Easter is a special time of year and more so this year with the national commemorations of the 1916 Easter Rising. And while many of the national events will be taking place in Dublin, there will be many opportunities in Donegal for locals and visitors alike to remember and reflect on the events of 1916 and how these events have shaped our lives today.
Donegal County Museum is a great place to visit if you are interested in exploring Donegal connections to the 1916 Rising. They opened their Donegal in 1916: Our Story exhibition to packed house last Thursday evening unveiling an assortment of artefacts and memorabilia that connects Donegal to the events in Dublin during Easter week in 1916.
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The exhibition includes personal letters from Patrick Pearse, Roger Casement and Joseph Plunkett who visited Colaiste Uladh in Donegal in the years prior to the rising. It also includes details of witness statements from individuals who participated in the rising including Donegal man Joseph Sweeney.
The exhibition also takes account of what life was like for men, women and children living in Donegal in 1916 including the impact of World War 1 and in particular the Battle of the Somme which also took place during 1916.
Judith McCarthy, Curator at the Museum is excited about this exhibition saying that it represents a culmination of 12 months work sourcing, researching and curating the artefacts on display.
“A lot of people were involved in this process and we would like to sincerely thank everyone who got involved especially those who donated artefacts and memorabilia for the exhibition. For many the story of the 1916 rising is a very personal one and for us this is just the beginning of the process as I think there are many more stories to be uncovered throughout the county. I would like to encourage people to visit the exhibition and tell us their stories including their family’s connections to the Rising”.
Located on the High Road in Letterkenny, admission to the Museum is free. It is ideal for a family outing during this years extended Easter holidays.
The Legacy of ’16 will also be explored during a walking tour of Letterkenny on 24 March 2016 at 3pm where you will be taken on a journey, by local historian Kieran Kelly, 100 years into the past to discover how the town of Letterkenny was affected by the events of Easter Week 1916.
Other local commemorative events will also take place in Ballybofey & Stranorlar, Buncrana and Gweedore during March and further events are planned throughout the year.
For more information download the Donegal Centenary Programme at www.donegalcoco.ie
Key facts
Ireland 2016 Seven Strands Programme
For more visit www.ireland.ie and www.donegalcoco.ie
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