Liam's Irish Traditional Music - Irelands culture and tradition

The Oath Of The. United Irishmen:

This is part of the political examination given to United Irishmen, who supported the idea of revolution. The clubs were banned, and the swearing in of new members was carefully controlled. Everything was done with secrecy because government spies might have infiltrated the group. The candidate was examined first, and then swore an oath of secrecy. The green bough, which is mentioned, refers to the idea of liberty being a tree, which could be planted in a country. The colour chosen by the radicals was green.

Quest. What have you got in your hand?

Ans. A green bough.

Quest. Where did it first grow?

Ans. In America.

Quest Where did it bud?

Ans. In France.

Quest. Where are you going to plant it?

Ans. In the Crown of Great Britain.

Another group of revolutionaries were the Catholic Defenders. They were more concerned with changes, and hoped to get changes in tithes, rents and taxation. They sometimes organized meetings in their chapels and they also took oaths of secrecy. Many revolutionaries were involved in organizing local reading sessions of political books, newspapers and handbills, so that those who were unable to read were kept informed of current events.