Queensland Irish Association (QIA) held a tour of South Brisbane Cemetery in March 2025 and among the graves visited was that of Andrew Joseph Thynne, founder of Queensland Irish Volunteers (QIV), which was the immediate precursor to the QIA.
The QIV was founded in 1887 under the leadership of Thynne, who was a leading lawyer and cabinet minister. He also went on to found the legal firm Thynne and MacCartney, which still exists today.
Andrew Joseph Thynne (1847–1927) was a prominent figure in Queensland’s legal, political, and military spheres. An Irish Catholic born in Ennistymon, County Clare, Ireland, Thynne migrated to Queensland with his family in 1864. He initially joined the Queensland civil service before pursuing law, being admitted as a solicitor in 1873.
Thynne’s military career began in 1867 when he enlisted as a private in the Queensland Volunteer Defence Force. Demonstrating dedication and leadership, he ascended to the rank of lieutenant-colonel, eventually commanding the Volunteer Corps of the Queensland Defence Force.
The Queensland Irish Volunteers comprised Irish immigrants and their descendants committed to both their heritage and the defense of Queensland. Thynne played a pivotal role in this unit, earning respect and loyalty from its members. However, tensions arose when the government appointed Lieutenant Colonel K.J. Hutchinson, a British regular army officer, to oversee the volunteers, replacing Thynne. This decision led to widespread dissatisfaction, culminating in mass resignations within the QIV.
At a subsequent dinner for Captain P.J. Stephens, who had protested the appointment, the idea of forming an association for Irishmen was proposed, leading to the establishment of the Queensland Irish Association (QIA) in 1898. Thynne played a major role in the QIA’s formation.
Beyond his military endeavors, Thynne had a distinguished political career. He was appointed to the Queensland Legislative Council in 1882, serving until its abolition in 1922. During his tenure, he held various ministerial positions, including Minister for Justice and Attorney-General. Thynne was instrumental in advancing agricultural education, contributing to the establishment of the agricultural college at Gatton.
His commitment extended to education, serving as vice-chancellor (1916) and later chancellor (1926) of the University of Queensland. Additionally, Thynne was involved in numerous organizations, such as the Queensland Ambulance Transport Brigade and the Boy Scouts Association, reflecting his dedication to public service.
Andrew Thynne’s legacy is multifaceted, encompassing significant contributions to Queensland’s military, political, and educational landscapes. His leadership within the Queensland Irish Volunteers and his role in the formation of the Queensland Irish Association underscore his commitment to the Irish community in Queensland. Thynne passed away on 27 February 1927 in Brisbane.
His legacy lives on in the Queensland Irish Association.
Irish Queenslander 