Heritage Events Archive

Launch: Sun 28th Feb 2016, 7.00 p.m. by Mayor of Kildare, Cllr Brendan Weld

Book a free ticket to attend the launch event at www.riverbank.ie

Following the formal launch there will be two short presentations from James Durney, Kildare’s historian-in-residence, and Robert Doyle historian, followed by a question and answer session.

Discovered while clearing out an attic by family member Robert Doyle, Athgarvan, in 2010, the O Modhrain family’s documents and personal effects are a collection of historical items that give a unique insight into Irish nationalism at a local level. Eamonn O Modhrain (1881-1954) was a prominent nationalist and republican in Kildare during the early years of the 20th century. He was active in the Gaelic League, was arrested and imprisoned in 1916 and prominent in the War of Independence and Civil War.

Stored inside a large metal container were numerous letters and postcards written by Eamonn, while in Wakefield Jail, Frongoch prison camp and Mountjoy Jail. The treasure trove of historical material included autograph books containing the names of many of his fellow prisoners, as well as letters from his two sisters, Una and TreAsa Ni Mhodhrain, who lived in Dublin during the period of the Rising and were members of Cumann na mBan.

The majority of the documents will be on display for the first time. Some of the unique items will include a damaged fob watch, a set of bagpipes, a handmade Celtic brooch engraved with “Mountjoy Jail EOM”, a slightly moth-eaten cloth badge with the prisoner number A356 stamped on it, and a knife, fork and spoon wrapped in paper stating, “Used by E. O Modhrain in Wakefield Prison, 1916.”

The exhibition will run from 28th February - 18th March 2016 in the McKenna Gallery, Riverbank Arts centre, Newbridge, Co. Kildare.

The Kildare Decade of Commemorations Programme 1916-2016 features over 100 unique projects. It is full of exciting themes, events and community led activities such as concerts, school pageants, book launches, drama, musical and dance performances, art exhibitions, lectures and seminars.

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