Flag that flew over Catalpa Fenian jailbreak to go on display
Textile conservator Lorna Rowley working on the flag of the Catalpa. The National Museum of Ireland said the historic flag 'illustrates the importance of the Irish-American community and their support for Irish independence'. Picture: NMI
The flag of a ship used in a daring rescue of six Fenian prisoners in Australia will go on public view next month to mark the 150th anniversary of the jailbreak.
The Catalpa whaling ship was used when six Fenian leaders — including two from Cork and one Limerick man — were broken out of custody in Fremantle in Western Australia in April 1876.
A series of events is currently running in Fremantle to mark the anniversary. However, no national commemorative events have been planned in Ireland, apart from the public display of the flag of the Catalpa ship, which took the rescued men to the US.
The prisoners included Martin Hogan from Barrington St in Limerick City, Michael Harrington from Goleen in West Cork, and Thomas Hassett from Doneraile in North Cork.
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On its website, the National Museum of Ireland describes the escape as “one of the most infamous and celebrated prison breaks of this era and is an important milestone in the fight for Irish independence, with its success boosting confidence in and support for the cause in both Ireland and the United States of America.
“It also illustrates the importance of the Irish-American community and their support for Irish independence.”
“As part of the Catalpa 150 commemorations, the National Museum of Ireland will display the Catalpa flag in the Palatine Room at Collins Barracks on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 April, 2026.”
It also outlined that the size of the flag makes it the biggest in the national collection of flags. It measures more than 4m by 3m.
The National Museum of Ireland added: “Its size prevents it from being shown in standard gallery spaces, making this a rare opportunity for the public to view this important historic object.”
Last month, Limerick City Labour TD Conor Sheehan asked arts and culture minister Patrick O’Donovan if the flag could be made available on loan for events in Cork, Limerick, and Wicklow, where the escapees came from.
Mr O’Donovan said: “I have been informed that the NMI would not be in a position to loan the flag this year as it requires conservation treatment and preparation for transport and display.
“However, my department is working with the National Museum to explore possible commemorative initiatives to mark this anniversary within the short time frame that is available.”
A number of public representatives — including TDs, senators and county councillors — have expressed disappointment that commemorative events have not been organised in Ireland to mark the 150th anniversary.
On Wednesday in the Seanad, Senator Conor Murphy called again for commemorations in Ireland. Senator Sean Kyne responded that he will raise it with Mr O’Donovan. Last December, Fianna Fáil TD Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked justice minister Jim O’Callaghan if he would be prepared to seek a presidential pardon for the so-called Catalpa Six.
Mr O’Callaghan said his department had received correspondence regarding the matter. However, he said no application for a presidential pardon for the Catalpa Six had been received.
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