Palestine Ambassador to visit Kilkenny and deliver keynote speech at annual George Brown Commemoration in Inistioge

The Palestinian Ambassador to Ireland, Dr Jilan Abdalmajid, will deliver the keynote address at this year's annual George Brown Commemorative event, which takes place in Inistioge on Friday – Saturday, June 28-29. 

The two major themes at this year’s gathering are the threat to democracy posed by the rise of the far right, and the dire humanitarian situation of the Palestinian people trapped in Gaza following the Israeli onslaught that has raged since the Hamas attack of October 7.

 Dr Jilan Abdalmajid's visit to Inistioge starts with a symbolic tree-planting ceremony in nearby Woodstock Gardens at 6pm. This custom stretches back over the 17 years that the commemoration has been held. Others who have planted trees in the Gardens have included British trade unionist, the late Jack Jones, Cuban Ambassador Noel Carillo, previous Palestinian Ambassador Dr Hikmat Ajjuri, and President of Ireland Michael D Higgins. 

At 8pm, Dr Abdalmajid will address a public meeting at St Mary’s Church of Ireland in Inistioge. Those in attendance will be invited to donate to UNICEF Ireland Children of Gaza Appeal. 

Woodstock will again be the venue for the Saturday events. Starting with an assembly at the Conservatory Tea Rooms at 2pm, Craig Ó Mathúna will entertain the gathering with a scintillating Spanish guitar recital. Afterwards, Spanish Civil War historian, Harry Owens will speak at the Olive Grove in the Walled Garden, where he will address the alarming the rise of the far right and its possible threat to democracy. 

This year’s commemoration concludes at 4pm, with the traditional and much anticipated performance by the Graignamanagh Brass Band at The Square in Inistioge, where they will share the stage with popular local musicians, The Holden Brothers. 

Inistioge-born George Brown fought with the International Brigades in the Spanish Civil War, paying the ultimate price for his stance in defence of democracy at the Battle of Brunete on July 6, 1937. 

In honouring his memory, the local committee since 2007 have sought to air current issues impacting on the democratic model and the humanitarian concerns for civilians caught up in military conflict. 

For media inquiries, please contact Joe Doyle, Secretary Inistioge George Brown Memorial Committee (086-2229186). 

About George Brown
The life of George Brown goes back to the closing years of the 19th century. The need to work, as well as the need to live, brought young Mary Lackey from the village of Ballyneale, County Kilkenny, to Manchester.

Young Francis Brown, Mary Lackey’s boyfriend who had followed her to Manchester, came from the neighbouring village of Inistioge. Mary and Francis were married on the thirteenth day of May, 1897 at St. Edmund’s Church, Monsall Street, Manchester. The attraction of home and family, and Irish culture and life must have been very powerful as the first three Brown children were born in Ballyneale and then taken to live in Manchester. The third, being George, was born in Ballyneale, Inistioge, Co Kilkenny on November 5th, 1906.

Thirty years later he was killed by Fascist bullets. For the young George, growing up in the industrialised and rapidly expanding city of Manchester, the atmosphere of Irish freedom and Irish culture merged with the industrial life of the city, working-class activity and struggle of the new century. He left school and, as was characteristic of the time, was in and out of work at the convenience of employers.

These formative experiences naturally led him to seek redress for workers through the broad Labour Movement. He had an advantage over others when speaking at meetings, having a natural ability to give a sharp turn of phrase and to embody a whole philosophy in a single sentence. It was the General Strike of 1926 that consolidated his interest in politics and led to his joining the Communist Party.

George Brown’s tireless work at all levels in the Labour Movement saw him gain widespread recognition as a champion of the working class and, almost as a natural progression, he was, in 1935, elected to the Executive Committee of the Communist Party of Great Britain.