In April 2026 I got to stand right in front of the actual American flag that was raised on The Catalpa ship at the National Museum of Ireland in Collins Barracks – this is the actual one that flew 150 years ago during the greatest prison escape in Irish history on board the ship that Captain George Anthony sailed upon.
Being in the same room as that flag today was something else. Especially when you know the story. From Fremantle Prison in Australia, six brave Fenian prisoners tasted freedom thanks to the courage of the Catalpa crew and their unyielding spirit of Irish resilience. What I love about the story is it’s an inspirational reminder that no cage can stop a longing for liberty and if the odds are stacked against you, just keep on going. Still gives me chills thinking about it. I was first in the line too to see it.
I also got to meet relative of Fenian Thomas McCarthy Fennell, Daniel McCarthy today which was lovely.
Over the past year I’ve had the honour of telling this story in Boston, New Bedford and London, and the reaction has been brilliant – people just can’t get enough of it.
Such a shame considering what a victory it was and how it helps cement Irish American relations that it was only on view for 2 days before being put back into storage.
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