Author Archives: Maria Gillen

Emily’s Father: William John Burke

Emily’s Father William John Burke made a choice that changed the course of his destiny and that of his family’s forever. The decision that he made in 1843 not only impacted on his life at the time but for that of his descendants for a generations.

Born about 1805 in the Kinvara area of Co Galway, to wealthy landowner, John Burke and his wife, William John was one of at least three children. Accounted for is his older brother Patrick and one sister. There were possibly more children in his family, but it is impossible to say exactly how many because the amount of records available for early Nineteenth century Ireland are scant.

Dunguire Castle, Kinvara. Hometown to William John Burke

Dunguaire Castle, Kinvara. Hometown to William John Burke

 

 

Ó Acla

Emily and her friends Darrell And Millie Figgis, traveled from Achill to Dublin to attend the funeral of Jeremiah O’Donovan Rossa. The trio carried a wreath which bore the simple inscription O Acla (from Achill). The funeral attended by thousands was a pivotal moment in Irish history, which heated up the already smouldering political situation. Less than a year later the Easter Rising would take place, Emily and both Figgis’ would be entwined in the event.

Reproduced by kind permission of Aidan Heavy Library, Athlone

Reproduced by kind permission of Aidan Heavy Library, Athlone

Version 2Thanks
Thanks to Gareoid O’Brien, Aidan Heavy Library, Athlone
Sources
Mayo News, 7th August 1915. P. 8
http://www.rte.ie/centuryireland/articles/enormous-crowds-attend-funeral-of-odonovan-rossa

Marcus Howard Independent Filmmaker of ‘Easter Rising Stories’

Marcus Howard independent filmmaker ,hails from Dundalk, Co. Louth. His great graduncle  Arthur Greene, Sergeant Major in the Irish Volunteers in Dundalk, was involved in the Easter Rising, inspiring him to capture on video the stories of the lesser known men and women, like his uncle who fought for Irish freedom.

Marcus traveled around the country filming the stories of these extraordinary people told by their relatives and advocates. He set up a specially dedicated YouTube channel called “Easter Rising Stories” to showcase their accounts.

Marcus  has also set up a special Facebook page Easter Rising Stories and you can also read a recent article about him in the Irish Independent: http://www.independent.ie/regionals/argus/entertainment/dundalk-filmmaker-to-capture-1916-stories-31323786.html

 

Sources and other media:

Irish Independent

http://www.independent.ie/regionals/argus/entertainment/dundalk-filmmaker-to-capture-1916-stories-31323786.html

O’Donovan Rossa’s Funeral in August 1915

Tomorrow marks the Centenary of the funeral of Fenian Jeremiah O’Donovan Rossa, whose funeral was one of the biggest of its age. Republicans traveled to Dublin to follow the cortege from City Hall to Glasnevin Cemetery. The event attracted an Achill contingent too.

Here is a short film courtesy of independent filmmaker Marcus Howard that fusses beautifully  the original event with a present day re-enactment.

Thanks & Sources
Special thanks to Marcus Howard, who kindly allowed me to the above film “Padraig Pearse speech at the grave of O’Donovan Rossa (past and present)” from “Easter Rising Stories” on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClH7iRo8l6OmCYSZBzwrVbw

Success First Time

Their hard work paid off! After the first Scoil Acla wrapped up in September An Cliamheadh Soluis contained the following report:

 

Scoil Banner

Scoil Acla Banner

Achill Summer School
The Achill Summer School has been closed for this year. It was small but in every way a remarkable success. Its promoters claim that it has accomplished all that they had hoped from its institution. it has turned the tide of Anglicisation. it has been a pure well of Gaelic spirit and enthusiasm in an arid and neglected district. It has refreshed and renewed all who have had the happiness to visit it. Its good work has made itself felt all over the country side. Next year it will open with a reputation already made.

 

Sources
An Cliamheadh Soluis September 16th 1911  P. 8