“The Greatest Escape in Irish History: Voices From The Tomb” Catalpa Rescue – 150th Anniversary Talk

This Lecture year marks 150 years since the Catalpa set sail from America, in a moment that signified Irish resilience and determination in the face of oppression. It is the triumph of the independent spirit in pursuit of freedom. The ship’s daring mission over months across oceans to rescue Fenian prisoners held in Fremantle, Australia, became an enduring symbol of Irish defiance against British rule. This story stretches from Ireland to America to Australia. The Catalpa Rescue’s mastermind, raises his voice from his grave in Glasnevin.  Devoy declared the success of the dangerous mission was due to “a combination of Irish skill and pluck and Yankee grit.”

Join independent historian and film maker, Marcus Howard of Easter Rising Stories as he delves into the extraordinary story of the Catalpa, a whaling ship that embarked on its daring covert mission from New Bedford, Massachusetts, in 1875. This voyage laid the foundation for one of the greatest prison escapes in Irish history.