Cork's 'forgotten' Lord Mayor who helped turn public opinion in US after the Burning of Cork
About to testify before the American Commission on Conditions in Ireland (left to right) – Tom Nolan, Donal O’Callaghan, Senator George W. Norris, Peter MacSwiney and Jeremiah Dempsey (courtesy of the Library of the US Congress).
One hundred years ago this week, the Lord Mayor of Cork, Councillor Donal O’Callaghan, presented testimony in Washington before the American Commission on Conditions in Ireland and stated: "I charge the British Crown forces with the Burning of Cork".
His journey to America to appear before the Commission was an incredible story in itself. Fearing for his life after the Burning of Cork in December 1920, Donal O’Callaghan fled to America as a stowaway on board the steamship, West Cannon.
