We had a sold out night in The Seamen’s Bethel for my history talk. Over 125 people had booked a place. My thanks to all who organised this. I was presented with a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition from the US House of Representatives Congressman William R. Keating
Relatives of those on the Catalpa ship, historians and numerous organizations were there. New Bedford Cable Access TV were there. I was gifted books, medals, a rare photograph of Rory Gallagher taken by his good friend George Robert Doyle. The actual Catalpa list document was on display beside the ship pew where I was speaking from.
With George Robert Doyle whom I share both a love of history and all things Rory Gallagher. He gifted me a photo he took from the stage of Rory Gallagher in the 1980s.
In 2025, 150 years ago, the Catalpa Ship left New Bedford and the town came out in force for this event. The The Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick New Bedford were absolutely amazing at making me feel so welcome.
With Christopher Donnelly Secretary of the Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick.
With Jason and Brian Kirby, President of the Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick.
The Seamen’s Bethel was visited regularly by Herman Melville who wrote the famous book Moby Dick.
Herman Melville, author of Moby Dick
The pew Herman Melville used to sit at in The Seamen’s Bethel
People travelled from all over to be at this event. It was great to also meet TD Mairéad Farrell , Ciaran Quinn and all the councillors from around Boston too. We were given a wonderful tour of the city as well as all the monuments that honour the Catalpa voyage there. It was particularly moving to visit the grave of Captain George Anthony, the man who captained The Catalpa Ship.
At the grave of Captain Anthony
To the people of New Bedford, I hope I did your history proud. You made it a truly historic 150th anniversary. I received 3 rounds of applause during it and a standing ovation and feedback was incredibly positive. They even made tshirts about the talk!! If anyone missed the talk I will be also giving it in the Irish Pastoral Centre Boston on Thursday.
Some of the audience before the talk. New Bedford Cable Station were also in attendance.
In the movie Moby Dick there is a scene where Orson Welles gives an oration speech from a recreated Seamen’s Bethel. It was a pleasure to get to speak from the pulpit from the actual Seamen’s Bethel which it was based from.
Orson Welles in the movie Moby Dick speaking in a recreated Seaman’s Bethel.
Sincere thanks to Mark Porter, Christopher Donnelly, Ciarán Quinn, Dave Duggan, President of the Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick Brian Kirby and his brother Jason, Max and everyone else involved in making it such a tremendous success. Thank you to everyone who came out. I met so many wonderful people last night.
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