William Henry O’Shea

Irish nationalist

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William Henry O'Shea was an Irish nationalist who, along with his wife Katharine O'Shea, became entangled in a scandal involving Irish nationalist leader Charles Stewart Parnell. O'Shea served as a Home Rule member of the House of Commons and supported Parnell's leadership of the Irish Nationalist Party.1

The O'Sheas had a complex relationship with Parnell, with Katharine and Parnell living together while William Henry O'Shea was financially dependent on Katharine's aunt. After the aunt's death, O'Shea filed for divorce, naming Parnell as the corespondent. This divorce scandal led to Parnell's downfall and divided Irish nationalist opinion. William O'Brien, another prominent Irish nationalist, attempted to mediate the situation but ultimately sided with those who rejected Parnell's continued leadership.12

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William Henry O’Shea and Katharine O’Shea
William Henry O’Shea was the only son of a Roman Catholic solicitor in Dublin. Educated at Oscott and at Trinity College, Dublin, he became a cornet of the 18th Hussars in 1858 and was retired as captain in 1862. In 1867 he married Katharine, sixth…
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William Henry O’Shea was the only son of a Roman Catholic solicitor in Dublin. Educated at Oscott and at Trinity College, Dublin, he became a cornet of the 18th Hussars in 1858 and was retired as captain in 1862. In 1867 he married Katharine, sixth…
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Charles Stewart Parnell
The Home Rule League and the Land League
William O’Shea, a “moderate” Home Rule member, whose wife had been Parnell’s mistress since 1880. A settlement was reached, the so-called Kilmainham Treaty, whereby tenants were to obtain substantial concessions and Parnell was to use all his influence to decrease further agitation.
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William O’Shea, a “moderate” Home Rule member, whose wife had been Parnell’s mistress since 1880. A settlement was reached, the so-called Kilmainham Treaty, whereby tenants were to obtain substantial concessions and Parnell was to use all his influence to decrease further agitation.
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