A wreath was laid by Eamonn O’Cuiv at the Inaugural Michael O’Hanrahan Oration at the Three Bullett Gate in New Ross pictured with Frances Ryan and Padraig Murphy. Pic: Jim Campbell
IRISH PATRIOT, Michael O’Hanrahan, was remembered in New Ross at the weekend when the inaugural oration in his honour took place at the Three Bullet Gate.
The event, which was held on Saturday, attracted a large crowd who witnessed Min. Eamon O’Cuiv T.D. deliver the key-note address.
Padraig Murphy acted as M.C. and he welcomed everyone to the ceremony. The line-up included music and singing with members of Danescastle Music Group and Claire Ronan performing.
Cllr. Michael Sheehan was the first speaker and he outlined the significance of the event and briefly relayed the Michael O’Hanrahan story from when he was born 140 years ago, in St. Mary’s Terrace, New Ross, to his role in the 1916 Rising and subsequent execution.
He complimented the Workmen’s Club for bringing out a banner, that has only been put on public display three times, and commented that Mr. O’Hanrahan was instrumental in setting up the organisation.
With regard to the location for the oration he reminded those present of its historical significance and of the number of people killed there during the Battle of Ross because of what they believed in.
“The story that originated from here has come full circle with Eamonn O’Cuiv here today,” he said.
Cllr. Sheehan also mentioned the New Ross Workhouse Riots of 1887 which saw 400 women rebel against the authorities.
“That inspired 1916, led to the formation of Dail Eireann, and ultimately, our freedom,” he said.
“We want to make this an annual event and we want to do this to remember everyone who gave up their life for Irish freedom.”
Nan Furlong, from the local Fianna Fail cumann, was then invited to read the Proclamation following which award-winning piper, Mark Redmond, gave a short performance.
Whether it was by choice of chance it wasn’t hard to notice the significance of a tree located behind a large image of Michael O’Hanrahan.
Its branches spread out above the photo as if indicating that the aims and ideas of one person can heave far-reaching consequences.
The HFC Band was also present while a number of other local community groups were also out in force.
Tom Clarkin read the first Democratic Republic Programme before Dep. O’Cuiv was invited to the podium.
He highlighted the links from 1798 to 1916, to the modern times, and described the day’s event as “very significant”.
Dep. O’Cuiv commented that the people of 1916 were young but their brave actions brought about great change in the country.
He emphasised some of the things that make Ireland unique including language, culture and heritage – all of which contribute to people’s belief in themselves and their identity.
He said people like Michael O’Hanrahan were not afraid to dream big and that the country owed a debt to them.
Dep. O’Cuiv also took the opportunity to offer a swipe at some of the Government’s proposals with regard to areas like rail and education.
“Instead of cutting rail services we need to make them more attractive for users,” he said.
He also suggested that organisations like Bus Eireann should be supported through social subsidies rather than be subjected to more cuts.
“There are moves to push all development into five cities,” he said, before adding that towns and villages throughout the country should instead be better supported.
Indicating a lack of vision he said Ireland is akin to a tight-rope walker who takes a chance but then begins to look down halfway across the ravine.
“We need progress of national growth for all our regions,” he said, before commenting that was among the ideals on which the people of 1916 formed their beliefs..
The issue of partition also needs to be looked at, according to Dep. O’Cuiv, who said the unionist tradition in the North needs to know it can work side by side with nationalists.
“We need to prove to them they have nothing to fear from all the [other] people on the island,” he said.
“The 1916 generation created a better Ireland for those who came behind them,” he added.
He also emphasised the importance of education and said that it brings power for change.
“More-and-more people work harder for less while the rich get richer,” he said.
“That was not the way of our party in the first place.”
Mr. Murphy read out a letter the organisers received from Michael O’Hanrahan’s grand-nephews, Pierce and Harry O’Hanrahan, in which they acknowledged the hard work of those the organisers.
They also expressed regret at not being able to attend but said they wholeheartedly supported any moves to make the oration an annual event.
The ceremony ended with a band performance of the the national anthem.
