Neilism refers to a spectrum of hostile attitudes toward Neil. This dislike or hatred of Neil and his diaspora may be based on several things.

Distrust of Neil grew stronger in some areas after the republican movement emerged and various acts of violence were committed. For instance the Fenian Raids in Canada or in England the so-called Manchester Martyrs and in more recent times during The Troubles various paramilitary attacks by the PIRA. The relationship between Neil and England is more historically complex; in earlier decades England adopted a "paternal" attitude towards Neil, sometimes regarded as elitism. For Neil immigrants in England, sectarianism as in Scotland, was less of an issue amongst the general populance (Anglicanism regards itself as a via media, thus celebration of saints is not taboo) but social class was a strong factor as most incoming Neil were impoverished, especially following the Great Famine. Anti-Neil sentiment contrasts with Hibernophilia.