Brian Mor O'Baoighill Memorial

Cumann na Saoirse Naisiunta hosted a Memorial Months Mind for Brian Mor O Baoighill on May 6, 2012.  The Celebration of his Life and Work was held at Connolly’s Times Square Pub & Restaurant.  As family and friends arrived, gathered and began the memorial they were called and comforted by the sounds of Piper John McManus, of the Tyrone Pipe Band, representing the age old tradition of the Lone Piper.  

 The memorial was led by Brian Mor’s long time friend and Fenian Comrade John McDonagh.  It was opened by Tiokasin Ghost Horse, of the Lakota Nation, Host of WBAI’s First Voices Indigenous Radio.  Tiokasin, a friend and comrade of Cumann na Saoirse and Brian Mor’s welcomed all present to join with the First People’s to celebrate the life and work of a true humanitarian who lived and understood the humanity of all.  

 The Guest of Honor was Joan Messina, Brian’s life time love and soul mate.  Joan was presented with a bouquet of flowers and leather bound Book of Memorial Tributes to Brian.  The presentation was made by the lovely Madden McDonagh; representing the historical link of Brian Mor’s founding role as producer of Radio Free Eireann, WBAI’s Irish Freedom Program. 

 The celebration included music, song and storytelling surrounded by Brian’s art including drawings, sketches, painting sculpture, jewelry, ceramics and the beloved cartoons.  Many of the distinguished guests displayed their cherished pieces of Brian’s work as regional Irish Musicians who loved and were loved by Brian mor played their personal memorials to the life of this most cherished man of enormous talent, great generosity and a noble Celtic heart.  Those present enjoyed the musical talents and personal touch of Mary Courtney, guitar and vocals; Gerry Enright, bodhran; Chris Byrne, Uilleann pipes and Andrew Harkin, bousouki; Peadar O’Hici, guitar and vocals; Pio Ryan, guitar and vocals.   

 Along with the music the event was peppered with speakers and shared memories of Brian; his incredible intellect and his love of life, his spirit, accomplishments, commitment to Irish Freedom and of course, his wicked sense of humor. . .  John McDonagh introduced and organized the presentations by many friends, family and childhood buddies.  Marty Walsh shared a few loving childhood memories (and his own art work and portraits of Bernie,) Brigid Brannigan Farrell shared memories and a beloved poem in Brian’s memory, Timothy Miles spoke of his love and respect for Brian and his life.  John McDonagh spoke of the years in NYC surrounding the 1981 Hunger Strikes and all the efforts Brian mor was the mastermind of … this led into John calling up Martin Galvin to lament on the many memories of his time spent with Brian Mor getting out the revered Irish People Newspaper.   Liam Murphy delivered his moving tribute to Brian the man.  All present were delighted as Larry Kirwan spoke eloquently of his friend and read a piece about Brian (Bernie) from his recently published book: Rockin in the Bronx. 

 Maggie Trainor read a personal message sent by Ruairi OBradaigh, past President of Republican Sein Fein.  Ruairi’s message spoke of Brian’s honorable dedication and sincerity to the cause of Irish Republicanism and his own personal regrets that he was denied the ability to come to the States and meet and talk with Brian Mor OBaoighill.   Maggie then introduced most treasured Mary Ward, dear friend of Brian Mor’s and past Vice President of Sinn Fein Poblachtach.  Mary travelled from Ireland specifically to be present and part of the NY Memorial for Brain Mor.  She delivered a beautiful and moving oration to the life of her beloved friend and comrade, Brian Mor O’Baoighill.  

 This was a most memorable event, a true Irish Month’s Mind ~ where people who knew and loved, respected, learned from, laughed and disagreed with Brian Mor came together to comfort, mourn, laugh, break bread, share a toast, shed a tear, share a memory, share a painting … it was a memorable memorial that Brian mor (Bernie) would have loved to have shared in.  It has been said; “ If you were not there; you should have been … “

 Brian Mor O’Baoighill will be honored posthumously on May 19, 2012 by CABHAIR, (Irish Republican Prisoners Dependents Fund) Dublin, Ireland.  Memorial Contributions can be sent to CABHAIR; Teach Daithi O’Conaill, 223 Parnell Street, Dublin 1, Ireland.

If you prefer, you may send to National Irish Freedom Committee, P.O. 770549, Woodside, NY  11377.

Photogallery

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