The Most Famous Irish Mobster, Ranked

Choose the mobster you think is the most famous!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Jul 25, 2024 07:41
The intrigue of mobster lore often lies not just in the tales of crime, but in the understanding of those who lead such lives. Focusing on Irish mobsters provides a lens through which we can view the unique imprints they've left on both history and popular culture. This perspective helps demystify the complex structures and personalities within these clandestine networks. By curating a list where users can vote for who they believe are the most notable figures among Irish mobsters, we allow for a dynamic insight into public perception and interest. This system not only serves as an interactive archive but also engages you to contribute to the ongoing assessment of historical impact. Your votes help paint a clearer picture of which figures resonate most with contemporary audiences.

Who Is the Most Famous Irish Mobster?

  1. 1
    39
    points

    Danny Greene

    Cleveland mobster known for surviving numerous assassination attempts and leading the Celtic Club.
    • Active Years: 1970s
    • Nickname: 'The Irishman'
  2. 2
    27
    points

    Mickey Spillane

    Irish-American mobster from Hell's Kitchen in the 1960s and 1970s.
    • Active Years: 1960s-1970s
    • Known For: Community involvement
  3. 3
    26
    points
    John Morrissey

    John Morrissey

    Leader of the Dead Rabbits gang in the mid-19th century and a bare-knuckle boxer.
    • Active Years: 1850s-1870s
    • Legacy: Founder of Saratoga Race Course
  4. 4
    1
    points

    James Coonan

    Leader of the Westies gang in Hell's Kitchen, New York during the 1970s and 1980s.
    • Active Years: 1970s-1980s
    • Known For: Ruthless leadership of the Westies
  5. 5
    0
    points
    James 'Whitey' Bulger

    James 'Whitey' Bulger

    Leader of the Winter Hill Gang, involved in numerous crimes including racketeering, murder, and extortion.
    • Active Years: 1970s-1990s
    • Notoriety: FBI's Most Wanted
  6. 6
    0
    points
    Dean O'Banion

    Dean O'Banion

    Chicago mobster and leader of the North Side Gang during the Prohibition era.
    • Active Years: 1920s
    • Conflict: North Side-South Side Gang War
  7. 7
    0
    points

    Thomas 'Tough Tommy' O'Connor

    Chicago mobster involved in gambling and bootlegging during the early 20th century.
    • Active Years: 1920s
    • Notoriety: Escaped from death row
  8. 8
    0
    points

    Terry Adams

    Head of the Adams Family, a criminal organization from North London.
    • Active Years: 1980s-present
    • Criminal Activities: Money laundering, drug trafficking
  9. 9
    0
    points
    Owen Vincent Madden

    Owen Vincent Madden

    A leading underworld figure in New York City during the 1920s, known as 'Owney' Madden.
    • Active Years: 1920s
    • Nickname: 'Owney'
  10. 10
    0
    points

    George 'Bugs' Moran

    Notorious Chicago mobster and the principal rival of Al Capone during the Prohibition era.
    • Active Years: 1920s-1930s
    • Notoriety: St. Valentine's Day Massacre

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About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous Irish mobster. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Mobster is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2278 views
  • 94 votes
  • 10 ranked items

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Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Mobster once every 24 hours. The rank of each Mobster is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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Additional Information

More about the Most Famous Irish Mobster

The story of the Irish mob in America is a tale of power, crime, and influence. It began in the mid-19th century when many Irish immigrants arrived in the United States. They faced poverty and discrimination. To survive, some turned to crime.

The Irish mob grew in cities with large Irish populations. They found opportunities in illegal activities. They ran gambling, bootlegging, and extortion rackets. These operations brought them wealth and power. They used this power to influence local politics and law enforcement.

In the early 20th century, Prohibition provided a big boost. The ban on alcohol created a black market. The Irish mob saw a chance to profit. They smuggled alcohol and ran speakeasies. This illegal trade made them rich and more powerful. They fought for control of territories and markets. Violence was common. Rival gangs clashed, leading to bloody feuds.

The mobsters were clever. They built alliances with other criminal groups. They also bribed officials to avoid arrest. Their influence extended beyond crime. They had connections in business and politics. This made them hard to bring down.

Despite their efforts, law enforcement made progress. In the mid-20th century, the government cracked down on organized crime. Many mobsters were arrested and convicted. This weakened the Irish mob. Yet, they remained active. They adapted to new opportunities. Drug trafficking became a new source of income.

The Irish mob's legacy is complex. They were criminals, but they also had a cultural impact. Their stories inspired books, movies, and TV shows. They remain a part of American folklore. The rise and fall of the Irish mob is a reminder of the immigrant experience. It shows how some turned to crime to escape poverty and discrimination.

The Irish mob's influence has waned, but their mark on history remains. They shaped the underworld and left a lasting impression. Their story is a mix of crime, power, and survival. It is a part of America's history, reflecting the challenges and opportunities faced by immigrants. The tale of the Irish mob is a reminder of the darker side of the American dream.

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