Con Colbert, Forgotten Hero of 1916

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In the aftermath of the Easter Rising, 16 men were executed for taking part in the fight for Ireland’s freedom.  Naturally, the majority of the attention falls upon the leader and the signatories of the Proclamation.  It would, however, be a grave injustice to not remember the other gallant men who willingly made the ultimate sacrifice for Ireland; among the foremost would be Con Colbert. Cornelius Colbert was born in Moanleana, Castlemahon, County Limerick; the ninth of thirteen children … [Read more...]

Jeremiah O’Donovan Rossa, the Ashes from which the Phoenix of 1916 Rose

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Jeremiah O'Donovan Rossa was born Jeremiah O'Donovan in Reenascreena, County Cork on 10 September 1831. While he was the son of tenant farmers, the family could trace their ancestry back to nobler days when before the English confiscation of Irish land they had held the parish of Kilmeen, the honorary title "Rossa" coming from the town of Rossmore in that parish. Rossa saw the horrors of the Great Hunger and Britain's indifference to Irish suffering first hand as a child; losing his own father … [Read more...]

Major John MacBride; Accidental Rebel, Committed Patriot

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Since the time of the Greeks, the myths and legends of heroes have followed a consistent pattern. The hero enjoys initial success and is catapulted to fame to only just as quickly have everything taken away from him and to fall from grace; then in the time of dire need the hero reemerges and asserts his nobility of character often by his personal sacrifice in the face of hopeless odds. Such is the story of Major John MacBride. John MacBride was born in Westport, County Mayo on 8 May 1868. … [Read more...]

Who Fears to Speak of Easter Week?

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On Friday, April 24th 2015 we will mark the 99th Anniversary of the Easter Rising and the declaration of the Irish Republic. There has already been considerable commentary, which shall only intensify over the course of the coming year, as to the significance of the proclamation and the motives of the signers and key participants. There is a great deal of material for those who wish to "spin" the events to their agendas to work with when looking back at 1916 with 20-20 hindsight. Some … [Read more...]

Yes, Virginia (O’Hanlon) There is a Santa Clause

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In a troubled world, thank God for the gift of hope called the Christmas season. For all of us, it is a time where we can take an opportunity to at least momentarily free ourselves of the chains of what seems the depressing realities of the world and once again engage in the saintly innocence of children where are eyes are opened to the magic of the universe and all things are possible. Perhaps the greatest testament to that faith was prompted by the innocent question of an 8 year old Irish … [Read more...]

Tom Clarke: The Spirit of the 1916 Easter Rising

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Of the seven names signed on the proclama­tion of the Irish Republic, as read from the front of the General Post Office (GPO) in Dublin on 24 April 1916, only one name stands alone and above all the rest. Ironically, some of the best known figures of the Rising today are actually amongst the later signatories; despite being President of the Provisional Government, Padraig Pearse is the fourth signatory; James Connolly is relegated to the sixth position. The man accorded the honor of being … [Read more...]

A letter to Senator Schumer Requesting Consideration for Lance Corporal Patrick Gallagher to Receive the Medal of Honor

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The below letter has been set to Senator Charles Schumer and the NY State Congressional Delegation requesting that legislation be introduce mandating that the Pentagon review the the case of Lance Corporal Patrick Gallagher, USMC to be awarded our Nations's highest honor:  the Medal of Honor.    Congress recently did right by 24 other heroic Veterans who had previously received Service Crosses by mandating a review of their heroic actions with the result that they have received the honor that … [Read more...]

Clontarf 1014

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While the rest of Europe plunged into darkness with die fall of the Roman Empire, the light of learning and western civilization was kept flickering in Ireland, preserved in the monasteries established by the followers of St. Patrick. However, it would only be a matter of time before the "light" attracted the unwanted attention of those more interested in plunder than learning. A period of warming weather and a population explosion in what we now know as Scandinavia combined to unleash upon … [Read more...]

A Tale of Two Brothers :Robert and Thomas Addis Emmet

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On the surface, the brothers Thomas Addis Emmet and Robert Emmet were the most unlikely of revolutionaries. They were born (Thomas Addis 1764, Robert 1778) into an affluent family of Ireland's Protestant ascendency. Their father was the State Physician of Ireland; firmly positioning the family as members of the British establishment. Yet the spirit of the enlightenment ran strong in the Emmet family; they were sympathetic to the struggle for independence of the American Colonies during the … [Read more...]

Lt. Michael Murphy, the Medal of Honor Awardee Behind “Lone Survivor”

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Lt. Michael P. Murphy was born May 7, 1976 in Smithtown, N.Y into a family where Irish traditions and the virtues of public service ran strong. His paternal grandfather was the quintessential “Irish American”, being literally born on the boat taking his family from Ireland to a new life in America. Murphy's grandfather would later serve as a member of the Fighting 69th in World War II. Murphy's father would volunteer for Viet Nam and be seriously wounded before returning home to a career as a … [Read more...]

Fr.Peter Whelan, the Angel of Andersonville

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At this joyous time of year, our hearts arefilled with the thoughts of “Peace on Earth”and “Good Will to Men” that inspire us toacts of charity and kindness. However, ofhow many people can it be said that theymaintained in their hearts true “GoodWill to Men” when “Peace on Earth”was replaced by the insanity of war, evengoing so far as to “Love thy neighbor”irrespective of what uniform they werewearing? Such a unique individual was Fr.Peter Whelan. Peter Whelan was born in 1802 in Loughnageer, … [Read more...]