An amusing and unexpected incident unfolded in New York as Mayor Daly of Limerick prepared to depart the United States after a tour advocating for the “liberation of Ireland.” Mayor Daly, a prominent figure in Irish politics, was seen off by a delegation from Clan-na-Gael as he boarded the Majestic for his journey back home. However, this departure was not without its share of unexpected twists.
Coincidentally, on the same ship, Miss Alice Nielson’s light opera company, including a group of beautiful young ladies, were sailing to London to perform at the Shaftesbury Theatre. As the ship’s departure drew a crowd of young admirers who had come to bid farewell to the opera company, the stage was set for a lighthearted send-off.
However, the atmosphere took an unexpected turn when one of the young men in the crowd waved a large Union Jack flag in the face of a Clan-na-Gael member. This act was perceived as a deliberate insult, and tensions escalated rapidly. The flag-waving incident led to an altercation between the flag-waver and the Clan-na-Gael supporter, with emotions running high.
The disagreement soon spiralled into a full-fledged brawl between the Clan-na-Gael supporters and the young admirers of the opera company. The passionate exchange of words gave way to physical confrontations as both sides defended their honour. The melee became so intense that local law enforcement was summoned to intervene and restore order.
As a result of the altercation, several individuals found themselves facing arrest, bringing a rather unconventional end to Mayor Daly’s departure proceedings. While Mayor Daly’s mission to advocate for Irish liberation was undoubtedly a serious and important matter, the incident on the Majestic served as a reminder that unexpected moments of levity and tension can arise when diverse groups of people gather, even during what was meant to be a routine send-off.
In the end, this peculiar episode on board the ship added a touch of the unexpected to an otherwise ordinary departure and provided those in attendance with a story to recount, showcasing the unpredictable nature of human interactions, especially in moments of high emotion and celebration.
Yorkshire Evening Post – Friday 22 March 1901
