Date Posted:Mon, Nov 28 2011, 2:05:02 PST Author:National Irish Freedom Committee Subject: Report of NIFC's Annual Fenian Commemoration 2011
Report of NIFC's Annual Fenian Commemoration 2011
(Photos, video and more info @ www.irishfreedom.net)
Queens, NY - Irish Republicans and supporters of the Fenian Graves Association met to celebrate the National Irish Freedom Committee's Annual Irish Republican Commemoration. The event was held on November 20th, marking the second year at the historic Fenian Monument in Calvary Cemetery. The crowd turnout was larger than anticipated, and as the speakers took turns under a beautiful sunny sky, a strong sense of kinship and purpose was highly evident. Maggie Trainor chaired the event with Jane Enright. Famed artist and senior Republican in America, Brian Mór O Baoighill & Patrick Frawley were Honorary Co-Chairs. Speakers included Liam Murphy, Seamus O'Dubhda, Bob Bateman, Vic Sackett, Joe Flaherty, Gary Delaney, and Tom Abernethy. John McManus of the Tyrone Pipe Band was the piper for the event.
Maggie Trainor was Master of Ceremonies and read "The Fenian Faith" on behalf of Brian Mór O Baoighill who regrettably could not be present. Brian Mór called on attendees to remember both the history and the principles of those commemorated by the Fenian Monument.
Liam Murphy gave an interesting and informative message on the significance of the Fenian Monument and what it represents. Liam Murphy is historian of great renown who specializes in all things Irish American. Liam in now a regular on RFE every Saturday keeping listeners world wide aware of events of historical significance in the current time period
Seamus O'Dubhda recited Forogra na Caisde as Gaeilge.
Bob Bateman gave an exciting and spell binding speech about what he said were amongst the two most important events that helped change important events in Irish History in the month of November. One in Manchester on November 24th, 1867 - the execution of the Manchester Martyrs: Allen, Larkin and O'Brien. The other in Kilmichael in West Cork on a rainy and wet day on November 28th, 1920 when Commandant General Tom Barry laid the perfect ambush, wiping out an entire patrol of Auxiliaries – proving once again to the British that serious resistance still existed.
Vic Sackett, a lifelong supporter of the Republic of 1916, read from Ruairí Ó Brádaigh's essay, "What is Irish Republicanism?", reminding all present what the ideals were that these men and women strove for.
Vic was followed by Joe Flaherty (organizer of this year's Hunger Strike Commemoration in Hartford, CT and Éire Nua activist) reading excerpts from "40 Years Of Éire Nua" by Sean Ó Brádaigh, explaining Éire Nua's continued relevance in contemporary Irish politics.
Veteran Irish Republican and long-time supporter of the demands of Irish political prisoners, Gary Delaney, read a statement from the Irish Republican Prisoners of War in Maghaberry prison, who are currently on dirty protest due to sectarian harassment of their families and deteriorating conditions in the prison.
Tomas Abernethy, noted Gaeilge speaker and scholar gave a thorough, informative, and entertaining oration on the importance of Gaelic Irish culture; past, present, and future. The roles of cultural organizations, such as the GAA & Conradh na Gaeilge; music and song; and especially the language Gaeilge were all discussed.
An unexpected and most welcome guest was Derek Warfield (of The Young Wolfe Tones); a man who has devoted much time to researching and publishing long lost music, songs, and history highlighting the true role of the Irish & their full-hearted support for the American revolution and in each threat to the republic since. Derek has an excellent new CD out soon entitled "Washington's Irish", keep an eye on on www.theyoungwolfetones.com for availability.
Derek continued his informative discussion at the Kettle, a local Restaurant that served a terrific Irish breakfast. Thank you to all who attended!
Photos, video and more information at: www.irishfreedom.net
