Phil Cunningham

Phil Cunningham is often regarded as the forgotten leader of the Vinegar Hill uprising in New South Wales, Australia. Born in an area now known as Moylahiffe, Co. Kerry, Cunningham relocated to Clonemel, Tipperary sometime in the 1790's. He worked there as both as stonemason and a publican. After the 1798 Irish rebellion, Cunningham became involved in arms raids and helping prisoners to escape. This activity landed him under arrest in 1799, and he was sentenced to transportation to Botany Bay for life. 

Cunningham's journey to New South Wales was made aboard the Anne. Conditions aboard this ship were notoriously poor, with the captain exerting extremely harsh punishments upon the prisoners. This led to a failed attempt at mutiny. Cunningham was punished for his role in the mutiny by being sent to the infamous Norfolk Island, but his skills in stonemasonry were desperately required in New South Wales, and so he was sent back. 

The rebellious spirit did not die easily in Cunningham as he tried and failed to escape in 1802. In 1804, he became the principal leader of the Irish rebels in the convict rebellion. Cunningham and his 233 followers escaped from their prison with the intention of capturing ships to sail them home to Ireland. This resulted in the first ever declaration of martial law in Australia's history. The Irish rebels were defeated on Vinegar Hill, just one day after their escape. Cunningham was arrested under truce. Nine of the rebel leaders were executed, but it is uncertain what became of Cunningham, though it is commonly believed that he was hanged in Windsor, where his plae of death is now marked as a point of historical interest.