16/09/2026
REPEAL IN MAYO.
(from The Connaught Telegraph 1st October, 1845)
On Sunday last large numbers of the frieze coated peasantry of Keelogues, Ballyvary, Minola and Turlough, assembled at the beautiful new Chapel of Keelogues, to make arrangements for the immediate collection of the Repeal Rent in those localities.
After Mass upwards of five hundred staunch Repealers assembled in the Chapel yard, where the Rev. Mr. O’Malley, R.C.C., took the Chair, and Mr. Michael Heraty, Repeal Warden for Keelogues, acted as Secretary.
The Rev. Chairman, in a speech replete with talent, patriotism, and sound argument, explained the object of the meeting, and called upon those around him to set about the collection of the Repeal Rent, by which act they would prove themselves worthy of O’Connell, who was to honour them with his presence on Sunday, the 12th of October.
The announcement of O’Connell’s magic name was received with loud cheering, as was also that of the collection of the Repeal Rent, several voices exclaiming “all we want is to be asked for it.” The Rev. gentleman, having addressed the meeting at great length, resumed his seat amidst loud cheering.
Several other speeches were delivered. The meeting was also addressed by Mr. Hogan of the Telegraph, who cautioned his hearers against in any manner countenancing a system of Ribbonism now spreading through the country, the leaders of which were the paid spies of the Castle, sent forth to raise sedition through the land. The speaker was loudly cheered, together with the Journal with which he is connected.
Mr. Heraty suggested to the meeting that together with collecting the Repeal Rent, it would be well if they provided themselves with a Farmer’s Banner for the procession on that day fortnight. It is needless to add this suggestion was warmly received, and a subscription for that purpose was instantly opened, headed by the Rev. Chairman, and cheerfully followed by those present.
The meeting having arranged the time for the collection of the Repeal Rent, separated in the most orderly manner, first giving three cheers for Mr. O’Connell and Repeal, and three cheers for the Rev. Mr. O’Malley, to whom a vote of thanks was moved and carried by acclamation, for his patriotic conduct in the chair.
Men of Mayo! one feature in the meeting at Keelogues demands your most serious attention. On Sunday week the admired of Nations!—the envied of Monarchs—the scourge of tyranny—the glory of Ireland, and the pride of civilized Europe—The Great O’Connell!—will honour us with his presence at a Repeal Meeting and Banquet in Castlebar.
What preparations are you making to render your reception worthy of Him who suffered a most foul, most unjust, and tyrannical prosecution, and ignominious imprisonment of One Hundred Days! for his long enslaved, persecuted, maligned and trodden-on country and countrymen?
It is true active preparations are going on to have the meeting and banquet most splendid—but more is required at your hands. The Repeal Rent (which is only one penny per month) has not been collected as yet among you. “All we want is to be asked for it,” said the men at Keelogues. This answer can be adopted by many other districts of this county.
We must show the Liberator that we are alive to the interests of our lovely and long enslaved country. How are we to do this? By the immediate collection of the Repeal Rent, and presenting it to him on his arrival, to be by him lodged to our credit in the Repeal Exchequer, on his return to Dublin.
This is the way to evince our undying fidelity to Ireland! This was the way in which the men of Tipperary acted on Thursday last at Thurles, where over £500 was laid down on the altar of their country by the brave Tipperary men! The act is worthy our imitation. It has only to be demanded. The call, all over Mayo, will be most cheerfully responded to by every man, in whose bosom one spark of Nationality doth still exist.
Up then, Men of Mayo! the time is short—yet it is long enough for you to evince your love for Happy Homes and Altars Free! Hurra! for O’Connell and the Repeal!!
