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“Fleadh 2026 has shown what Béal Feirste can achieve when we come together to host an event of this scale and ambition.

“More than 1.7 million journeys were made on public transport, while 1.6 million people visited the city, bringing huge benefits to our businesses, hospitality sector, communities and wider economy.

“Léiríonn sé seo an tábhachtach is an luach atá ag ár gcultúr is ár gceol agus cad gur féidir leis cur lenár gcathair.

“We now want to build on that success and make Fleadh 2027 bigger and better.

“The election of three Nationalist First Ministers for the first time on these islands is a clear indication that people see that Westminster is not working for the people of the North, Scotland or Wales.

“Strengthening the relationships between the three parties and finding common ground will help us grow and create better opportunities for the workers, families and communities we represent.

“And ultimately, this will lead us towards independence and free from the shackles of Westminster.”

“I acknowledge President Trump’s comments on the reunification of Ireland. The conversation on Irish unity has shifted, and the onus is on the Taoiseach to begin planning.  We have secured peace, and as we approach the thirtieth anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, our national journey is now reunification, which is organised, planned and a peaceful transition.”

Adding, “The Irish peace process and the role of the United States in this are an example of successful diplomacy and foreign policy where the US has been a critical partner over three decades…

This St. Patrick’s Day season must look forward, not backward.

Irish Unity will arrive because people insist on it, organize for it, and speak about it openly. Irish America stands strong. Every visitor from Ireland should return home knowing that Unity commands support, Unity commands expectation, and Unity approaches with confidence.

It was his story, told in his words. That is what separates this documentary from all others about Gerry. Free from the usual “gotcha” moments and political talking heads, it provides space for reflection and elucidation.

All of these events were made possible by the work of volunteer activists and supporters. The progress made and the work to be done on the horizon is clearer than ever and that is thanks to the dozens of volunteers, hosts, donors, and activists.

Plans for events next year are already underway. In the meantime, it is clearer than ever that Irish America is ready to work for a new and United Ireland and to be part of the generation that makes it happen!

So what now for trade unions? There can be no doubt that as the largest civic society organisation across the island of Ireland with 800,000 members and 44 affiliated unions to Congress, the leaders of workers’ economic interests have an essential role in defining how these are best delivered. While we gather in the first instance to achieve decent jobs and pay, our horizons have expanded to seek social justice, equality and a rights based society to live in. That surely must include the right to decide on how we organise our politics and political structures across the island. This is not a question that we should shy away from. 

One of the Fenian Prisoners, John Boyle O’Reilly, vowed to escape. Aided by supporters and friends, he rowed for days and hid out in sand dunes under the searing heat, with little food and water to await a passing whaling ship that would bring him to freedom.

He eventually made his way to the US, where he became a successful writer, editor, and owner of the Pilot newspaper in Boston. He got married, had a family, and became a leading figure in Irish America. He carried with him the Fenian ideals of equality, liberty, and fraternity and became a passionate anti slavery advocate.