Kickham, Charles Joseph (1828–1882)

Irish writer and political activist, born in Cnoceenagaw, County Tipperary. A member of the republican Fenian movement, Kickham contributed to nationalist newspapers, such as The Celt and The Nation, and advocated armed rebellion. He was arrested in 1865 and sentenced to 14 years' imprisonment for treason, but was released in the 1869 amnesty. From the mid-1870s until his death, Kickham was chairman of the Supreme Council of the Irish Republican Brotherhood.

Kickham's republican activities and support of land reform through the Tenant League, in addition to his novel Knocknagow; or, the Homes of Tipperary (1873), significantly influenced the Irish nationalist movement in the 19th century. His popularity and renown extends to the large Irish emigrant communities in North America and Britain.