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16th Annual George Brown Memorial Event 2023.

The 16th Annual Inistioge George Brown Commemoration held on 24 June saw this event getting back to its pre-Covid format. Two captivating talks were followed by the traditional wreath-laying and tree planting ceremonies with live musical entertainment thrown in for good measure.

 

The day began in St Mary’s Church of Ireland in Inistioge where a sizeable congregation heard Fr Peter McVerry speak passionately on the related subjects of the current housing shortage and the scourge of homelessness and their attendant social problems. This was followed by an illustrated talk by retired Irish Army Commandant, Larry Scallan who detailed the involvement of Inistioge people from all social strata in the Great War. Of the forty-six such people who have so far been identified, fourteen were either lost in action or died later as a result of the experience. Of those that returned, Larry Scallan stressed that many bore psychological scars for the rest of their lives. A collection at the church door for the Peter McVerry Trust reflected well on those in attendance, realising €720.

 

Afterwards, a bouquet of flowers was placed at the George Brown Memorial in the adjoining graveyard by long-time event supporter, Sue Nunn of KCLR96fm. The ‘Last Post’ was sounded by Larry Scallan.

There followed the Woodstock Gardens element of the commemoration. As was the case last year, the good attendance was entertained to a Spanish Flamenco Guitar recital by Craig Ó Mathúna, while a wreath was laid at the Olive Grove in the Walled Garden by Friends of the International Brigades supporter, Davey Carr from Dunshaughlin, Co. Meath.

 

Every year since the inaugural event in June 2007 a specimen tree has been planted in Woodstock. British Trade Union stalwart, Jack Jones – a former comrade of George Brown and the man who later married his widow, Evelyn Taylor – did the needful. Other guests have included Michael D. Higgins, David Norris and Kilkenny senator Mick Lanigan. In recent years, as some of our founder members and spouses of those on the committee have sadly passed on, members of their families have been invited to plant trees in their memory. This year, committee chairperson, Tom O’Neill, in the presence of the O’Neill and O’Keeffe families, planted a Davidia tree in memory of his wife Mary who passed away in January of this year.

At short notice, the Graiguenamanagh Brass Band, who had over the years welcomed those from Woodstock back to the village with a recital in the Millennium Garden, had to withdraw. The committee is very grateful to brothers, Michael and Eamonn Holden, who filled in and provided a wonderful open-air music session for locals and visitors alike. We were also treated to a poem by local poet Paul O’Rourke. 

 

Unknown to us at the time, a leading member of the Graiguenamanagh Band, Pat Doherty, was terminally ill at the time. Pat, a cornet player, had been a prominent member of the band ever since they first played at the George Brown event in 2007. Our sincere sympathy is extended to his wife, Nellie and to the Dack and Doherty families in Thomastown and Graiguenamanagh.

As ever, the successful staging of a meaningful event, apart from the commitment of committee members, relies on outside funding. From its inception, the annual Inistioge George Brown Commemoration, has been generously supported by a number of trade unions. This year we are happy to gratefully acknowledge the financial support willingly given by UNITE, SIPTU, LAPO & 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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