Today, for the second time this year, Celene had the privilege of visiting Scoil Chaitríona Senior in Renmore, Co. Galway, where she conducted three Famine workshops as part of our education programme. These workshops were delivered to two 5th classes and one 4th class, providing students with an in-depth exploration of the Irish Famine, covering key topics while also focusing on the workhouses in Galway. The pupils were highly engaged and demonstrated excellent participation throughout the sessions. Celene had previously visited the school in January to deliver a Famine workshop to the 6th class students, so it was a pleasure to return today. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Principal Marianne Brady, as well as all of the staff and SNAs, for their warm welcome and continued support.

#OTD On 23rd May 1798, the Irish Rebellion led by the United Irishmen began. The rebellion was as a direct result of the oppressive policies of the British government, including discriminatory laws and economic hardship which had fuelled resentment and a desire for change. This rebellion was a pivotal moment in Irish history, marking a widespread uprising against British rule and the fight for independence. At the forefront of the Irish Rebellion of 1798 was Theobald Wolfe Tone, a lawyer and revolutionary who played a pivotal role in organizing the uprising. Tone, a founding member of the Society of United Irishmen, was a charismatic and passionate leader who advocated for Irish independence. His stirring speeches and writings inspired countless individuals to join the cause and fight for a free and united Ireland. The Irish Rebellion of 1798 officially began in May, with uprisings erupting across the country. In counties such as Wexford, Kildare, and Antrim, rebels took up arms against British forces in a bid for independence. The rebellion quickly spread, drawing support from both rural peasants and urban radicals. Despite initial successes, including the capture of key strategic positions, the rebels ultimately faced a brutal crackdown by British forces. The Jackie Clarke Collection is home to an extensive body of material relating to the 1798 Rebellion with numerous artefacts dating back to this period, including rare contemporaneous books, maps, state documents, reports, prints, newspapers, handbills, weapons, a leaflet by the United Irishmen and even The Cockade (hat badge) worn by Wolfe Tone at his trial. We also have a number of interactive touch tables and films with more information about one of the pivotal moments in Ireland’s history. So why not take some time out of your busy schedule and take a journey back in time here at the Jackie Clarke Collection, we are open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am until 5pm and entrance is free!

We had the pleasure of welcoming the pupils from St Dympna’s School to the Jackie Clarke Collection for a truly memorable morning. This special event, part of the students’ school tour, was organised in collaboration with our Education Officer Celene, the JCC team, and the wonderful Finn from St Dympna’s. A heartfelt thank you to our valued partners; Jane and Valerie from the Ballina Costume Company, who facilitated a fantastic arts and crafts workshop in our Seomra. Also, the talented performers from @littletopstars who captivated the children in our Walled Heritage Garden with an engaging display of circus skills, including juggling, plate spinning, and bubble making and show. It was a joyful morning, and we sincerely hope the children enjoyed it as much as we did. Our thanks also go to Elisha Beattie from @ballina_autismfriendlytown for the generous loan of sensory equipment, and to everyone—Little Top Stars, the Ballina Costume Company, Finn and the Teachers and SNA’s from St Dympna’s, and the dedicated JCC staff—who all contributed to making this event such a success.

Today Celene our Education Officer ably assisted by the JCC team of Susan, Nathan, Sharon, Malcolm and Andrena welcomed the 3rd class pupils from Rehins N.S to the Jackie Clarke Collection. The students had come to take part in our Nature by Numbers Workshop in our beautiful walled heritage garden. After getting their special activity workbooks they measured, added, subtracted and divided their way around the various areas of the garden. They worked really hard and did a fantastic job of completing all the mathematical problems; they are a real credit to their teachers and their school! We hope they enjoyed the workshop and also learnt lots in the process; we will be delighted to welcome them all back again anytime! Huge thanks to Celene and our amazing JCC team today for all their hard work in preparing and delivering this workshop.

#OTD On this day, May 21st 1944 – Mary Robinson was born. Mary Teresa Winifred Bourke was born in Ballina County Mayo, to Doctor Aubrey and Doctor Tessa Bourke. As a child she first had ambitions to be a poet and later a nun but instead became Ireland's youngest professor of law at 25 when she was appointed Reid Professor of Constitutional and Criminal Law at Trinity College, where she also served as lecturer in European Community Law. From 1969 to 1989, Mary Robinson was a member of Seanad Éireann. She quickly gained a reputation as a strong advocate for human rights, campaigning to eliminate discrimination against women in Irish society. She also worked as a legal advisor in the campaign for reform of homosexuality laws. In 1970, she married Nicholas Robinson, a fellow Trinity College Law student, now a practising solicitor and the couple went onto have three children. In 1990, Robinson was elected as Ireland’s seventh President and its first female President. In 1997, she became United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, a post she held until 2002. In July 2009 she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honour bestowed by the United States. Throughout her career, Mary Robinson has been praised for her compassionate leadership style. She is known for her ability to connect with people from all walks of life and for her dedication to listening to diverse perspectives. Robinson's leadership is characterized by empathy, integrity, and a relentless commitment to justice. Robinson's bold approach to leadership has earned her respect and admiration from colleagues and peers alike. Mary Robinson's legacy is one of courage, compassion, and resilience. Throughout her career, she has worked tirelessly to advance the cause of human rights and social justice, leaving a lasting impact on the world. Her commitment to equality, inclusivity, and sustainability has inspired countless individuals to work towards a more just and equitable society. Pictured below is newspaper article featuring the young Mary Bourke, carefully saved by Jackie Clarke himself which was discovered in one of the last unopened packages from his collection.

We’re delighted to show you our beautiful new bistro sets in the Jackie Clarke Walled Heritage Garden and courtyard – the perfect spot to relax and soak up the sunshine! It’s been wonderful to see so many visitors enjoying the garden in recent weeks. The lovely Maureen Whelan Sheridan, who visited the collection today and took time to enjoy outdoors, was the first to try them out – and gave them her seal of approval, calling them “so comfortable and stylish!” So glad that she enjoyed her visit to us and found our amazing staff so friendly and welcoming! Come and see for yourself! The Jackie Clarke Collection and its award winning Walled Heritage Garden are open Tuesday - Saturday from 10am until 5pm and entrance is free!