Frank Stagg, of County Mayo, came from a long line of Irish patriots. His father had fought in both the War of Independence and the Civil War. In the 1970s, Frank emigrated to England, where he worked as a bus conductor in North London. He joined Sinn Féin in 1972 and shortly thereafter joined the IRA. In April 1973, he was arrested in Coventry and, under archaic Conspiracy Laws used to convict IRA members when there was a lack of hard evidence, Frank Stagg, Father Patrick Fell, and five others were convicted of conspiracy to commit arson and given 10-year sentences. Taken to Albany … [Read more...] about A Promise Fulfilled
Historical Happenings
Father Tom O'Reilly
A recent trip to Atlanta provided an opportunity to meet Father Thomas O’Reilly – figuratively, of course, – since Father Tom passed away back in 1872. Yet, as recently as March 2007 he was honored with the City of Atlanta’s Phoenix Award in appreciation of his heroism and outstanding contributions to the City and citizens of Atlanta. It simply just begged the question: who was this remarkable man? Born in Drumgora, Co. Cavan, in 1831, Thomas O’Reilly graduated All Hallows seminary in Dublin and was sent to the American south as a missionary priest in the area of Atlanta where Masses were … [Read more...] about Father Tom O'Reilly
The Original Kilmainham Madonna
One of Nationalist Ireland’s most unique emotional treasures has been found, but as yet has not been seen by those who revere it most. The ironic part of the story is that many people never knew it was missing, and here’s why. Joseph Mary Plunkett was one of the most beloved and charismatic of all the leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising. A deeply religious individual, as evidenced by his middle name in honor of the Mother of God, he came from the same family that had given St. Oliver Plunkett as a martyr to the Church. A youth of frail health, he grew into a sickly manhood, though his heart … [Read more...] about The Original Kilmainham Madonna
Owen Roe O'Neill
The 17th century dawned in Ireland during the 9-years war of the three Hughs against the Crown, but by the end of 1607 Ireland was leaderless; the Clan system was overthrown, the great Gaelic Houses were destroyed, and a strong foreign power was in possession of the land. The remaining Gaelic royalty had fled in the Flight of the Earls. The conquest of Ireland was complete; or so it seemed. Beneath it all, outlawed poets taught in hedge schools; Priests said mass on rocks in the glens; and the Bards kept the history alive in song and verse. After the Flight of the Earls, James I declared … [Read more...] about Owen Roe O'Neill
A Priceless Relic of Faith and Determination
It was a time of repression, a time of peril, a time of terror. It was the year 1640, and the place was Ireland. At that time and place, to be Irish and Catholic was to be an outcast in one’s own country. It began when the Normans came as conquerors in 1170. After initial settlements, the visitors were absorbed; they dressed Irish, spoke Irish, married Irish and adopted Irish laws and customs. To the crown this was a threat to their dominance and in 1366, the Statutes of Kilkenny were passed forbidding Normans to adopt Irish ways. It was the first of many laws passed to distinguish the … [Read more...] about A Priceless Relic of Faith and Determination