WALKING WITH THE ANCESTORS

HUNDREDS called to Kells last weekend for what was a hugely succesful inaugural staging of IRD Foilmore-Kells’ ‘Walk of the Ancestors,’ a commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the 1867 Fenian Rising, and the exploits of Fenian John Golden in that rising.

The Fenian John Golden died in Australia in 1883, and Australian Ambassador to Ireland Richard Andrews was at hand to open the weekend’s proceedings.

“I’m delighted to see such in- terest in the story both locally in Kells and South Kerry, and with the family connections that travelled from Australia, New Zealand, France, Canada, the US, and throughout Ireland and the UK,” the Ambassador said.

A series of Lectures followed on Friday evening. Including one by Dr. Shane Lordan of UCD on ‘Fenianism in Ireland – Its origins and development,’ and another by Anne Golden, a great grand-niece of John Golden’s, on his involvement in the rising and his transportation to Fremantle in Western Australia.

Other examples of festivities included the Walk of the Ancestors itself, which saw walkers follow the route of the Fenians to Kells Bay under the guidance of the Reserve Defence Forces

A plaque was also unveiled at Kells at the birthplace of the Fenian at Goldens, Kells, with the Reserve Defence Force raising the flag as a wreath was laid in the Fenian’s memory.

“This event has been of great significance to the local community in bringing its history to life in ‘story’, thereby continuing the strong traditions of folklore, history, archaeology and genealogy to life in the area,” Pat Kavanagh of IRD Kells-Foilmore said.

“The interest locally, nationally and internationally was wonderful; all age groups were fascinated by the variety of events. The commitment given by all those who assisted in various ways either on committee or stewarding throughout the weekend is most appreciated, and without the assistance of Department of Arts, Heritage Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the event could not have taken place. Kerry County Council through the Community Support Fund were also of assistance as well as a large number of other sponsors.” A DVD of the weekend’s events will be available shortly, while commemorative t-shirts are also available as a souvenir.

Photo by Christy Riordan. ABOVE: Pat Golden representing The Irish Clan with Mollie Robinson representing The Australian Clan who unveiled a plaque to commemorate the route of the Fenians.