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Launch of Brothers in Arms

Launch of Brothers in Arms

The remarkable story of William and James Roantree, from Leixlip, Co. Kildare by Michael Kenny

Kildare County Council Decade of Commemorations Committee cordially invites you to the launch of

Brothers in Arms

The remarkable story of William and James Roantree,
from Leixlip, Co. Kildare
by Michael Kenny

in Leixlip Community Library
on Tuesday, 20 February 2018, at 7.15 p.m.

William Francis Roantree famously shook his fist at the British Empire when he made his way, aged 87, to the G.P.O. on Easter Monday 1916 to encourage the new generation of rebels in their fight for freedom. Regarded by his contemporaries like John Devoy as one of the best organisers and finest figures in the Fenian movement, Roantree was one of the most colourful characters of the period. A seaman, military adventurer, Fenian organiser, prisoner and political exile, he ended his days as an employee of Dublin Corporation.

His brother U.S. Marine Sergeant, James Roantree, won the Medal of Honour during the American Civil War for his part in the Battle of Mobile Bay.

Now for the first time the story of these two 'Brothers in Arms' is told in one unique, bi-lingual volume by historian and former keeper at the National Museum of Ireland, Michael Kenny. The book will be launched by the Co. Kildare Decade of Commemorations Committee on the 100th anniversary of William Francis Roantree's death on 20 February 1918.

ALL WELCOME.


Launch of Brothers in Arms - The remarkable story of William and James Roantree, from Leixlip, Co. Kildare by Michael Kenny

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