If the outpouring of patriotism on St. Patrick’s Day still grips you, there are several more events and occasions on which you may show your love of flag and country and for the people who died for the freedom we enjoy today.
An email from Brian Caball informs us that Tionól Mhic Easmainn or The Casement Gathering continues its annual remembrance of the unselfish work of Roger Casement in Ireland and abroad….his courageous efforts to improve and uplift the lives of oppressed people in Africa, in South America agus in Éirinn iathghlas oileánach féin.
Good Friday Walk in Banna
On Good Friday, March 25th beginning at 11am, a guided walk will take place from the Banna Strand Car Park to the Casement Memorial and on to McKennas’ Fort – now appropriately called Casement Fort.
The walk will be led by the Tionól Chairman, Seán Seosamh Ó Conchubhair and the journey, entitled ‘Casement’s Last Walk as a Free Man’, will trace the steps of the 1916 patriot.
Second Session
At 7.30pm on Easter Monday, March 28th The Gathering’s second session will be officially opened at Meadowlands Hotel by Helen O’Carroll, Curator of Kerry County Museum, and two researchers, Dr. Tim Horgan and Brian O’Daly, will speak on ‘1916 – Forgotten Heroes’ and ‘The Wireless Way in 1916’.A thought-provoking evening with no little discussion is expected to ensue! Agus beidh fáilte roimh chách.
Lonely Banna Strand
Then, three weeks and three days later, at 3pm on Thursday, April 21st and coinciding with the actual date of Ruairí Mac Easmainn’s fated landing at ‘Lonely Banna Strand’, a wreath will be laid in his memory at Casement Fort (McKennas), Ardfert, and an oration will be given by Uachtarán Náisiúnta Chonradh na Gaeilge, Cóilín Ó Cearbhaill. Agus, arís, beidh fáilte roimh an bpobal mór.
