Leinster Leader, Saturday, October 9, 1948

Inspiration of '98

They proved that it is possible to raise up this dominant race, no matter how trampled under foot in mud and blood possible to bind them together for their mutual protection, to inspire them with self-reliance and a striking power of which even powerful enemies must take account. They showed too, that in this land, those who strive for freedom have never cause to dispair for Ireland, given the opportunity, can always raise up men who will take the glorious risk of leading the way to victory, in spite of difficulty and danger.

I would strongly urge the young men of Kildare to make themselves thoroughly acquainted with the lives of the young leaders of '98, '48 and 1916-21.

The object to which these men dedicated themselves and for which so many of them gave their lives, has been through the inspiration of their example, carried far on the way to success. This object should be as dear to the men of to-day as it was to them. Don't forget that there is still grave anrequiring foresight, determination and self-reliance needing, too, the energy, enthusiasm and leadership of the young generation.

Nowhere, is the inspiration for this work more surely to be found than in the patriotic cycle which starts with 1798, with its splendid vision of a national union of hearts and hands with the sun of freedom shining brightly on a peaceful, prosperous, happy and united people.

Conclusion

At the conclusion, Mr. O’Donoghue, who presided thanked the various bodies and individuals, who had co-operated so whole-heatedly in making the Commemoration the success that it was. He conveyed his particular thanks to Father Burbage for coming there at great inconvenience to himself, to deliver the oration. They were all aware of Father Burbage’s great National record and his work for Ireland, which had endeared him to the hearts of young and old in every county in Ireland. Mr. O’Donoghue also complimented the energetic committee, headed by Mr. Padraigh Crowley, for their splendid work in the organisation of the Commemoration and the townspeople for their co-operation in adorning the town. The people of Kildare should feel proud of their record in 1798.
They were the first county to throw aloft the banner of rebellion and they were the last county to surrender, and then only on honourable terms. They had fought valiantly and courageously throughout the struggle and even in other counties they had lent a willing hand to banish the oppressors from their land. He hoped that the lesson of ’98 would not be forgotten, and that the deeds and exploits of those heroes would be enshrined in their hearts, and that the ideals for which they fought would ever be a beacon light for generations to come.
Also on the platform were Very Rev. P.J. Doyle, P.P; Very Rev. E. Campion, P.P. Kill; Rev. C. Phelan, C.C.; Rev. G. Brophy, C.C., Naas; An Tanaiste, Mr. William Norton, T.D.; Messrs. T. Harris, T.D. and G. Sweetman, T.D.; Colonel Collins Powell, Commandant Weddick, Senator Michael Smith, Mr. James Dunne, Kill; Mrs. Higgins U.D.C.; Messrs, L McGarr, U.D.C.; J. Taylor. P.C.; John Monohan, J. P. Whyte, Town Clerk, Naas.
A letter of apology, regretting inability to attend was read from Rev. Dr. Irwin, Lucan, one of the patrons from the Commemoration.