The "Fenians" were a revolutionary organisation founded mainly by James Stephens (1825 - 1901). It was organised on military lines and its main object was the overthrow of the British in Ireland. An abortive uprising took place in 1867 which failed mainly because the group was riddled with Government agents. The name was based on the "Fianna" a group of early Irish warriors. The ballad "The Bold Fenian Men" is in memory of them.