# Irish National Foresters

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Irish friendly society

The **Irish National Foresters' Benefit Society** (*Coillteoirí Náisiúnta na hÉireann* in [Irish](/source/Irish_language)) is an [Irish](/source/Ireland) [friendly society](/source/Friendly_society).

The INF began in 1877 as a breakaway from the [Ancient Order of Foresters](/source/Ancient_Order_of_Foresters) after political disagreements. The INF grew rapidly and soon became the largest friendly society in Ireland. It supported [Irish nationalism](/source/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](/source/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.[1]

With the establishment of the [Irish Free State](/source/Irish_Free_State) and the gradual expansion of the [social welfare](/source/Social_welfare) system, the INF went into decline. Some branches, particularly in [Ulster](/source/Ulster), still exist. The INF [brass band](/source/Brass_band) in [Navan](/source/Navan) in [County Meath](/source/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 [Ireland](/source/Republic_of_Ireland) is the one in [Tullamore](/source/Tullamore) with over 80 members.

## Prominent members

- [Richard Corish](/source/Richard_Corish), High Chief Ranger in 1942[2]

- [Joseph Hutchinson](/source/Joseph_Hutchinson_(Irish_politician)) (1852–1928) founded the INF in 1877 with eight other men. Trustee 1881; Treasurer 1844; and General Secretary 1846.

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** [Irish National Foresters](https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/115471114), *Freeman's Journal* (Sydney), 4 Sept 1897, p. 17.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** "Foresters Meet", *Irish Independent*, 25 May 1942, p. 3.

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