A group of the members of Cumann na bhFear (Men's Shed Galway) cycled from Ballinfoile to
Shantalla on Sunday last to participate in the festivities to
commemorate the Irish nationalist Daniel O'Connell's famous 'Repeal the
Union' (with Britain) monster meeting that took place there in 1843 in
front of a crowd estimated at 300,000.
Sunday's event was a truly
remarkable occasion and a tribute to the strong community spirit that
still exists in urban neighbourhoods and rural localities across
Ireland. We joined other groups ranging from Sea Scouts to school bands
in marching through the streets of Shantalla to the foot of the 'Sliding
Rock' where thousands were gathered including President Michael D
Higgins to hear wonderful actors brilliantly re-enact the speeches that
rang out in 1843 over the fields, cottages and spires of Galway
demanding independence for Ireland.
The event was held as part of
the Gathering 2013 and was prove positive that this Diaspora-orientated
initiative has done much to re-vitalize local community festivals across
Ireland.
Finally, a fleet of these High Nelly bikes are being
readied for the Slí na gCaisleán Heritage Cycle tour that will start at
10.00am from Terryland Castle on June 23rd.
Special thanks to Brian MacGabhann for organising the weekly 'High Nelly' repair workshops at Cumann na bhFear.
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| President Michael D. Higgins returns to the heartland of his former political constituency |
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