The centenary celebrations of the 1798 Rising was seen by advanced nationalists as an opportunity to revive republican sentiment, and United Irishmen Centennial committees were set up throughout the country to organise commemorative events. The main event was planned for Dublin. A big demonstration culminating in the laying of the foundation stone of a proposed Wolfe Tone memorial in the middle of the road at the junction of Grafton Street and St. Stephen's Green took place on Monday 15 August 1898. James Bermingham was active in the Central Branch of the United Irishmen Centennial Association.