Catalpa Six get memorial in Ireland 150 years after escape from Western Australian prison – The Irish Times

A memorial to the Catalpa Six, who made one of the most audacious prison breaks in history, has been unveiled in Glasnevin Cemetery.

It is the first memorial in Ireland to the six Fenian prisoners, Thomas Darragh, Martin Hogan, Michael Harrington, Thomas Hassett, Robert Cranston and James Wilson, who were rescued by an American whaler, the Catalpa, off the coast of Western Australia in 1876.

The Catalpa rescue involved a journey of 12,000 kilometres from New Bedford in Massachusetts to Fremantle in Western Australia, which took 10 months. It was a close run thing and the rescue was almost scuppered by a British frigate, the Georgette, which attempted to intercept the men.

The 150th anniversary of the escape has already been marked by the National Museum of Ireland with a short exhibition featuring the American flag that flew above the Catalpa.

A new book, Catalpa: The Epic Story of the Greatest Prison Rescue in Irish History, by Michael Barry, has been published to coincide with the anniversary.

Around 40 relatives of those connected with the Catalpa rescue attended the ceremony which took place at the Republican plot in Glasnevin Cemetery.

The memorial features a cross and a series of stone markers commemorating those involved in the rescue.

Former IRA prisoner John Crawley speaking at the launch of a memorial to the Catalpa Six in Glasnevin Cemetery. Photograph: Ronan McGreevy/The Irish Times

The project was funded by the supporters of the Fenian Memorial Committee of America with the support of the National Graves Association.

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Speaking at the unveiling, NGA’s national chairman Seán Whelan said the memorial in Ireland is long overdue.

The oration was given by John Crawley, the author of The Yank: My Life as a former US Marine in the IRA.

Crawley, who was given lengthy sentences for IRA activities during the Troubles, said the work of the Fenians in bringing about a united Ireland was unfinished.

“In dedicating this beautiful monument, we hope one day it will be acknowledged in a free and grateful nation,” he said.

“Let us strive to achieve the ultimate goal – a national democracy within an all-Ireland republic. Glory O to the Bold Fenian Men.”

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