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In Fermoy, Ireland |
Captain Edward O'MEAGHER-CONDON1841-1915
 In 1859 he joined the Fenian Brotherhood in New York and returned to Canada to organise the Fenian cells. Condon became an American citizen in 1862 and during the American Civil War he enlisted in the 164th New York Militia who fought with the Union Army. In 1864 Condon returned to Ireland to help organise the Fenian Rising. In 1867 he was arrested in Manchester for attacking the prison van containing Colonel Thomas J. Kelly, O'Meagher - Condon's statement from the dock "I have nothing to regret, to retract, or to take home. I can only say 'God save Ireland,' to which the others prisoners chorused 'God save Ireland,'" This provided T.D.Sullivan with the inspiration to write the ballad of the same name. Edward O'Meager Condon was sentenced to death for his part in attacking the prison van, but had his sentence commuted to life imprisonment because he was an American citizen and through the intervention of the American Secretary of State. He spent twelve years in Portland Prison before he was released, in 1878, on condition that he not set foot in Britain for at least twenty years. But for the fact that he was an American citizen he would be regarded, now, as one of the Manchester Martyrs. On his release Condon returned to America and in 1887 he published "The Irish Race in America". (Ogham House Inc. - 1976) He was awarded Freedom of the City of Cork on the 17th September 1909 in recognition of his services to Ireland. He was awarded the freedom of the City of Dublin on the 28th September 1909. He was awarded the freedom of the City of Waterford on the 29th September 1909. Below is the text from the address given by Fermoy Urban Council to Captain O'Meagher Condon on the 8th September 1909. Captain O'Meagher Condon and the Hon. John O'Callaghan, On the occasion of their memorable visit to Ireland, September 1909. Dear Sirs, We the members of the Fermoy Urban Council, desire to give you a cordial welcome to our district after an absence of many years. We have followed your careers with great interest and especially the career of Capt. O'Meagher-Condon, who has endeared himself to the Irish Race at home and abroad, by his suffering for his native land and his heroism and indomitable courage in labouring that she might regain her freedom. You, (Capt.Condon) struggled for Ireland's freedom at the time when the fight was fierce, and every effort on her behalf tried men's souls. Your labours were not in vain, for you return to to your native land today, after an absence of forty-two years to find Ireland freed from many of her disabilities, and particulary from the bondage of Landlordism, and industry springing up all over the Country. We still cling to those high ideals of nationality for which you laboured, and re-echoeing your memorable speech in the dock at Manchester, pray; "God Save Ireland". In your companion , The Hon. John O'Callaghan, we value a true a gifted friend, one who has toiled with successful and unceasing energy as Secretary of our grand organization in America, for the great cause for which so many Irishmen have sacrificed all that life holds dear. It is encouraging and inspiring to find a gentleman of his ability and attainments, following in your worthy footsteps and carrying to a successful issue our grand and noble ideal - Ireland a Nation. Signed on behalf of the Fermoy Urban Council, H. O'Connor. Chairman. P.J. Lane. Town Clerk. 9th September 1909. |
