As part of the Drogheda Museum/Old Drogheda Society’s Gathering event to welcome home the descendants of the Drogheda Fenians of 1867 there will be a re-enactment of the annual march of the Drogheda Banners to the memorial to Col. Patrick Leonard in Monknewtown Cemetery on Sun next 7th July at 3pm. This will be followed at 4pm by a celebration in the function room of the Tourists Rest – better known as “Dolly Mitchell’s” – with music by trad super-band Eitleán and an illustrated presentation of the Drogheda Museum’s famous banners. Begrath man Patrick Leonard was a Colonel in the Union Army during the American Civil War and returned to Ireland as a flamboyant Fenian leader – the “Scarlet Pimpernel” of his day! He often appeared openly in his full American Army Officer’s uniform around Drogheda as a sign of open defiance to the authorities.His death led to a demonstration of Fenian support and it was reported that 9,000 people attended his funeral. For many years, massive crowds accompanied by several bands marched from Drogheda to Monknewtown to commemorate his anniversary. Artist William Reynolds from Tullyallen was a cousin of Leonard’s and was the painter of many of the Trades Banners now in the Drogheda Museum Millmount. The Drogheda Banners – known as “the Flags of Drogheda” were famous in the 19th century and were in huge demand for demonstrations and events all over the country. The Old Drogheda Society are running a bus out to the event leaving Lourdes Church at 2:15 and Marian Park at 3:30, cost only €5 and everybody welcome.To book please ring Liam or Kathleen at Drogheda Museum Drogheda 041-9833097 or e-mail [email protected]
Posted on: Wed, 03 Jul 2013 08:51:39 +0000
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