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15th Annual George Brown Memorial Event 2022

Saturday 25 June, Inistioge once again embraced the Annual George Brown Commemoration. Since 2008 Inistioge-born George Brown, a member of the International Brigades who was killed in action during the Spanish Civil War, has been remembered in his native place.

Central to this year’s remembrance was the visit of Brendan Howlin T.D. who, as has been customary over the years, planted a specimen tree in the grounds of Woodstock.  In a well-crafted speech at the Olive Grove in the Walled Garden he addressed the issue of what Ireland’s response, as a non-aligned country, might be to the war in Ukraine. 

 

As usual, music played a large part in the commemoration. Steffi Goulde and Terry Bannon kept the attendance entertained at the Tea-Rooms in Woodstock Gardens, while Craig Ó Mathúna impressed at the Olive Grove with stirring Flamenco music on his guitar. He also spoke movingly of Federico Garciá Lorca, the Spanish poet, playwright and theatre director, murdered by Nationalist forces at the beginning of the civil war.  As in previous years, a wreath was laid at the monument in the Olive Grove dedicated to the four Kilkenny men who enlisted in the International Brigades – George Brown and his brother, Michael, and Seán Dowling and Michael Brennan, both from Castlecomer. On this occasion, Cllr Tomás Breathnach laid the wreath. The Committee is particularly grateful to Tomás for his help in organising this year’s gathering.  On return to Inistioge, all enjoyed a recital by the Graiguenamanagh Brass Band in the Millennium Garden – for many the annual highlight.

 

Over the years, from time to time, the Committee remember those who supported the event but, sadly, are now no longer with us. Committee members, Amanda Richards and Joe Doyle, spoke of Manus O’Riordan who died since the previous commemoration. Manus was the son of Mick O’Riordan, one of the most prominent Irishmen to serve with the International Brigades. Manus had a strong connection with south Kilkenny as his wife Annette Hennessy was a native of Glensensaw in the adjoining parish of Tullogher. He was throughout his working life a committed trade union official and political activist. Not surprisingly he was a dedicated memorialist of the International Brigades and served as Ireland Secretary for the International Brigades Memorial Trust. From 2008 he was a regular speaker at the annual event.

 

Since the previous commemoration Inistioge lost one of its dearly loved and respected parishioners. Publican, Johnny O’Donnell at all times facilitated the George Brown Committee by providing a room for its regular meetings. He and his late brother James helped in no small way to make the annual event a success. It was fitting that the members of the O’Donnell family should be asked to lay the display of flowers at the George Brown Memorial Plaque in St Colmcille’s Graveyard. Adding to the poignancy of the occasion was the presence of members of the O’Brien, Tobin, Lackey and Knox families. Relatives of George Brown still living in the Inistioge/Tullogher area.

 

It is hoped that next year a full celebration can return with lectures on aspects of the Spanish Civil War, the threats to democracy in the present day, exhibitions and entertainment along with the outdoor events outlined above.

The Committee would also like to acknowledge the financial help received from SIPTU, UNITE & CWU. 

17th Annual George Brown Memorial Event 2024.

Celebrating Resilience and Solidarity.

 

Inistioge, June 2024 – Despite the rain, the 17th Annual Inistioge George Brown Memorial Event was a remarkable success, drawing attendees to honour the legacy of George Brown and reflect on current global issues.

 

Special guest, Palestinian Ambassador H.E. Dr. Jilan Abdalmajid, planted a Cedar of Lebanon in Woodstock Gardens on Friday evening, continuing the tradition of commemorative tree planting. This was followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at the George Brown Memorial Plaque in St. Colmcille Graveyard with Cllr Sean Ó hArgáin.

 

Dr. Abdalmajid delivered a heartfelt address at St. Mary's Church of Ireland, highlighting the dire situation in Gaza and the West Bank. She expressed profound gratitude to the Irish people and government for their ongoing support and recent recognition of the State of Palestine, emphasizing how these actions inspire hope among Palestinians.

 

Cllr Ó hArgáin and former Senator Mick Lanigan also addressed the assembly. Lanigan, founder of Friends of Palestine in the Oireachtas and recipient of the Order of Bethlehem, spoke passionately about justice for Palestinians.

 

The most poignant moment came from Maram Salah, a young woman from Gaza, now a Masters's student at SETU (Carlow Campus), who shared her harrowing experiences and the ongoing struggles of her family back home. 

 

Following a standing ovation for Dr. Abdalmajid, Amanda Richards presented her with a bouquet adorned with Palestinian colours. Former UNITE leader Jimmy Kelly gifted her a copy of his autobiography, "At the end of the day."

 

Saturday's outdoor events were moved indoors due to rain, but the spirit of the event remained undiminished. Attendees gathered at the Conservatory Tearoom in Woodstock to hear Spanish Civil War historian Harry Owens discuss the historical parallels and current issues. He urged support for both Palestinians, and Israelis opposing the Netanyahu administration, and highlighted the contributions of the Irish Jewish community to civic and political society here.

 

A tribute was paid to the late Nuala Prendergast, a dedicated local SIPTU trade union activist, commemorating her significant involvement in the event over the years.

 

The event concluded with a wreath-laying at the Olive Grove in Woodstock's Walled Garden by former UNITE official Sean Kelly, honouring the Kilkenny men of the International Brigades. A lively music session by local duo Michael and Eamon Holden at the Woodstock Arms capped off the memorable weekend.

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