can someone date this photo and decipher possible writing on sash thanks

[cazza59]

I meant to delete that post.  After I put it up I had a gander and couldn't find anything except what you suggest, so yep, scrap that idea. I think its just a case of pareidolia on my part! 

Caroline

[philipsearching]

For information, in the House of Commons on 24 February 1914 in a debate on the Government of Ireland Bill, Sir John Randles (Conservative) said:
"If we read the speeches which were antecedent to the election in Cork, we should find that only second to the dislike of Ulster is the dislike of Cork for the prospect of being placed under what they call the Molly Maguires. The Society of Hibernians presents as great a terror to the people of Cork, perhaps, as to the people of Belfast; but, at any rate, the condition of Ireland is such that there are armed men in Ulster, men ostensibly drilling for certain purposes."
(quoted from Hansard)

There was a Hibernia Society in Ireland in the 1830s but I don't know if there is a connection or when the Society of Hibernians was established.

My feeling that the sash might be to do with Irish republicanism was good (he writes, grinning smugly!) 

[clath]

Sorry just got back on after a weeks absence  thanks cazza for deciphering those words on the sash. A job well done. So is my ancestor a Hibernian? I wonder what he got up to then.