Many supporters of the Friends of Irish Freedom marched up Fifth Ave. in Manhattan in the 249th St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 17.The warm sun was at their backs as they strode up the avenue passing thousands of onlookers sporting their green. Cheers rang out as the Pat Mullin chapter passed. Seeing the FOIF green banner struck a chord with some who were far from home.
There were a few shouts of “England out of Ireland” heard.
Before the parade stepped off, members had a chance to share their varied experiences of Ireland and to discuss the situation in the north. Because what happens on the ground in the north of Ireland is barely reported in the New York press, chatting one-on-one can be very enlightening.
Even better, next time you go to Ireland, pass up the nights in Temple Bar and take a trip up to the six northern counties. Go to Derry or Tyrone. If you aren’t up to driving on the left side of the road, it is very simple to get on a train at Connolly Station in Dublin and travel two hours up to Belfast. Chat with your fellow travelers on the journey and then take the time to walk around the city, talk with locals in a pub or cross over the Motorway and walk around West Belfast. Go see things for yourself. Pick up a local newspaper.
If you can’t make it to Ireland this year, come to the Friends of Irish Freedom annual Easter Mass & Commemoration on Easter Sunday at the Green Tree Restaurant at the corner of Riverdale Ave. and W. 259th St. in Riverdale in the West Bronx, north of Gaelic Park.
I am interested in finding out if the Archbishop McHale FOIF Dancing Class in the Bronx New York is still in existence? today as my grandfather Patrick McCabe was the Dancing Master, I have a photograph of this group in my possession the date inserted in the photograph says the photograph was taken between 1918 1920. my name is Mr Dermot McCabe address 8 Roslea Road Clones Co Monaghan.
ReplyDeleteI know that my grandfather patrick McCabe emigrated to New York from Queenstown in 1913 he was in America when Woodrow Wilson became President of America, some of his brothers and sisters emmigrated to America as well; any if you are related or have any information? please contact Mr Dermot McCabe 8 Roslea Road Clones Co Monaghan Phone 086 0534310. Email dermotpmccabe@gmail.com
ReplyDeletei would like the Home Address of Friends of Irish Freedom as I have a photograph that I would like to send them?
ReplyDeleteWow, as an Irish-American whose family is from Dublin, I find this unexceptable...Irish people can unite themselves without British influence... Peace be with all p.o.w.s and supporters...
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