'[1][2] It evolved from the commemorative Directories which the IRA helped set up in 1963 to mark the bicentenary of the 1763 birth of Wolfe Tone.

[1][4] The WTS was opposed to the Republic of Ireland's entry into the European Economic Community and was involved with the organisation Irish Voice on Vietnam which protested the war.

[6] This organisation decided that it should focus on trying to "influence cultural and political trends in the country" and using democratic means to weaken the Unionist government of Northern Ireland.

[1] At a joint meeting of all the Wolfe Tone Societies which took place in the home of Kevin Agnew (republican solicitor) at Maghera, County Londonderry, August 1966,[9] it was proposed that a civil rights campaign be started.

[10] The thirteen man committee which was formed included Fred Heatley and Jack Bennett from the Wolfe Tone Societies and Liam McMillan of the IRA.