Behind closed doors in Cloughjordan...

Despite the restrictions due to Covid-19, the management at the Thomas MacDonagh Museum in Cloughjordan has been busy behind the scenes.

In spite of closures and limited opening hours, we have just completed and submitted our application to the Heritage Council for full accreditation in the Museum Standards Programme of Ireland. The awarding of the highest standard nationally will be a major achievement for a volunteer-managed museum, and will put us in company with the likes of the Tipperary County Museum, the Hunt Museum, the Chester Beatty Library and the National Gallery of Ireland!

This is the culmination of five years' work by a dedicated voluntary Board of Management. We hope that what we have learned in the process is reflected in our wonderful and unique collection, and that you will enjoy visiting us in the Thomas MacDonagh Museum when the lifting of restrictions makes it possible.

RETIREMENT
Last week, Community Employment Scheme staff member Shay Hannon retired after six years with the museum. He has assisted in the day-to-day running of the museum and will be known to many as an enthusiastic guide in sharing the story of the MacDonagh family.
Shay has been a willing support, generous with his time and skills in progressing the development of this cultural centre. He brought music to many events, as a solo player and taking part in sessions. He will be missed, but we wish him well in all his future plans.

NEW ACTIVITIES
Tipperary Creative Ireland has awarded the museum a grant of €1,000 towards developing the theme of the Gaelic Revival. This has enabled us to create activities based on the Celtic Revival in the early 1900s in art and design, drama and the Irish language.  There will be an opportunity to engage in writing in the Irish alphabet of the time, creating Celtic motifs and enjoying creative drama and language sessions. We look forward to welcoming visitors of all ages on reopening.

GIFTS
The exhibition of photographs by Andy Whelan continues on display in the window of the Cloughjordan Library. All the framed photos are for sale and can be ordered through the museum, phone no: 087 3946862. Shopping local is recommended at this time. Other items that be purchased include CDs, produced by Martin Butler, (poetry of MacDonagh and the Irish War Poets) and books in the Cloughjordan Heritage Series. All enquiries and orders can be organised through the phone or email – Cloughjordanheritage@gmail.com
 

COVID-19
The Thomas MacDonagh Museum is in full compliance with protocols for the protection of our staff, volunteers and visitors.

 

Further information: May Casey, 087 3946862
Amateur photos by Gregory Whelan:
Thomas MacDonagh Museum, Cloughjordan
May Casey, Vice-chair and Manager, Brenda Ainsworth, Secretary, Tori McMorran, Chair, posting our MSPI application at Cloughjordan Post Office
Shay Hannon, retiring, May Casey
John Lawlor and Paddy Williams from the Cloughjordan Heritage Group made a presentation to Shay Hannon on his retirement.