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17th Annual George Brown Memorial Event 2024.

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Celebrating Resilience and Solidarity.

 

Inistioge, June 2024 – Despite the rain, the 17th Annual Inistioge George Brown Memorial Event was a remarkable success, drawing attendees to honour the legacy of George Brown and reflect on current global issues.

 

Special guest, Palestinian Ambassador H.E. Dr. Jilan Abdalmajid, planted a Cedar of Lebanon in Woodstock Gardens on Friday evening, continuing the tradition of commemorative tree planting. This was followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at the George Brown Memorial Plaque in St. Colmcille Graveyard with Cllr Sean Ó hArgáin.

 

Dr. Abdalmajid delivered a heartfelt address at St. Mary's Church of Ireland, highlighting the dire situation in Gaza and the West Bank. She expressed profound gratitude to the Irish people and government for their ongoing support and recent recognition of the State of Palestine, emphasizing how these actions inspire hope among Palestinians.

 

Cllr Ó hArgáin and former Senator Mick Lanigan also addressed the assembly. Lanigan, founder of Friends of Palestine in the Oireachtas and recipient of the Order of Bethlehem, spoke passionately about justice for Palestinians.

 

The most poignant moment came from Maram Salah, a young woman from Gaza, now a Masters's student at SETU (Carlow Campus), who shared her harrowing experiences and the ongoing struggles of her family back home. 

 

Following a standing ovation for Dr. Abdalmajid, Amanda Richards presented her with a bouquet adorned with Palestinian colours. Former UNITE leader Jimmy Kelly gifted her a copy of his autobiography, "At the end of the day."

 

Saturday's outdoor events were moved indoors due to rain, but the spirit of the event remained undiminished. Attendees gathered at the Conservatory Tearoom in Woodstock to hear Spanish Civil War historian Harry Owens discuss the historical parallels and current issues. He urged support for both Palestinians, and Israelis opposing the Netanyahu administration, and highlighted the contributions of the Irish Jewish community to civic and political society here.

 

A tribute was paid to the late Nuala Prendergast, a dedicated local SIPTU trade union activist, commemorating her significant involvement in the event over the years.

 

The event concluded with a wreath-laying at the Olive Grove in Woodstock's Walled Garden by former UNITE official Sean Kelly, honouring the Kilkenny men of the International Brigades. A lively music session by local duo Michael and Eamon Holden at the Woodstock Arms capped off the memorable weekend.

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