COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF CLONDALKIN, NEWCASTLE, RATHCOOLE, SAGGART AND BRITTAS AREA COMMITTEE

Wednesday, January 17, 2024

MOTION NO. 6

MOTION: Councillor F. Timmons

That this Area Committee asks Clondalkin Library to do a display that is a celebration of well known local women (display could include Katharine Tynan, Mary Kennedy, Hannah Tyrrell, Anne Frances Caldbeck) for this years Clondalkin Brigid's Festival.

While acknowledging St Brigid as the fierce yet protective and creative goddess Brigit and the Gaelic festival of Imbolc, we celebrate all woman and we also request that there is also a talk on Women around the festival.

REPORT:  Clondalkin Library celebrating well known local women from the Clondalkin council area.

Local Legacies Remembered: A Decade of Centenaries Exhibition

Local Legacies Remembered is a commissioned project to commemorate the Decade of Centenaries in South Dublin County. It is a collaboration between the Decade of Centenaries Artist in Residence, Eva Kelly, and Historian in Residence Liz Gillis.

The idea of illustration as a visual essay is the focus of Eva’s work and through this residency, she looked at documenting aspects of South Dublin life and culture, offering a new perspective in a visual form. She focused on the experiences of women from South Dublin County during the revolutionary period, and inspired by their stories, this exhibition highlights the changing role of women in society at the time.

 These women all played a vital role in shaping the history and culture of South Dublin County, and indeed of Ireland, during this period. From Mrs. Pearse and Margaret Mary Pearse who sought to maintain the legacy of their sons and brothers and entered politics, as well as fundraising for the upkeep of St. Enda’s. Following the wishes of her mother, Margaret Mary Pearse bequeathed St. Enda’s to the people of Ireland, something from which we all continue to benefit. Ita O’Gorman and Josie Stallard, who were active members of Cumann na mBan during the War of Independence. Katharine Tynan and her sister Nora Tynan O’Mahony, May Guinness and Mary Brigid Pearse who were hugely influential in the world of the arts.

The library service is currently sourcing a speaker to compliment the exhibition