2017 Events
150th Anniversary of the Fenian Rising [1867-2017]
On 5th March 1867, the Fenians staged a Rising across Ireland. Their aim was to establish an Irish Republic. The main focus of the Rebellion was centred in Dublin where large groups of men mobilised in the City to the South of Tallaght Village and in the Dublin Mountains waiting for arms to arrive from America which never materialised. Rebels on their way to meet up at Tallaght Hill to march on Dublin were stopped by police and two were killed in a skirmish.
Several hundred rebels marched on the barracks in Tallaght where they came under fire by a small contingent of troops. Believing they were up against a much larger force they retreated. Another group of Fenians went on to capture Stepaside and Glencullen Barracks.
There were also Rebellions in Limerick, Tipperary, Cork, Monaghan and Louth but these were short-lived confrontations. By the night of 8th March 1867, the Rebellion was over but the Irish Republican Brotherhood remained alive in Ireland. There were bombing campaigns in the 1870s and 1880s in England and the Fenians also played a key role in the Land War of the 1880s. The movement was revived by Thomas Clarke and John Devoy, main planners of the 1916 Easter Rising.
Fenian 150th Anniversary Poster-The Battle of Tallaght
Four posters that made up an exhibition on the Battle of Tallaght held at the County Library, Tallaght from the 2nd March to 31st March 2017.
Fenian 150th Anniversary and Irish Republican Brotherhood Badges
William Francis Roantree [1829-1918]-The Forgotten Fenian from Leixlip
A 4-page leaflet from the Ardclough Celbridge Leixlip 1916 Rising Commemoration Committee about the Fenian William Francis Roantree.
Irish Military Seminar 2017
A 13-page programme of events and bookmark produced by Kildare County Council for the inaugural 2017 Irish Military Seminar held between the 9th and 11th June 2017 at the Riverbank Arts Centre in Newbridge.
150th Anniversary of the Death of Thomas Francis Meagher 1st July 2017
Thomas Francis Meagher was born in 1823 in Waterford. He joined the Young Irelanders who became increasingly militant as the Great Famine devastated the country. In 1848 Meagher travelled to France with William Smith O’Brien to learn first-hand about the revolution happening there. They returned with a tricolour flag made for them by French Supporters. This flag was unveiled for the first time in March 1848 from the Wolfe Tone in Waterford City and was also presented in a speech to the citizens of Dublin at a banquet in 1848. Following the Young Ireland Rising in late July 1848, Thomas Francis Meagher was convicted of high treason and sentenced to be hung, drawn and quartered. This sentence was later commuted to transportation for life to Van Diemen’s Land in Australia.
In 1852 Meagher escaped and made his way to America where he eventually became a Brigadier-General in the US Army during the American Civil War. Following the Civil War, he was appointed Acting-Governor of the Montana Territory. Thomas Francis Meagher was drowned in the Missouri River on 1st July 1867 after falling from a steamboat at Fort Benton.
An Post First Day Cover-Issued 29th June 2017
Two Programmes of Events from the Thomas Francis Meagher Association for MeagherFest 2017 celebrating the life and legacy of Thomas Francis Meagher held between Thursday 29th June and Sunday 2nd July at Helena, Montana.
Thomas Francis Meagher Foundation Badge
William Patrick Partridge
Douglas Hyde Conference 2017-Ballaghaderreen County Roscommon
A Programme of Events booklet for the Douglas Hyde Conference at Ballaghaderreen, County Roscommon which included a commemorative lecture on William Patrick Partridge entitled “Purest Soul and Noblest Patriot Ireland Ever Had” given by Des Geraghty on Saturday 15th July 2017.
A copy of Des Geraghty’s Lecture from the Douglas Hyde Conference
William Patrick Partridge by Patsy McGarry of the Clé Club 2017
Clé Club Press Release
Markievicz-Partridge Centenary Seminar-Ballaghaderreen-Gurteen Sligo
A 4-page leaflet produced by SIPTU for the Markievicz-Partridge Centenary Seminar held on Friday 28th and Saturday 29th July 2017 in Ballaghaderreen-Gurteen and Sligo.
In 2016 this medal and shadow box were created by Brian Flynn and Conor O’Connell of PhotoArt St. Nathy’s College, County Roscommon to commemorate William Patrick Partridge The medal is crafted from Cherry Wood and limited to an issue of 100 and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.
The Centenary of the 1917 Clare By-Election
On 23rd July 2017, Fianna Fáil celebrated the Centenary of the 1917 East Clare By-Election won by Eamon De Valera. The event held at Glór Theatre in Ennis included lectures and speeches made by Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin and De Valera’s granddaughter Síle De Valera. A procession made its way to the O’Connell Monument where some of Eamon De Valera’s most famous speeches were re-enacted.
Poster for the Fianna Fáil event in Glór Theatre Ennis 23rd July 2017
This 4-page leaflet entitled “Eamon De Valera and 1917” was produced by Senator Ned O’Sullivan.
The Centenary of the Death of Francis Ledwidge 31st July 2017
Francis Ledwidge was an Irish poet and soldier from Slane, County Meath. He was a founding member with his brother Joseph of the Slane Branch of the Irish Volunteers. When the First World War broke out in August 1914, the Irish Volunteers split into two factions, the National Volunteers who supported John Redmond’s appeal to join Irish Regiments in support of the war cause and those who did not. Originally of the latter party, Francis Ledwidge joined the 5th Battalion Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.
On home leave in Ireland, Francis Ledwidge was dismayed by the news of the 1916 Easter Rising and was court-martialled and demoted for overstaying his leave. He wrote an elegy for his friend Thomas MacDonagh who was executed for his involvement in the Rebellion. Francis Ledwidge was killed on 31st July 1917 at the Third Battle of Ypres.
State Booklet
An Post First Day Cover-Issued 27th July 2017
Private Issue First Day Cover
Francis Ledwidge Museum
A Programme of Events produced for the Centenary of the Death of Francis Ledwidge by the Francis Ledwidge Museum and a visitor’s information guide for the museum.
Solstice Arts Centre Exhibition
A 4-page leaflet for the exhibition “A Name Unmade-Francis Ledwidge [1887-1917]” held in the Solstice Arts Centre from 28th April 2017 to 16th June 2017.
Centenary Seminar-Ledwidge 1917-2017
A Programme of Events for the Centenary Seminar “Ledwidge 1917-2017” organised jointly by Meath County Council and the Francis Ledwidge Museum held on 14th October 2017 in Slane Castle.
Graphic Novel
A graphic novel entitled “Francis Ledwidge Ireland’s Soldier Poet” from the Nerve Centre’s Creative Centenaries Project which produces resources around the Decade of Centenaries and important historical events in Ireland’s history. The script was written by Martin Melarkey and the artwork was produced by David Campbell.
The Centenary of the Death of Thomas Ashe 25th September 2017
On 25th September 1917, Thomas Ashe became the first Irishman to die on Hunger Strike as a result of being force-fed in Mountjoy Prison. Thomas Ashe joined the Irish Volunteers after its formation in November 1913. By 1916 he was the Commanding Officer of the 5th Dublin Battalion in Fingal. For his part in the 1916 Easter Rising, he was sentenced to death, later commuted to penal servitude for life. He was transferred to Dartmoor Prison from where he was released in the general amnesty of June 1917.
Thomas Ashe was elected President of the Irish Republican Brotherhood and began re-organising the Volunteers. Following a speech he made on 25th July 1917 in Ballinalee County Longford, he was arrested in Dublin on 18th August 1917. Ashe was found guilty of attempting to cause disaffection among the civilian population and sentenced to two years hard labour.
In prison Thomas Ashe took the lead in resisting criminalisation, refusing to do prison work and demanding political status. On 20th September 1917, he went on hunger strike and five days later on 25th September 1917 while being force fed by Dr. Lowe, he collapsed and was transferred to the Mater Hospital where he died at 10.30pm that same night.
The funeral of Thomas Ashe was held on Sunday 30th September 1917 from City Hall and was followed by thousands taking four hours to reach Glasnevin Cemetery. Michael Collins delivered this short oration; “The volley you have just heard fired is the only tribute necessary over the grave of a dead Fenian.”
To view coverage of the Funeral of Thomas Ashe, I recommend you watch Saoirse Eireann’s video here
Thomas Ashe Posters 25th September 2016
These two posters in both English and Irish were produced by University College Cork to advertise a public meeting to be held on Sunday 25th September at Scoil Náisiúnta Eoin Baiste, Lois Póil on the 99th Anniversary of the Death of Thomas Ashe to discuss the arrangements for the forthcoming Centenary of his Death in 2017.
Sinn Féin 2017 Calendar
2017 Calendar produced by the Thomas Ashe Society 2017
Tomás Ághas 1885-1917
This 54-page book with both English and Irish text was written by Micheál Ó Moráin. It was launched on 18th March 2017 by former TD and MEP Joe Higgins in An Díseart, Green Street, Dingle.
I Die in a Good Cause-Thomas Ashe A Biography by Seán O’Luing
Reprinted by Mercier Press to commemorate the Death of Thomas Ashe, it was officially launched by Gabriel Doherty on Thursday 24th August 2017 at the National Library.
Poster for the launch of the book
Ireland’s Own Magazine
Includes an article on Thomas Ashe and the circumstances surrounding his death by Dr. Richard McElligott, Lecturer in Modern Irish History, University College Dublin.
History Ireland Magazine-Ireland After The Rising
Includes an article entitled “The Funeral of Thomas Ashe” by John Gibney from page No.26 to page No.30
History Ireland Magazine-September/October 2017
Includes the following articles on Thomas Ashe; Medical-The prison medical service and the treatment of Thomas Ashe by Ciara Breathnach and 100 years ago-Thomas Ashe dies after force-feeding, 25th September 1917 by Joseph E. A. Connell Jn.
Glasnevin Cemetery Museum-Thomas Ashe Centenary Coin
This coin was handcrafted in Ireland and exclusive only to Glasnevin Cemetery Museum. Enclosed in a capsule it comes in a green velvet box.
Sinn Féin-Thomas Ashe Centenary Badge
Republican Sinn Féin-Thomas Ashe Centenary Badge
Fred Archer & Co-Thomas Ashe Centenary Badge
Re-dedication of the Ashe Memorial Hall Tralee
A 4-page booklet produced by Kerry County Council for the re-dedication of the Ashe Memorial Hall in Tralee on Monday 22nd May 2017.
Programme of Events by the Thomáis Ághas Society Lios Póil and
The Kerry Archaeological and Historical Society
Kerry Archaeological and Historical Society Poster
Field Trip to Lispole 1st July 2017
Poster for a History Ireland Hedge School-Lios Póil
Poster from the Roger Casement Gathering-Ardfert County Kerry
Poster from the Granary Library Limerick Lecture Series
State Booklet
The State Commemoration for the Centenary of the Death of Thomas Ashe was held on Friday 22nd September 2017 at Glasnevin Cemetery. The chief guest at the commemoration was Thomas Ashe’s niece Eileen Quinn who read a poem in Irish. The actor Declan McCarthy also read from Ashe’s poem “Let me Carry Your Cross for Ireland, Lord.” Wreaths were laid by Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Heather Humphreys. The Vice-Chairman of Kerry County Council, Patrick Connor-Scarteen, the Deputy Mayor of Fingal, Adrian Henchy and the Chairman of Meath County Council, Gerry O’Connor also laid wreaths.
Sinn Féin Thomas Ashe Commemoration Poster
March from the GPO to Glasnevin Cemetery 23rd September 2017
National Graves Association Poster
Thomas Ashe Commemoration at Glasnevin Cemetery 23rd September 2017
Independent Thomas Ashe Commemoration Poster
Duleek 1916-1981 Monument Committee 23rd September 2017
Lusk Community Council
Poster from the Lusk Community Council for their exhibition “Thomas Ashe Life and Times” at the Cottage Community Centre, Saturday 23rd September 2017.
A Schedule of Events poster and an A4 brochure entitled “Statue Appeal” asking for donations to help complete the project of creating a large limestone sculpture of Thomas Ashe to commemorate the Centenary of his Death. The sculpture by artist, Paul D’Arcy will be placed at the Round Towers GAA Thomas Ashe Park where Minister Park and Hand’s Lane meet.
A Programme of Events poster for the Lusk Community Event Day held on Saturday 30th September 2017.
Commemoration of the Death of Thomas Ashe in Kinard, Lispole County Kerry
A 4-page programme of events and a poster in English and Irish, an invitation card and poster for the commemoration of the Death of Thomas Ashe and the unveiling of a newly sculpted bust of him at his home place in Kinard, Lispole, County Kerry on 23rd November 2017.
Thomas Ashe Commemoration by the Irish National Teachers Organisation
A Thomas Ashe commemorative event organised by the INTO was held on Monday 25th September 2017 at the Teacher’s Club in Dublin looking at his life as a teacher, an INTO member and a Nationalist leader.
Irish National Teachers Organisation Poster
Copy of a speech given by INTO President John Boyle
Kerry Eye Newspaper articles for a Torchlight Parade
In Tralee Town Centre on Monday 25th September 2017
Mater Hospital Commemoration for Thomas Ashe
The Mater Hospital held a commemoration for Thomas Ashe on Wednesday 27th September 2017 and below is the programme of events, an official poster and a programme for the partial re-enactment of the inquest of Thomas Ashe held 100 years to the day in the Mater Hospital’s Pillar Room.
Programme of Events
Official Poster
Programme for the Partial Re-enactment of the Inquest of Thomas Ashe
Fingal Festival of History
A 6-page leaflet for the Fingal Festival of History held between Friday 29th September and Sunday 1st October 2017 at Newbridge House. Among the events listed is a lecture on Thomas Ashe by Brian Arnold on Friday 29th September 2017 the Centenary of his Death and a screening of “Fingal’s Finest” a drama-documentary produced by Title Media on the 5th Fingal Battalion, Dublin Brigade of Irish Volunteers commanded by Thomas Ashe during the 1916 Easter Rising.
National Museum of Ireland-Funeral of Thomas Ashe Poster
A further selection of my Irish Collectables and Memorabilia which is a work in progress can be viewed here
Remembering The 1916 Rising 