a circuit that passed-through Kilcullen, Kildare, Monasterevin, Stradbally, Athy, Castledermot, and Carlow. The race started at the Ballyshannon cross-roads near Calverstown. The race was won by the Belgian Camille Jenatzy, driving a Mercedes. 20th Century The rise of Nationalism at the turn of the 20th century was well supported in the area. In 1900 a Celtic Cross style Monument in honour of Fr. Prendergast was erected by popular subscription of the Nationalists of the town and surrounding districts. During the Great War many young men from the town and surrounding areas joined the Leinster Regiment and Connaught Rangers. Many died on the Western Front and of those who returned many were physically or physiological scarred. During the War of Independence, the rail lines around Monasterevin and Kildangan were the chief targets of IRA action. The population suffered the attentions of the Black and Tans on their way down the country. From 1925 Count John McCormack was the tenant of Moore Abbey. The world-famous tenor entertained many famous guests during his years in the house. As well as recording his albums in the Great Hall, one of the scenes from his film Song of My Heart was filmed on the grounds. During the Emergency of 1939–45, Monasterevin prepared to defend itself against any aggressor by raising its own Local Defence Force, preparing its bridges for demolition, and building a pillbox to defend the town. The engineering works of Samuel E. Holmes produced grenades for the army. In 1975, Monasterevin made international headlines. On the morning of 21 October, Gardaí surrounded a house in St. Evin's Park. Inside were the kidnappers of Dr. Tiede Herrema The "Siege at Monasterevin" lasted 17 days ending on 7 November with the surrender of the kidnappers and the freedom of Dr. Herrema. Culture From 1987 to 2015, a Gerard Manley Hopkins Literary Festival was held annually in the town, which the poet described as "one of the props and struts of my existence" whilst he was teaching in Dublin. It then moved to neighbouring Newbridge. Sport Monasterevin G.F.C. is one of the local Gaelic Athletic Association football clubs, the others including Ballykelly GAA and Ros Glas hurling club. Monasterevin is the birthplace of Wimbledon Tennis Champion Willoughby Hamilton. See also List of abbeys and priories in (County Kildare) List of towns and villages in Ireland Market Houses in Ireland Notes a. According to Leinster Leader, Saturday,