THE IRISH SECTION AT THE EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS.

New Zealand Tablet, 24 August 1911, Page 1640

THE IRISH SECTION AT THE EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS.

SPEECHES OF THE O’NEILL AND THE O’DONNELL

The Irish .Section at the Eucharistic Congress at Madrid held a most interesting session on Tuesday evening, June 27, in the large hall placed at their disposal in the Circulo dc los Luis'es by the Congress Committee. On entering the hall they noticed with surprise a Spanish General sitting on one side of the Right Rev. Dr. O’Doherty, President of the Sessions, and a Spanish civilian, evidently of high rank, from his decorations, sitting on the other. No 'one (says the Dublin Freeman’s Journal) had any idea who they were till Dr. O’Doherty had finished his lecture and the vote of thanks had been duly passed. At last Dr. O’Doherty announced that these two men were foremost representatives of the old princely Irish houses of O’Donnell and O’Neill. The Spanish General was John O’Donnell, third Duke of Tetuan, whose grandfather won his title in a Spanish war in Africa. The present General has fought at Melilla and in Cuba and the Philippines, and is, moreover, one of the twenty Grandees of Spain who wear their caps in the King’s presence. His son John and his daughter Maria, both of whom have Irish rather than Spanish countenances, were sitting among the audience.. The Spanish civilian, whose breast was decorated with the Cross

of Charles the Grand Cross of Isabella the Catholic, the Order of Military Merit, and bore the insignia of the Gentlemen-in-Waiting to the King, was Don Martos O’Neill, first cousin of Jorge O’Neill, of Lisbon, who is the direct representative of the house, and he himself is the head of the O’Neills of Spain. He is a staunch supporter of Catholic education, and holds an office in connection with it of the same nature as our Commissioners of Education in Ireland. His wife, Senora Carmen O’Neill, and his daughter, Maria, were present among the audience. It may be imagined what enthusiasm, was evoked by the announcement of the presence of these distinguished representatives of our old Irish princely families. The audience was taken completely by surprise, and the applause was spontaneous and long-continued. The O’Donnell, Duke of Tetuan, who was dressed in the uniform of a captain of Spanish cavalry, his breast being covered with orders and decorations, was visibly affected on rising, being greeted with cries of ‘ O’Donnell Abu !’ He expressed the pleasure he felt in meeting his compatriots, and said though he was an exile from Ireland, his father had taught him to love her, as his father had taught him, and as every O’Donnell from Red Hugh down to his own son, now a boy of ten, had been taught. When he looked into his children’s eyes he saw reflected the blue of the Irish lakes. He assured them that his heart was with Ireland, and his strong right hand was always prepared to strike for Ireland in defence of her Catholic Faith, and if the blood of,his heart would restore her to her proud position as a nation, that blood would be freely given. He referred to the bright dawn that seemed to be breaking on the Irish horizon, and concluded, amidst prolonged applause, with an exhortation to Ireland to ever remain faithful sons of the Church.

The O’Neill, who was dressed as a Court official, and likewise wore several orders, was even more visibly affected than the bluff soldier, O’Donnell. He was unable to speak from emotion for some minutes. He spoke in beautiful French. He began by thanking God that he had lived to see that day. He referred to the traditional friendship of Spain and Ireland. He said he was as true to Ireland to-day as his ancestors were in the past. A career, was open to them in Spain, and they had served Spain well. Spain had rewarded them. Amidst all, however, the predominant wish of his heart was the welfare of Ireland. She had suffered much for the Faith, but that suffering must tell ultimately, and the day was coming when she would be once more great, glorious, and free. Prejudice that had long blinded her oppressors was being dispelled, and now the day was breaking, the night of suffering was over, and the blood that was shed by Tyrone and Tyrconnell and had watered the soil of Holy Ireland, was about to bear fruit. He concluded by praying God to bless Ireland, make her free, and keep her Catholic.