Forgiving The Past Creating the Future
Following my Grandfather’s courageous path to inspire forgiveness and peace in our time
Dear Friend
I am the granddaughter of Sean Mac Caoilte – John Forrestal – who was sent by Michael Collins in 1922, to advocate to Irish-America in support of the Anglo-Irish Treaty that they both hoped would bring peace to their troubled island.
I am hoping this tour will be of interest to not just Irish American’s but all who desire peace in this world.
Sean, a passionate Gaelgóir, committed to the peaceful liberation of his county, enthusiastically accepted the mission, having no idea what reception he would receive from Irish America at that time, but ardently committed to whatever would avert civil war.
He departed Dublin March 13th 1922, sailing on the Aquitania and arrived in New York on St Patricks Day.
He then went on to speak in 20 cities, across 13 states over 52 days, travelling by train, delivering his message of gratitude, peace, hope and optimism.
With your help, I plan to adhere closely to his itinerary and schedule.
Welcome to the Legacy Tour: Honouring Courage, Inspiring Peace
Greetings to my fellow Leading Lights and Visionary Voices.
If you have landed on this page, may I congratulate you on your willingness to participate in a new conversation for peace and freedom in the world.
Perhaps, like me, you envision a world where we co-exist in harmony and understanding with each other, respectful of differences, and valuing the contribution of all.
There are many challenges facing the world, and it is imperative we work together to deal with the challenges that impact us all. We must be mindful of the generations coming after us and that our legacy be one of hope, resilience and the vision to create, and fulfil on, an inspiring future.
In an ever more diverse world, we are more reliant than ever on our ability to reach alignment on what constitutes a workable society, and our commitment to honouring agreements on how to work together to get there.
This alignment requires a radical shift in how we listen to other people, with different voices, diverse opinions, and different experiences that shape their view of the would. We must listen with compassion and generosity and an awareness, as in the words of my father “there, but for the Grace of God, go I”
At this pivotal point in our evolution, we have two choices.
We will either continue on the current path of more dissent, disagreement, disharmony, distrust, discontent and disconnection, or we choose a new path of alignment, agreement, harmony, trust and courage.
I now invite you Join me on this Legacy Tour, to step into a journey that transcends time and echoes the courageous spirit of generations past, on a new path towards the peace we all desire, guided by the inspiring legacy of my grandfather’s courageous stand for unity and agreement.
Grandfather’s Itinerary
Sean wrote almost daily letters to his wife Brigid, my grandmother, documenting his travels.
My cousin Anne Forrestal, published her info-novel Fierce Tears Frail Deeds, based on these letters.
This book describes the struggle Brigid had while Sean was away, and the tragedy that unfolded on his return. Sadly he died shortly after the tour, aged 37, as did two of his young sons, aged 8 and 2, leaving her widowed and bereft. My dad was born the same year, “with the Free State” as he would proudly declare, in gratitude to the sacrifices of his parents.
Sean’s final poem, The Bequest written in August 1922 on Michael Collins’ death, immortalises Michael Collins dying words “Forgive Ye Them My Death”.
Two proud granddaughters of John Forrestal –
cousins Dr Anne Forrestal author of Fierce Tears Frail Deeds (2021), and Dr Eileen Forrestal author of The Courage To Shine (2021) stand at his grave in Glasnevin, Dublin.
A century has passed since my grandfather’s quiet voice echoed across lands, advocating for peace amidst tumultuous times.
Now, as we stand on the precipice of change, his timeless message resonates more profoundly than ever.
My mission is clear: to honour his unwavering commitment to peace, to ignite courage in the hearts of all who journey with us, and to inspire hope in a world hungering for calm.
As I traverse cities and states, I carry with me the indomitable spirit of Ireland, a land steeped in resilience in its long quest for freedom and peace.
But I cannot embark on this odyssey alone. I need your support, your belief in my mission, and your commitment to help shape a future defined by harmony and understanding.
Together, through the power of collective action, we can amplify our voices and illuminate the path towards a brighter tomorrow.
Join me on the Legacy Tour and be a part of a movement that transcends borders, bridges divides, and celebrates the enduring legacy of courage, peace, and inspiration from Ireland.
Together, let us write a new chapter in history—one marked by compassion, unity, and the transformative power of the human spirit.
With gratitude and anticipation,
Eileen
Founder, Legacy Tour – Honouring Courage, Inspiring Peace.