How could Protestants and Roman Catholics unite in the name of Home Rule?

Tradtionally, and even in present day Ireland, Protestants
were almost universally Unionists (those who supported the union with Great Britain),
whilst Catholic were in favour of home rule for the whole of
Ireland.

However, there were several notable Protestants
who supported Home Rule, such as Wolfe Tone and Thomas Russell. The uniting of
Proestants and Catholics behind Home Rule was possible as many Protestants regarded
themselves as being equally Irish and Protestant. They saw no issue in their loyalty to
a united Ireland and felt that it didn't compromise their religious beliefs. Similary,
there were many Cathlics who opposed home rule, feeling a greater unity to the
Crown.

Some Protestants supported Home Rule as they
believed it was their best chance to prevent war in Ireland and to ensure the Protestant
minority kept its voice in the turbulent C19 and C20 Irish political
scenes.

It all comes down to priorities. Many Protestants
felt able to prioritise Ireland above loyalty to the Crown, and therefore able to unite
with Roman Catholics behind the Home Rule movement.