Two Stories Re The Catalpa and the 150th Anniversary
Capacity Crowd Remembers 150th Anniversary of Catalpa Escape at New York Irish Center
A standing-room-only, sold-out crowd met at the New York Irish Center on the evening of August 19, 2026 to remember and celebrate the 150th anniversary of the returning of the Catalpa. After some songs and tunes by an excellent traditional band, historian Marcus Howard recounted the details of the planning, coordination, and bravery of the fenians who made and executed the plan to break 6 fenian prisoners out of Fremantle Prison and bring them from Australia to New York.
Many had travelled from all over the North East to hear the story told and to learn about the escape. People came from New Bedford, MA, Hartford, CT, Springfield, MA, and beyond to celebrate the exact 150th anniversary of the ship’s return to New York harbor.
At the conclusion of his presentation, Marcus Howard reflected on the moment and said, “We’re not only here tonight to learn about history, but we are here tonight to make history. Coming together to reconnect with the long legacy of these brave and daring fenians reminds us of what is possible. There will only be one 150th anniversary of this event, and we are making sure to mark the moment, and to make sure these stories and this history continue to inspire.”
Clan na Gael, Friends of Sinn Féin USA & Australia honor John Breslin
More than a dozen people gathered at the grave site of John Breslin exactly 150 years after his return to New York after orchestrating one of the most daring prison escapes in history.
On August 19th, 2026, members of Clan na Gael led a commemoration along with Friends of Sinn Féin on a beautiful summer afternoon. Flowers were laid at Breslin’s headstone, provided by Clan na Gael, Friends Sinn Féin USA, and Friends of Sinn Féin Australia.
Speaking at the site, Sinn Féin’s Representative to North America Ciarán Quinn said, “I am honored to be asked to speak at the graveside of John Breslin, an Irish patriot, and to remember the return of the Catalpa to New York 150 years ago today.
“When it landed here, it carried more than six freed prisoners and a weary crew.
“It carried with it the hopes and dreams of an Irish Republic. It demonstrated that a dedicated few can break the might of the British Empire.
“For John Boyle O’Reilly and John Devoy, this mission was both political and personal. They had recruited members of the British military into the Fenian movement. Their friends and comrades languished in the tomb.
“For John Breslin and John Desmond, it was their duty as sworn Fenians to be the advance party for the escape. They held their nerve and maintained their cover for months.
“Freeing the prisoners demonstrated that the will of the British empire could be faced down. It re-energised the Fenian movement in the US.
“In Ireland it revitalised the Irish Republican movement. Both of which would lead to the 1916 Easter Rising which would be supported by our exiled Children in America.
“Governments come and go, but our struggle continues to secure the right to self-determination.
“To secure and win unity referendums. To build a new and united Ireland. A home for
all our people. That will be the legacy of the Fenians of the Catapla.”
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The Year that Was:
2026:
