Irish Freedom Committee Easter Commemoration and Brunch

Sunday March 27, 2005
IFC Charlie Kerins Unit, Chicago

photos

On Easter Sunday the Charlie Kerins Unit, Chicago chapter of the Irish Freedom Committee hosted its annual Easter Commemoration and Brunch at the famed Abbey Pub in Chicago.  The event was a great success, with supporters traveling from as far away as New York City and Rhode Island to attend. 

The event opened with the incomparable Steve 'Jigmaster' Fitzgerald and friends-- popular republican balladeers and stalwart IFC supporters. After the traditional Irish breakfast was served events went underway with a reading of the 1916 Easter Proclamation by Richard Wallace, who didn't disappoint with a powerful rendition of the words that set the events of Easter Week in motion.  

Following the reading of the Proclamation, veteran republican and Chicago legend Frank O'Neill was introduced.  Frank held the audience in rapt attention as he talked of his early years and his decision to join the movement.  He referenced his years as a POW himself, and the struggle for Political Status in his own time with repeated hunger strikes and protests in the jails.  Frank remarked how little has changed under Gerry Adams' acceptance of British rule and his revoking of Political Status to today's republican POWs.

Following the rousing applause to Frank O'Neill's speech, the awards ceremony began with the presentation of the Irish Freedom Awards.  Deirdre Fennessy introduced awardees Niall Fennessy and George McLaughlin as "two of the Irish Freedom Committee's most outstanding members and scholars" who have dedicated many years research in to the life of Fenian James Wilson, who escaped an Australian prison camp in 1871 aboard the Catalpa and settled in Central Falls, Rhode Island.  Niall and George thanked the Irish Freedom Committee in accepting the awards and spoke on the remarkable life of unrepentant Fenian James Wilson, who joined the British Army in order to recruit and train volunteers toward the overthrow of the British government in Ireland, and was sent to many years hell on earth in an Australian prison camp as a result.   His rescue aboard the Catalpa with six other Fenian prisoners was compared to a modern-day rescue from the moon.  Niall and George described their work in commemorating James Wilson's life with a series of graveside ceremonies and day-long events in Central Falls, including a website and and a touring display of James Wilson's life that was installed for some time at the Central Falls Library.  The dedication shown by Niall Fennessy and George McLaughlin to the memory of this life-long Fenian "in vigilance of freedom", was recognized by a lengthy ovation to both awardees and to the magnificent work they continue to do.

Next to take the stage was New York City Irish Freedom Committee member Aoife Rivera Serrano, who made a moving statement regarding the Latin American Fenian, Pedro Albizu Campos, and Puerto Rican Republicans/Independentista's continuing solidarity with the Irish struggle.  Aoife's presence and moving words expressed the links of solidarity between the long struggles for sovereignty in Puerto Rico and Ireland.

Next up to the mike was Chicago rockers Twin Wrecks The Memory, who will perform at an IFC rock 'n roll benefit for the dependants of Irish Republican POWs on Saturday April 16th.  Lead singer Dan Sullivan thanked the Irish Freedom Committee for their work on behalf of needy families of political prisoners and for continuing to expose the issues being ignored or censored by the mainstream media.  

Also in attendance were the family of recently departed Chicago legend P.Michael O'Sullivan, photojournalist and author of the outstanding and groundbreaking work "Patriot Graves: Resistance in Ireland".  Son-in-law Sean Harvey announced that copies of Michael's superb photographs from his 1971 book are now available for sale.  Those interested in purchasing his photographs should contact the O'Sullivan family through the Irish Freedom Committee national website at www.irishfreedomcommittee.net.

Concurrent with the afternoon’s events, repeated calls were made to all in attendance to sign Easter cards for nearly 100 Irish Republican political prisoners serving sentences in Irish and English jails.  In fact the cards were signed by so many supporters there was barely room to add the prisoners names!

Finally the Raffle drawing took place with the 1^st prize a beautiful, one-of-a-kind hand-painted Irish Bodhron, made and signed by Irish Republican Political prisoners at Portlaoise gaol.  Many other prizes of POW craftwork and Irish gifts were won by 2^nd, 3^rd, and 4^th prize winners. 

As the awards ceremony wrapped up, Steve Fitzgerald and friends took the stage once more with their energetic republican ballads, prompting a jig session by members of the now-lively audience.  Guests lingered long after to ask IFC members about upcoming projects and events. 

All in all a tremendous afternoon was had by all, and the Irish Freedom Committee thanks all who came-- we’ll see you at our next event!

More Information:

"Irish American Support" - Niall Fennessy, The Blanket, April 13, 2005

"Easter Rising Commemoration in Chicago" - IndyMedia, March 22, 2005

"Search for James Wilson History Meeting" - Central Falls, Rhode Island - April 3, 2004

"Historical Unconsciousness" - Seoirse McLaughlin, The Blanket, January 20, 2003

American Supporters - "Hold Firm!" - Niall Fennessy, The Blanket, August 2, 2002

"Looking for Mr. Wilson" - Pawtuckett Times, July 22, 2002

"What For Noraid?" Niall Fennessy, The Blanket, December 7, 2001

"...and supported by her exiled children in America..." - George McLaughlin, Fourthwrite Magazine, Autumn 2000

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