Sanders' unveil 'Johnny I hardly knew ye' plaque in Athy

RTÉ News​

25-05-2025

Wife of US Senator Bernie Sanders, Jane O'Meara Sanders, has called for an end to "sending our sons and daughters to war" during a visit to Athy, Co Kildare.
The couple unveiled a plaque commemorating the song 'Johnny I Hardly Knew Ye' at a war memorial in St Michael's Cemetery outside the south Kildare town this afternoon.
Ms O'Meara Sanders can directly trace her ancestors, the Coyles, back to Athy, of which some are commemorated at the graveyard having fought during World War One.
Written in the 19th century, 'Johnny I Hardly Knew Ye', an Irish anti-war folk song, tells the story of an Athy woman who reunites with her lover Johnny, now unrecognisable after returning from war.
Speaking at the unveiling, Ms O'Meara Sanders said the song was often sung during protests during the Vietnam War.
"We sang it at every march, at every rally, sadly at home.
"But what we need to do is take these words to heart and not send any more of our sons and daughters to war," she said.
Watch: Jane O'Meara Sanders says it is 'wonderful' to be in ancestral home of Athy
Before the unveiling, Senator Sanders and Ms O'Meara Sanders gave an address to the public in Athy Library, where she was gifted with local artwork and a recreation of her Irish family tree.
Ms O'Meara Sanders said she never expected "such an incredibly welcoming homecoming.
"I met the Coyles, our extended family, the Sheridans, the O'Mearas, the Murphys, the Lees and the Donovans, we've got them all over.
"Athy has a wonderful approach to arts culture and music in Ireland, and I saw it just in the hour I've been here.
"I'm incredibly impressed," she added.
The Sanders' visit was part of the 'Made of Athy' campaign.
Established in 2018, the campaign has seen the town erect some 26 plaques in honour of notable figures with a connection to the town.
It includes guitarist of The Smiths Johnny Marr, Buzzcocks drummer John Maher, and Stones Roses bassist, Gary "Mani" Mountfield.
Colm Walsh from 'Made of Athy', who invited the couple to today's celebration and joined them for the unveiling, described the event as a "full circle" moment.
"This piece of music became popular during the Vietnam war, and it's very fitting because that's when the Sanders spent their apprenticeship doing peace activism.
"They're much more familiar with the song than the Irish people are.
"So, it's great that we can come full circle and have them here," he said.
Mr Walsh added that the song remains relevant almost 160 years later.
"This song never goes out of fashion unfortunately.
"It's as relevant to Gaza and Ukraine as they were almost 200 years ago."
"It's so important that the Sanders came here and recognised the connection between music, conflict and culture," he said.
Senator Sanders is due to meet President Michael D Higgins at Áras an Uachtaráin tomorrow.
President Higgins previously met Senator Sanders during his visits to Ireland in February 2024 and June 2017.