Roger Casement talk to reveal links to Ballymoney
Thu, March 10, 2016
Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council will shortly be hosting a talk by the historian Maureen Waugh telling the story of how Roger Casement helped three Irishmen who were interned by Germany in 1914.
As an historical figure, Roger Casement led a fascinating and tragic life and it may surprise people in Ballymoney to learn that their own town features quite prominently in his story. For example, in 1913, Casement stood on the stage in Ballymoney Town Hall and gave his first ever public speech at the ill-fated ‘Protestant Protest’ in favour of Home Rule. In addition, one of the Irishmen he helped release from First World War internment camps in Germany was John Patrick Bradshaw, from Charlotte Street, Ballymoney.
John Patrick Bradshaw had been interned by Germany in 1914 and held in appalling conditions in stable blocks at an old race course at Ruhleben, Berlin.
At that time, Casement was working in Germany to build support for the cause of Irish independence and trying to obtain help from German military officers and politicians. By using his contacts, Casement hoped that the German authorities would release Bradshaw and the other Irishmen and return them home in order to, if possible, promote his political cause.
The story of Casement and the Irish internees has been researched by Maureen Waugh and she will be in Rasharkin Community Centre on Tuesday, 15th March at 8pm to reveal the details of the exciting and, ultimately, tragic story.
Admission is free and there will be tea and coffee after the talk. For more details please contact Visitor Information, Ballymoney Town Hall, Townhead Street, on Tel: 028 2766 0230.