OLD I.R.A.

                              ADDRESS OF WELCOME

Source: Connacht Tribune, 6 July, 1963

The Old IRA, of  Co. Galway were to have presented an address of welcome to President Kennedy but when arrangements for the presentation were being made the officers were informed that a change in the time schedule would not permit the ceremony to take place on Eyre Square. The Mayor of Galway then undertook to deliver the address to the American Ambassador in Dublin for the President and this he did, The following is a copy of the address, signed by Mr. Martin Neilan, Chairman and Mr. Stephen Jordan, Secretary on behalf of the Co. Galway Battalion:

“We the surviving members of the County Galway Battalion of the  Irish Republican Army are proud to have this opportunity of bidding you welcome to our county.”

“On this momentous occasion we place on record our appreciation and gratitude for the material and moral support so generously given at ail times by your great nation to the cause of Irish Freedom.”

“Their implicit trust in the unfailing goodwill of the Freedom loving people of the United States of America was no inconsiderable factor in the resolution of our leaders to strike a final blow for Freedom in the Easter of 1916.”

“We realise that the United States of America is the bulwark of the Free World, and we look to the future with assured confidence of the continued support of your noble hearted people in our endeavours to re-unite our country in the full flower of freedom.”

“It is a source of joy and pride, Mr. President, that you, one of our own kith and kin, have been chosen to lead your great nation.”

“We thank you for visiting us, and we pray God-speed in all your undertakings.”