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Catalpa: Escape to Freedom
The Conspirators - You may recognize a few
The main cellblock of Freemantle Prison
a Mark Day Production
From 1865 to 1867, British authorities rounded up supporters of the Irish Republican Brotherhood, an Irish independence movement, and transported sixty-two of them to the penal colony of Western Australia. Among them was John Boyle O'Reilly, later to become the editor of the Boston newspaper The Pilot. They were sent on the convict ship Hougoumont and landed at Fremantle, in January 1868, after which they were moved to the Convict Establishment (now Fremantle Prison).
O’Reilly escaped from Freemantle and sailed to America in 1869. By 1871, pardons had been issued for most of those incarcerated. Only a small band of 12, who the British dared not release, remained imprisoned in Australia.
John Devoy, an amnestied ex-patriate, approached the 1874 convention of the Clan na Gael and got the Clan to agree to fund a rescue of the men. He then approached whaling agent John T. Richardson, who told them to contact his son-in-law, whaling captain George Smith Anthony, who agreed to help.
Catalpa: Escape to Freedom is a true story of spies, clandestine operations and adventure. The documentary has been in post-production for several years, seeking sponsors for this wonderful film. In 2006, AOH brothers Jeff Gallagher, Tim Weston and Jerry O’Keefe answered the call of Mark Day and were selected to appear in the film.
Set in a warehouse of Irish and Fenian stronghold, New Bedford, Massachusetts, the brothers and several others portray the secret group interviewing a ships master for the adventure to come. The scene, actually shot in the home garage of Mark’s friend, led to a perfect day of fun and work for the three.
Mark Day continues to work on this worthy project. His previous works include a documentary about the San Patricios regiment of the Mexican Army and other Irish-related projects. If you would like to assist with donations of time or money, contact Jerry O’Keefe at: irishfree1916@aol.com
The story of the Caltalpa is one of spies, codebooks and clandestine operations
