| The Fenian |
| The Instrument Maker |
| James Stephens Escape |
| The Presentation |
| Commemoration |
The Presentation |
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Speech by John Dillon M.P. at the presentation. We, who are fighting according to the best of our judgment, whether it be right or wrong, for Ireland during this generation we were inspired to love Ireland, and do what we could for her by the memory of the men who fought for her when we were boys. It was they that excited our enthusiasm; they handed on the tradition of love of country to a fresh generation, and what has always endeared to me the memory of the men of those days is this - that in maintaining the struggle for Ireland's liberty they never counted the risks or the odds, and although they had against them a combination of influence and of power which might well daunt the heart of the bravest man the world has ever seen, they rushed on to battle in that cause in which they believed, without any hesitation or doubt as to what the issue might be (applause). Furthermore, they set to us of the present generation an example of unselfishness, of sacrifice for a great principle, which, sometimes, in the days in which we live at present, is rather sadly wanted(hear hear). I am, I confess, at the same time, a good deal of an opportunist politician (laughter). I don't hesitate, and shall not hesitate, to take advantage of the selfish interests of people which I think they can be made to serve the cause of liberty. I think that is a wise policy and a sound policy (hear Hear), but still my greatest admiration is for the men who had no selfish interest to serve, but fought for the great principle of national liberty and existence and risked their lives and liberties in that cause (applause). Now, our friend, Michael Lambert is a link with the past. I hope he will long live and prosper to be a link with the past, to hand on the tradition to those of us of the younger generation (applause). He was illustrious among those men of '67. His courage and the success he achieved in this one great work as well as many others that have not come down to us was signal(Applause). He exhibited in carrying out this great work courage, skill, love of country and loyalty to his leaders - a noble quality which has ever distinguished what is best in Irishmen, and, I hope, will ever distinguish them as long as the race exists. (Applause). In all these things the name of Michael Lambert will go down in future generations as worthy to rank with the best among our race (Applause). Therefore it is that I am proud and glad to be asked by the men around me in this room to be the medium of handing to Michael Lambert these testimonies of our regard.... |
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LEFT. The inside front cover of the book "Spirit of the Nation" and ABOVE. The 18ct Gold Pocket Watch presented to Michael Lambert in 1905 by friends and associates including Michael Davitt, John Dillon MP, William O'Brien MP and John Wyse Power.(On display at Kilmainham Jail) |
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| Donated to Kilmainham Gaol by Christopher Lambert, Dublin. | Donated to Kilmainham Jail by Thomas Lambert, Dublin on behalf of the Lambert Family. | ||||||||
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