As
part of Culture Night we were open from 7.30 to 10.30. It was also a special
night as we celebrated our 40th birthday of the founding of the museum in
1982. Museum President, Christina Flynn
introduced proceedings and welcomed members and guests. Curator Willie Fraher
and guest speaker Julian Walton were unfortunately unable to make it on the
night, but a short address was read on Willie’s behalf. Christina recalled
details of the first meeting and committee, the eventual move to the old Town
Hall in Friary Street and the recent upgrading of the lighting and exhibitions.
One
of the original committee was in attendance, former County Librarian, Donald
Brady. Christina noted that another of the first committee, Gai Morrissey, had
just passed away and she extended her sympathy to the Morrissey family on
behalf of the museum.
On
behalf of the Curator, Christine King read a piece about the Phil O’Donnell
exhibit which was launched on the night. Museum staff member Tony Hayes led a
fascinating tour of the paintings, watercolours, drawings and prints on
show. Paula Uí Uallacháin read Julian Walton’s
piece on Irish and world events that occurred in the year the museum was
founded, in 1982.
Participants
were treated to some lovely nibbles and finger food and a magnificent birthday
cake presented by one of the museum Trustees. A big thank you to all staff
members, Marie, Mike, Stephanie, Tony and Barry, and Trustees Paula, Christine and
Mary for organising such a successful evening.
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| 40th Birthday Celebration Cake for Museum |
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| Left to right in photo: Dennis Barron, Thomas Walsh, Nicolas Graves, Mary Giblin, Tom Broderick, Christine King ( Museum Secretary) and Christina Flynn ( Museum President) |
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| Cutting the Celebration Cake , left to right: Mary Looby (Clonea) and Eileen Moloney (Helvick) |
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| Donald Brady one of the original members of the first Museum Committee of 1982. |
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| Phil O' Donnell Exhibition, in this photo we have Phil O' Donnell's Grandchildren Left to Right: Fergal O'Donnell ( Kilrush), Christina Flynn ( Museum President), Niamh O'Donnell (Naas), Christine King ( Museum Secretary) and Vanessa O'Donnell (Kilrush). |
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| Section of attendees at Culture night at the Museum. |
