I have received correspondences from a number of local authorities regarding a formal National Commemoration to mark the 150th anniversary of the Catalpa Rescue of 1876, and I acknowledge it as both a remarkable event and a stunning feat of ingenuity and bravery.
This correspondence was brought to the Commemorations Advisory Committee, established in 2025 to provide guidance and advice to the State on commemorative matters. This includes the identification of key events and how they may be appropriately marked.
The programme of State commemorations has already been confirmed for 2026, and it was agreed that a national commemoration would not be possible for the Catalpa Rescue, taking into account timeline and resource issues among other considerations.
Notwithstanding this, the State has adopted a collaborative approach to commemorations, whereby the Commemorations Unit of my Department will continue to support project partners and stakeholders in the development and delivery of commemorative events.
We have engaged with relevant stakeholders to explore appropriate ways in which the anniversary may be recognised within the given timeframe, including through community-led commemorations supported under the Local Authority Commemorations Grant programme.
We are aware that Kildare County Council is working with local history groups to develop a number of commemorative activities with a particular focus on Kildare man John Devoy, who led this rescue mission. These will be shared in due course.
In addition, a programme of commemorative events will take place in Western Australia including events in Fremantle from the 27th to 31st March, and a ceremony at the Wild Geese Memorial in Rockingham on Easter Monday. These events are being supported through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the Government of Ireland will be officially represented by Her Excellency, Ms. Fiona Flood, Ambassador of Ireland to Australia, who will participate alongside Australian Government and local authority representatives.
This approach supports community and international engagement and ensures that the significance of the Catalpa Rescue is acknowledged in a meaningful and appropriate manner.
