Sir, - The Newry and Mourne Millennium Company plans to organise a weekend of historical significance to commemorate the 125th anniversary of the death of the Young Irelander John Mitchel, who was born in Co Derry in 1815 and died in 1875 in Newry, where he was buried in the family plot. The granite pillar erected by his widow Jenny reads: "After 27 years spent in exile for the sake of Ireland, he returned with honour to die among his own people and rests with his father and mother in the adjoining tomb."
We would like to hear from people throughout the world who may have an interest in learning more about one of Newry's most famous sons, yet one whom we do not acknowledge enough. We want to hear especially from people in Tipperary where Mitchel was twice elected MP. We want to hear from people in Australia and from America, where Mitchel took the confederate side in the Civil War. To date we have been able to secure the loan of Mitchel's uniform from the Ulster Museum and we would like to mount an exhibition, organise a tour of relevant sites in the Newry area and have a lecture on Mitchel, ideally on the weekend of the anniversary of his death, March 20th.
If you have anything which you think may be of relevance to our proposed weekend, please contact us at the address below. - Yours, etc.,
Sean Og McAteer, Project Officer, Newry and Mourne Millennium Company, Town Hall, Bank Parade, Newry BT35 6HR, Co Down.