Tag Archives: John Rattigan

RELAND’S rich musical heritage will be showcased at Clare Museum in Ennis during Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, with an exhibition of some of the oldest known musical instruments, spanning more than 6,000 years. Ancient Music Ireland will present the interactive, multi-sensory exhibition at from Monday to Friday next. Featuring reproductions of ancient horns and trumpets from pre-Norman Ireland back to the Stone Age, the collection will feature rare and historic bodhráns, with a story to go with each drum. Among the frame drums to be displayed are the oldest known surviving bodhrán and stick in Ireland (circa 1935), a drum made from the last goat on Coney Island and examples of drums made by the renowned Charlie Byrne of Thurles. Horns and trumpets are displayed to showcase the evolvement of music and ritual from the Stone Age (circa. 4,000 BC) to the Early Medieval Christian era (circa. 700 AD). A progression of musical culture is represented from cow horns through cast and …

Clare Museum is seeking donations to expand its collections for future generations to enjoy. The Ennis-based Museum is particularly looking for items relating to the 1917 East Clare byelection which began Eamon de Valera’s political career, Ardnacrusha Power Station on the 90th anniversary of the founding of the ESB, Shannon Airport and the Free Zone on the 100th anniversary of the birth of Dr. Brendan O’Regan, and Clare participants in the Spanish Civil War. According to Museum Curator John Rattigan, “Clare Museum collects items that exist in or relate to Clare. Our collection is our greatest resource as it underpins exhibitions and educational activities.” “Last year we successfully collected information technology items. This year we are particularly interested in any items relating to the 1917 by-election or the hunger strikes of that year. The centenaries for both will be commemorated during 2017,” said Mr Rattigan.

The new Local Authority Museums Network (LAMN) Strategy 2016-2019 ‘Preserving the Past – Shaping the Future’, has been launched by the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Heather Humphreys. LAMN represents the twelve local authority museums across Ireland, which play a vital role in the social, cultural and economic life of regions across Ireland. Highlights of this strategy include: Examining ways to exploit the opportunities presented by technology to promote collections and reach out to new audiences; Working collectively to play a distinct role in the Decade of Centenaries; Exploring opportunities for collaboration through the new EU funding programmes; Continuing to strengthen and develop partnerships with key stakeholder in order to deliver on the LAMN’s key mission. Minister Humphreys said, “Local authorities throughout Ireland play a vital and proactive role in promoting and preserving culture and heritage, ensuring the best possible quality of life for their communities. Through their museum services they strengthen local communities by underpinning a sense …