Munster Express Online

The American Civil War 150th Anniversary Celebration was held at the Old Graveyard (RC) Kilrossanty on Sunday, 25th October. The opening address was given by the Cathaoirleach for the Comeragh District Cllr Liam Brazil who commenced by welcoming all who had gathered. He gave an overview of Meagher’s genealogy from their eviction in Tipperary, their journey across the Ocean to Newfoundland and then back to Waterford. He went on to mention the 1848 Fenian rising and explained how Thomas Francis Meagher, along with a number of other Fenians, were charged with sedition and transported. He spoke about the triumphant 1860 presidential election victory of Abraham Lincoln that provided a mandate for the Union and the abolishment of slavery. He told those gathered that Meagher joined the Union and recruited for the 69th Irish Brigade NYSV. The 28th Infantry Regiment, recruited in Boston, was the second primarily Irish regiment to enlist in the Union. He recalled the bravery of local volunteer Declan Tobin from Adramone who fought in the great battles at Chattanooga and Georgia but tragically fell on the field; how a veteran of the War Michael Sheehan, despite suffering from shell shock, made his way to Kilrossanty where he lodged and worked for a number of years on the farm of Michael (Micilin) Walsh. Cllr Brazil concluded his opening address reminding that the Tricolour was first flown in Waterford and raised in battle, with pride over the GPO, following the deceleration of the Irish Republic. The solemn opening ecumenical prayers were read by Rev. Paul Draper. Then Darragh Wash read the 1863 Gettysburg Address of President Abraham Lincoln followed by Donna Quinlan reading from the American Constitution Amendments enacted after the reconstruction era. The Walsh family laid a wreath at the Grave of Michael Sheehan. The Quinlan Family, on behalf of the local committee, laid a wreath at the war memorial to Declan Tobin. Followed by another wreath laid on behalf of the 1848 Tricolour Committee and their chairperson Ann Cusack kindly addressed the crowd thanking the local committee for inviting them to such an important event. Patrick Foran gave a fine rendition of that Fenian anthem Down by the Glenside. The 6th Class pupils from Kilrossanty NS sang A Chomaraigh Aoibhinn O. Continuing the ecumenical ethos the courtly closing prayers were read by Rev. John Delaney. Cllr Brazil returned to the podium to bring the celebration to a close. He thanked the local committee for organising the event. Patrick Foran then sang Amhrán na bhFiann with the crowd joining in for the chorus. Refreshments were provided in the local by the main sponsor of the event Micilin’s Bar. Sincere thanks to Cathy & Joe Walsh, Ned Barron Engineering, James Comyn Construction, Quan Butler St. Brigids Hall, Catherine Dunwoody Kilrossanty NS, 1848 Tricolour Committee, the local committee and to all who participated or helped out in any way thus making the day a memorable occasion. John P. Quinn, Chairperson