Group calling itself Irish Republican Brotherhood forms 'shadow' version of Government

Eva Osborne

The establishment of a ‘shadow’ version of Government institutions, which includes a network of local councils and a kangaroo court system, is “deeply chilling” and must be fully investigated, according to Fine Gael TD.

The Irish Times reported that “serious concerns” have been raised by local representatives over a conspiracy theory group which is setting up a parallel system of county councils around the country.

One county councillor in Galway has attended multiple meetings of the group, praising its actions as “wonderful”.

The group calls itself the Irish Republican Brotherhood (IRB) and claims to be the modern version of the secret organisation that played a key role in Irish independence.

The so-called modern IRB has been increasingly active since 2022 when it declared it was the legitimate government of the State. Since then, members have been setting up shadow versions of government institutions, including a cabinet of ministers, a network of local councils and a court system, according to The Irish Times.

Deputy Catherine Callaghan has called on Independent Ireland to take immediate action after it was revealed that one of its politicians, Galway Councillor Noel Thomas, has confirmed his attendance at meetings of the so-called IRB.

The group is reportedly led by an individual who claims the role of ‘commander-in-chief’ of Óglaigh na hÉireann, the official name of the Defence Forces in Irish.

Deputy Callaghan said: “I am absolutely disgusted at revelations today in The Irish Times that a public representative belonging to Independent Ireland has attended meetings of an organisation that is deliberating abusing the name of our Defence Forces.

“There is only one Óglaigh na hÉireann. Any public representative attending any meetings of an organisation which doesn’t recognise this has serious questions to answer as does their political party.

“The fact that Councillor Noel Thomas has associated himself with an organisation that is undermining our Defence Forces in this way is totally unacceptable.

“What do the TDs of Independent Ireland have to say in response to these revelations and what actions do they intend to take? “I also very much echo the comments made today by the Association of Irish Local Government (AILG), who have expressed their serious concerns about the activities of this group.

“It is absolutely vital that Independent Ireland comes out fully and explains its role and association with the so-called Independent Republican Brotherhood.”

According to The Irish Times, several local authorities have received letters from these councils claiming decisions must be referred to the IRB groups for consultation.