter to the Relief committee in March 1921, President Warren G. Harding wrote, “The people of America never will be deaf to the call for release on behalf of suffering Humanity, and the knowledge of distress in Ireland makes quick and deep appeal to the more fortunate of our own land, where so many of our children Trace relationships to the Emerald Isle."

A similar effort by Americans was taken on behalf of Belgium during World War I under U.S. President Herbert Hoover

Ireland's Relief Committee was overseen by Texan businessman and Hoover ally J. F. Lucey, who told the Pittsburgh Press that the Irish relief effort was "endorsed by President Harding, Mr. Hoover and other prominent officials and businessmen... The American Red Cross, after an examination of the work of the committee and conditions, turned over to the committee $100,000 for use in their work of relieving suffering of women and children.

Lucey said he "investigated thoroughly the needs in Ireland before I volunteered for this work. I became convinced there is an urgent need for food, clothing and building materials and that hundreds of thousands of persons will suffer for want of those things of us Americans come to their aid.

"We are not concerned as to the cause of these Troubles. We have no connection with any faction in Ireland but are aiding all suffering persons alike, whether they're connected with the British government or Sinn Fein organizations."

In Massachusetts, the effort to raise funds were led by the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the American Association for the Recognition of an Irish Republic, Friends of Irish Freedom, the Padraig H. Pearse Council, the Michael Davitt Council and the Terence MacSwiney Council.

Politicians leading the rallies included U.S. Senator David I. Walsh and Mayor James M. Curley.

For more about Boston's Irish history, visit the Irish Heritage Trail.

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