{{Short description|Irish friendly society}} {{Use Irish English|date=April 2017}} The '''Irish National Foresters' Benefit Society''' (''Coillteoirí Náisiúnta na hÉireann'' in [[Irish language|Irish]]) is an [[Ireland|Irish]] [[friendly society]].
The INF began in 1877 as a breakaway from the [[Ancient Order of Foresters]] after political disagreements. The INF grew rapidly and soon became the largest friendly society in Ireland. It supported [[Irish nationalism]] and its constitution called for "government for Ireland by the Irish people in accordance with Irish ideas and Irish aspirations".
By 1914 the order had spread worldwide and had a quarter of a million members in over 1,000 branches. The influx of Irish labour into [[Scotland]] in the 19th century saw the movement gain a foothold, first in the west and later as far as the east coast. They were also prominent in Australia.<ref>[https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/115471114 Irish National Foresters], ''Freeman's Journal'' (Sydney), 4 Sept 1897, p. 17.</ref>
With the establishment of the [[Irish Free State]] and the gradual expansion of the [[social welfare]] system, the INF went into decline. Some branches, particularly in [[Ulster]], still exist. The INF [[brass band]] in [[Navan]] in [[County Meath]] is still promoting music in its surroundings. They practice once a week in the CYWS (Catholic Young Women's Society) hall located in the centre of the town. The only branch left in [[Republic of Ireland|Ireland]] is the one in [[Tullamore]] with over 80 members.
==Prominent members== * [[Richard Corish]], High Chief Ranger in 1942<ref>"Foresters Meet", ''Irish Independent'', 25 May 1942, p. 3.</ref> * [[Joseph Hutchinson (Irish politician)|Joseph Hutchinson]] (1852–1928) founded the INF in 1877 with eight other men. Trustee 1881; Treasurer 1844; and General Secretary 1846.
==References== {{Reflist}}
[[Category:1877 establishments in Ireland]] [[Category:Irish secret societies]] [[Category:Organizations established in 1877]]