On Tuesday, April 25, at 8pm, at American Legion McFadden Brothers Post (290 Prospect Park West, Brooklyn) the Brooklyn Gaelic League will host a lecture by Dr. Ruán O’Donnell, one of Ireland’s leading historians. O’Donnell will speak about Thomas J. Clarke, a rebel leader in 1916, who previously lived in New York and founded the Brooklyn Gaelic League with his wife Kathleen, whom the branch is now named after.
Prior to arriving in New York, Clarke lived in his native Tyrone before being arrested for Fenian activities. He was tortured while a prisoner in English jails. In New York he was in regular contact with Clan na Gael leader John Devoy, and acted as Devoy’s point-of-contact in the lead up to the Easter Rising. For his part in the rebellion, he was executed on May 3, 1916. The Brooklyn Gaelic League, as Gaeilge, Conradh na Gaeilge Cumann Cháitlín agus Thomáis Uí Chléirigh is extremely active and growing – you can find them any week of the year at the following locations/times:
1st, 3rd, and 4th Tuesdays at McFadden Brothers Post (Tin Whistle class at 7pm, Language 8pm, Dancing 9pm)
2nd Wednesdays at Paddy’s of Park Slope for a traditional seisiún at 8pm.
