TG4 to film documentary on Daniel O'Connell
A TG4 documentary will be filming part of a series of historical walks in Kilcullen next week, following in the footsteps of Daniel O'Connell on the way from Kilcullen to his political meeting at Mullaghmast in 1843.
The 'Monster Meeting' at Mullaghmast was the last in a series of such events organised by O'Connell to call for the Repeal of the Union, and some estimates put the number present at 100,000 people. O'Connell himself said the turnout 'rivalled' that of a previous meeting at Tara.
"I will see every man of you having a vote, and every man protected by the ballot from the agent or landlord," he said at Mullaghmast as he came to the conclusion of his address. "I will see labor protected, and every title to possession recognized, when you are industrious and honest.
"I will see prosperity again throughout your land—the busy hum of the shuttle and the tinkling of the smithy shall be heard again. We shall see the nailer employed even until the middle of the night, and the carpenter covering himself with his chips. I will see prosperity in all its gradations spreading through a happy, contented, religious land.
"I will hear the hymn of a happy people go forth at sunrise to God in praise of His mercies—and I will see the evening sun set down among the uplifted hands of a religious and free population. Every blessing that man can bestow and religion can confer upon the faithful heart shall spread throughout the land.
"Stand by me—join with me—I will say be obedient to me, and Ireland shall be free."
Brian Byrne.
