Write a commentPatrick Rankin is the only Newry man known to have fought in the GPO in 1916 and on Friday 6 Nov at 7:30 pm in the Sean Hollywood Arts Centre Patrick Rankin’s grandson, Joe Murray, using official military records, Patrick’s memoirs and family memories, will tell the story of Patrick’s career in the Irish Republican Easter Rising.
Former Ceann Comhairle of Dáil Éireann and member of the Commemoration Committee Dr Rory O’Hanlon commented, “The story of Patrick’s career in the Irish Republican Brotherhood begins on the slopes of the Cooley Mountains, Slieve Gullion and Slieve Martin; it tells of how he emigrated first to Canada and then to the more welcoming USA; how he returned to Newry, remained active acquiring weapons and then cycled through the historic Moyry Pass to Dublin to join in the rebellion. Patrick left a clear description of building coal barricades and the fighting in the GPO.”
Patrick’s memories tell of his association with other old Newry families, like the Pattersons. It is hoped that they too will be there to exchange family stories about activities surrounding the Rising.
Count John McCormack was Patrick Rankin’s favourite singer and throughout the night Gerry Doherty will provide arrangements of McCormack’s melodies. Those who know Gerry’s work will know we are in for a treat.
This event is part of a series being organized by the Easter Rising Commemoration Committee Louth/SouthMonaghan/South Armagh/South Down, in which family relatives recall the exploits of their rebel relatives.
At another event in January in Carlingford the O’Rahilly family will be remembered. In his memoirs Patrick Rankin recalled removing grenades for the O’Rahilly from the basement of the GPO shortly before he charged to his death in a Moore Street doorway. After the surrender Patrick Rankin was marched, through a silent Dublin, to Island Bridge Barracks and eventual imprisonment in Frongach, Wales.
Joe will tell of Patrick’s life post 1916. This event is about history, about one man’s story, about family and families, about one man’s favourite music and is open to all.
Dr O’Hanlon concluded “The Committee are pleased to have Joe Murray, Patrick’s grandson tell the story. I am also delighted that local historian Dr Anthony Russell has accepted the committee’s invitation to chair the meeting.”
