Introducing the Fenians Fremantle and Freedom series of podcasts

Fenians Fremantle and Fremantle Inc is proud to release a number of podcasts telling the story of the Fenians and their plight for freedom of their country. These podcasts tell the story of 62 brave men taken in chains from their homeland, Ireland, for fighting to free themselves and their country from a foreign ruler, the British Crown. This story takes us on an incredible journey, from Ireland, to Australia, to the United States, and beyond. It’s a story of pain, suffering, courage and grit, but above all it’s a story of hope. And what if we were to tell you that this story so happens to be true?

Listen on:

  • Podbean App
  • Spotify

Episodes

Tuesday Aug 30, 2022

From the age of 10, John Boyle O’Reilly wrote poetry about nature. However, the need to free Ireland from English rule led him to join the Military and recruit others for a Fenian Rising. This podcast tells how his creative spirit was challenged and drove him to attempt to escape from the worst of England’s prisons. Transported to Western Australia he worked in the bush near Bunbury where he begged authorities to save a majestic Tuart tree and fell in love with a warder’s daughter. With the help of a priest, local Irish settlers and a willing American whaling captain O’Reilly escaped to Boston where he became a successful writer. He never forgot the plight of the oppressed and he never forgot his military companions in Fremantle Prison.
 

Tuesday Aug 30, 2022

On 10th January 1868, the Irish Fenian political prisoners are put ashore, and marched to the infamous Imperial Convict Establishment - Fremantle Prison. Some stay inside the walls to work as clerks but most are sent in work parties to quarry for building materials or construct new roads in the torturous Australian sun. They remain united as they protest the draconian conditions, endure solitary confinement for refusing to be separated and smuggle letters to the growing Amnesty movement in Europe. When the civilian Fenians are pardoned many leave Western Australia to return to Ireland or move to the USA. They receive a heroes’ welcome from the Irish communities in Adelaide and Sydney but they don’t forget their companions, the military Fenians, who continue to languish in Fremantle Prison.

Tuesday Aug 30, 2022

The last convict ship to Australia is about to depart. The British Home office need to move quickly to rid Ireland of ‘the Fenian problem.’ Sixty-two of the Fenian political prisoners are moved onto the Hougoumont and sent on an 89 day voyage to the Swan River Colony in Western Australia. After nine months in solitary confinement, these Irish political activists are together again. There’s an unbelievable outburst of creativity with nightly concerts, journals and diaries, seven editions of a newspaper and even a plot to hijack the ship. The voyage is full of surprises.
 

Thursday Aug 25, 2022

Who were the Fenians and how did this all start? Listen to the story of the appalling conditions in Ireland in the 1860’s and how they influenced those who had grown up during the Great Hunger to seek justice. Hear the heart wrenching story of Kate Cashman as she searches for her arrested husband Denis. There are tales of betrayal by informers, of hastily organised sham trials of former military men and imprisonment in the worst of England’s jails. Yet, despite their brutal treatment, what drives these men to remain true to their vision?   

Fenians Fremantle and Freedom 

Fenians Fremantle and Freedom Inc is a not for profit community group formed to remember and commemorate the Irish Fenian political prisoners transported to Western Australia in 1868.

On board the Hougoumont, the last convict ship to Australia, these 62 Fenians wrote journals and diaries, held regular concerts and produced a newspaper of seven editions - The Wild Goose.

Our volunteer organisation commemorates the Fenians and significant anniversaries of this story through festivals, lectures, music and other cultural events.

We hope you enjoy our series of podcasts.

Copyright 2022 All rights reserved.

Podcast Powered By Podbean

Version: 20240731