The Pro Life Campaign (PLC) hosted its annual fundraising dinner, Ceiliúradh Cois Life, last Saturday in Dublin. The evening brought together 600 supporters from across the country, demonstrating a strong and growing resolve to restore a culture of life in Ireland. Guest speaker this year was Éamon Ó Cuív, the former Government Minister and TD. He addressed the gathering with a message that combined reflection, encouragement, and a renewed call to action. He received a lengthy standing ovation in appreciation of his inspiring and insightful words at the event.
Mr. Ó Cuív expressed sadness over the fact that “despite promises that abortion would be ‘rare’, last year over 10,000 abortions were carried out” in Ireland. He said more needed to be done to “make other choices more attractive”.
Emphasising the humanity and intrinsic value of the unborn child, Mr Ó Cuív recalled the story of Galway native Maolra Seoighe who was unjustly executed in 1882 for a murder he didn’t commit. It is recorded that as he approached the gallows, still protesting his innocence, he touchingly said “ta mé chomh neamhchiontach leis an leanbh sa mbroinn – I am as innocent as the child in the womb”.
Mr Ó Cuív told attendees that in addition to working to reduce abortion numbers, attention also needed to be given to end-of-life issues. He warned that in other jurisdictions, demands for euthanasia and assisted suicide appeared limited at first, “a toe in the door,” but once admitted, the door was prised wide open. Calling on people to oppose the introduction of euthanasia before it’s too late, he encouraged attendees to work to improve end-of-life care, including palliative services and support for carers.
Funds raised at the dinner will go towards helping pregnant women and new mothers in need, and towards strengthening the PLC’s youth and educational initiatives, which equip young people to speak up for the right to life in the public square.
Addressing the event, Eilís Mulroy of the Pro Life Campaign said: “Hardly a day goes by without another story coming to light about the tragedy of what’s taking place under Ireland’s abortion law. The Pro Life Campaign keeps track of these developments and is working hard to unearth the full truth of what is happening. While it’s upsetting to hear some of this troubling information, I’m pleased to report that our work is having an impact.” She said that while the movement has often been critical of the mainstream media’s coverage of this issue – “and with good reason” – “to their credit, some national outlets have begun reporting on the realities we’ve exposed recently. Even they seem alarmed at how extreme Ireland’s abortion regime has become”.
Paying tribute to the guest speaker at the dinner, Ms Mulroy said: “I’ve had the privilege of knowing and working with Éamon on numerous projects on the pro-life issue over the years. Even at the height of his responsibilities as a Cabinet Minister, he never failed to make time and offer his support when necessary. We are immensely grateful for that. Éamon is someone who focuses on the job at hand and on getting results. In public life, he didn’t chase headlines – he pursued solutions. Whether it involved looking out for the welfare of people living alone in isolated parts of the countryside, helping families of children with special needs, pursuing prison reform, assisting the peace process in Ireland (which he made a huge contribution to), or fighting for the rights of unborn children and their mothers, Éamon has always put his principles into practice – through deeds, not just words.
“I shouldn’t be referring to his achievements in the past tense as he continues to work extremely hard in his retirement – if I can call it that! When I rang him last week to discuss some of the proceedings this evening, he was helping some neighbours with their tax returns. In Éamon’s world, public service isn’t a job you clock into, it’s a calling you never clock out of. Since you’re not a man who looks for praise, a Chara, it’s lovely to have this opportunity to pay tribute to you – and to show our appreciation for all you have done, especially for the cause of life. Thank you for your witness and on behalf of everyone here – I want to tell you how grateful we all are to you!”
