Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Carlingford - Thomas D'Arcy McGee


Carlingford, Co Louth, was the birthplace of Thomas D'Arcy McGee (1825-1868) who was a well known politician, poet and journalist. He lived in Wexford and America before returning to Ireland where he became involved in the Young Ireland movement and the rebellion of 1848. When that collapsed he went to Canada. In his later life he became a vehement opponent of the Fenians and he was assassinated in 1868. It was widely believed that the Fenians were responsible. More on McGee here and here.

Above: former ICT Advisors pay their homage including one McGee!

The monument, a small head of McGee, is very well presented at a prominent position near the shore in Carlingford. There doesn't seem to be any mention of the sculptor's name on the monument which is a pity.

McGee was a poet and his collected poems can be seen online at many sites including here.
His Salutations to the Kelts was often included in older Irish text books and school poetry books. This is the first stanza.

SALUTATION TO THE KELTS

Hail to our Keltic brethren! Wherever they may be,
In the far woods of Oregon or o’er the Atlantic sea;
Whether they guard the banner of St George in Indian Vales,
Or spread beneath the nightless North experimental sails –
One in name and in fame
Are the sea-divided Gaels.

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