Cumann Na mBan Exhibition and Theatre Event

Cumann Na mBan exhibition a tremendous success.

A very enjoyable night was had by the very large crowd that attended the official opening of the Cumann Na mBan exhibition on Thursday 8th. The exhibition was to commemorate the founding of Cumann Na mBan 100 years ago this year and to record the role women of Waterford city and county who were members of the Cumann. The Museum President, William Fraher, welcomed those present and referred to the fact that these stories were part of the hidden history of the role of women in Irish history.

He introduced Mr. John Quinlan, nephew of Pat and Thomas Keating who died at the Burgery Ambush. Mr Quinlan gave an insight and moving talk on the role of his family in the fight for independence. The audience then proceeded to the theatre where Mr. Tommy Mooney gave a powerpoint presentation on the history of the Cumann Na mBan. Local group Béaltaine performed some stirring songs throughout the evening and members of Dungarvan Dramatic Club brought to life extracts from contemporary letters written by Waterford members of CumannNa mBan. Eddie Cantwell prepared a continuous slide show of photographs throughout the performance.

In conclusion the President thanked the following for their assistance with the exhibition-Chrissie O'Connor Knight, Eddie Cantwell, the families who provided information on their relatives in Cumann Na mBan, Waterford County Museum staff, Deirdre Collender and Béaltaine, Dungarvan Dramatic Club, Tommy Mooney, Cal McCarthy, Dept of Arts Heritage & Gaeltacht, Andy Kelly, Helen Moynihan and Joanne Rothwell, Waterofrd Co. Archive. Mr Fraher stated that it was the intention of the Museum to place the information compiled for this exhibition on the museum website so that it would be available to all and be a fitting memorial to these brave Waterford women.

The exhibition will be on display for several weeks.