Eileen Hayes Ruane was born on February 29, 1904 in Ballygoughlin, Glin, Co. Limerick in Ireland She was a proud daughter of Maeve and a credit to the land of her birth and to her adopted homeland, America. In her youth Eileen served Ireland in its struggle for Independence as a member of Cumann na mBan. Later, as a new American she was the proud mother of ten children all of whom contributed enormously to America’s freedom and prosperity and to Ireland’s quest for true freedom.

Life was not easy for Eileen who was left on her own to care for her children after the untimely death of her husband, Patrick. Characteristic of Eileen she took on that task with courage and fortitude and her positive attitude was an inspiration to her children and to many others who were privileged to have known her.

She took time out of her busy schedule to promote our Irish-American cultural heritage as an active member of numerous Irish organizations. She also did not hesitate to reach out to those who continued to struggle to rid Ireland of the last vestiges of British colonial rule; believing that British occupation of six of Ireland's counties continues to be the major obstacle to a just and lasting peace in Ireland,and furthermore, that the tacit acceptance of that occupation is an affront to the sacrifices of the men and women of 1916

Lest we forget

They think that they have pacified Ireland. They think that they have purchased half of us and intimidated the other half. They think that they have foreseen everything, think that they have provided against everything; but the fools, the fools, the fools! - they have left us our Fenian dead, and while Ireland holds these graves, Ireland unfree shall never be at peace.

Padraic Pearse oration given at Jeremiah O'Donovan Rossa's funeral on Aug. 1, 1915