Thomas O'Driscoll

Thomas O'Driscoll (1838–1891) was a New Zealand hotel-keeper and political agitator. He was born in Ash-hill, County Kerry, Ireland in 1838.

Timaru Orange riots In 1879, Thomas O'Driscoll's Hibernian Hotel was at the centre of sectarian conflict in Timaru. On Boxing Day, an Orange procession was planned to take place alongside the Foresters and the Odd Fellows. Leading up to the march, advertisements were placed around Timaru, and thus seen by Irish Catholics, who immediately opposed the march. They used the Hibernian Hotel as the rallying point before a crowd of 80 men made their way to George Street to cut the parade short. A further crowd left the hotel to counter-protest and riot, with a crowd of over 150 Catholics. The New Zealand Orange Order were advised to sheath their swords. The riot became known as the "Siege of Timaru" or the "Timaru Orange riots".