Poet John Boyle O’Reilly is commemorated at Dowth

The sun shone on the large attendance at a special commemoration of poet, patriot and political activist John Boyle O’Reilly, which took place on Sunday, 21 September, at the John Boyle O’Reilly monument at Dowth, 135 years after his death. The event was hosted by the Cathaoirleach of Meath County Council Cllr Wayne Harding in conjunction with Meath and Louth County Councils, with Cllr Michelle Hall, Mayor of Drogheda and Cllr Pio Smith and Cllr Ann Marie Forde of Louth County Council also in attendance.

Denis Cummins, Chair of Drogheda Civic Trust said that the organisation was proud to support the commemoration and JBOR’s values of social justice, equality and creativity. Speakers on the day included local historian Seán Collins; Paul Allen PR consultant and close friend of the John Boyle O’Reilly family; Fr Iggy O’ Donovan OSA who spoke about the Augustinian Prior, Fr James Anderson’s role in supporting Boyle O’Reilly; and Seán Ó Briain who deciphered the inscriptions in Irish on the monument for a curious and receptive audience.

A recitation of a selection of the patriot’s poetry by Niall O’Brien and a musical composition of the poet’s work ‘The White Rose’ by Michael Holohan went down a treat with all those present. Tributes were also paid to all the local volunteers who maintained the grounds and kept the memory of John Boyle O’Reilly alive for over a century.

John Boyle O’ Reilly (1844 – 1890) was born in Dowth and worked in the Drogheda Argus. He joined the Fenian movement, was imprisoned and later exiled to Australia. From there, he escaped to Boston in America and was appointed editor of the Pilot newspaper. He became a poet, an orator and a great advocate for minority rights in America. A keen sportsman, he enjoyed boxing and hurling and established a Gaelic athletics club in Boston.

The O Raghallaigh’s GFC on Drogheda’ North Road is called after him, while he is also remembered in the naming of a local housing estate, John Boyle O’Reilly Terrace. Dedicated to Irish independence, he helped to establish a strong Irish-American lobby group in the United States, who remain influential up to the present day.

Paul Cullen, Fr Iggy O’Donovan, Wayne Harding, A.N. Other , Michelle Hall, Seán Ó Briain and Niall O’Brien

Photo 1: Speakers at the John Boyle O’Reilly Commemoration at Dowth (left to right): Paul Cullen, Fr Iggy O’Donovan, Wayne Harding, Michelle Hall, Seán Ó Briain and Niall O’Brien.