Madigan Muses: Ballymurphy Massacre Speaker Needs Our Help
by Marilyn Madigan
I was honored to Chair the Ancient Order of Hibernians and Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians Freedom for All Ireland FFAI Event featuring Carmel Quinn from Ballymurphy. The AOH and LAOH National Boards were well represented. The AOH National Board was represented by Na Vice President Danny O’Connell, Director Denny Parks and Hunger Chair Paul Gowdy.
The LAOH was represented by President Carol Sheyer, Missions and Charities Chair Colleen Bowers, FFAI Chair Agnes Gowdy, Fundraiser Maire Leffel, Assistant Editor Hibernian Digest Shannon Lehn and me in attendance. Many LAOH State Officers Sisters from around Ohio joined the local Division at this event.
Carmel Quinn spoke about the Ballymurphy Massacre. It was a very emotional experience for all in attendance. The AOH recorded her speech and can be found on the website; highly recommend for everyone to listen to Carmel Quinn. The Ballymurphy Families and others with Relatives for Justice need to know the truth about the loss of their loved ones.
During the time the Inquest started, Carmel Quinn was visiting the United States. When she returned home, she spoke at the Inquest. They need our help so please participate with the AOH and LAOH FFAI Christmas Appeal.
AOH and LAOH members from Michigan, Ohio and Pennsylvania were represented at this event. In addition to the Hibernians, members of Irish Northern Aid of Cleveland were present.
I was honored to present Carmel Quinn with a Proclamations from Congresswomen Marcy
Kaptur and from City of Cleveland Council President Kevin Kelly. National President Carol Sheyer presented a Certification of Friendship from the LAOH.
An event is not successful without help from many dedicated individuals. A special thank you to my Sisters of the Our Lady of the Rosary Division for all their help from working the door, bar, and hall arrangements, but mostly for their hospitality in providing baked goods. I would like to thank Billy Chambers and Francis Quinn for sharing their musical talents and John O’Brien Jr for taking photos. A special thank you also sent to the Officers and Members of the West Side Irish American Club for the use of the hall. Many of those attended by the event stated how beautiful the West Side Irish American Club is and how lucky we are to have such a facility.
Together we can accomplish anything. So let us step up to help with FFAI and other Irish/ Irish American issues.
