Bob Creighton, Kate Browning, Father Sean GannJerry Creighton, Bob Creighton, Richard Macellaro, Kate Browning, Fr. SeanOn Friday, April 8th,  Bob Creighton, former Suffolk County Police Commissioner and former Smithtown Councilman along with Father Sean Gann, Pastor of Saint Joseph’s in Kings Park, hosted a fundraiser at Napper Tandy’s, Smithtown, in support of the S.C. Easter Uprising 1916 Memorial. The Suffolk County 1916 Irish Rising Monument will be located at the Suffolk County District Courthouse, in East Islip, NY. Dedication is scheduled for May 3, 2016.

Bob Creighton and Judge MullenThe Easter Rising Rebellion was a reaction to centuries of British rule of Ireland that was often brutal and dehumanizing. On April 24, 1916 a group of men representing many of the Irish Catholics of Ireland declared the formation of the Irish Republic. This declaration was followed by many confrontations between those favoring Irish rule and British troops. Eventually the uprising ended with thousands wounded and hundreds dead. Many of the Easter Rising leaders were executed by firing squad in Dublin’s Kilmainham Jail. The confrontations continued for decades until Ireland was granted self-rule.

Thomas ClarkeOne of the leaders of the Easter Rising Rebellion was Thomas Clarke a property owner in Mannorville, Suffolk County. Clarke was executed by the British army on May 3rd, 1916 at the age of 58 less than 10 days after the uprising began. The work of the Irish Republic continued for many years.

The idea for a memorial comes from Suffolk County Legislator Kate Browning who brought together a coalition of Irish organizations and individuals determined to see that the idea of a memorial become a reality. Those ivolved see a strong connection between America’s history and the Irish fight for self rule. Suffolk County has a large population (almost 23 %) of people claiming Irish heritage.

Richard Macellaro and Suffolk County Comptroller John KennedyAccording to attendees the Bob Creighton/ Father Sean fundraiser was a great success.  Among the guests in attendance were Suffolk County Comptroller John Kennedy, Legislator Leslie Kennedy, Legislator Kate Browning, Assemblyman Mike Fitzpatrick, Smithtown Councilman Ed Wehrheim, Smithtown Clerk Vincent Puleo and Judge Mullen.

For more info or to make a donation visit Easter Uprising Rebellion website