Cavan to be ‘storytelling capital of Ireland’

Thomas Lyons

The October meeting of Cavan County Council took place in the majestic surroundings of the County Museum to mark the official opening of the municipal building’s new shared space. Funded by the PEACE IV Capital Programme, the new section of the building is a modern addition to this historic Georgian building.
In launching the space, Cathaoirleach Shane P O’Reilly said: “I have no doubt that it will prove an invaluable asset to Savina O’Donohoe and her team, and greatly enhance the stellar educational and peace-building work that is done here.”
The local authority chair commended all involved in the design and construction of the facility: “This seamless merging of the old world and the new is testament to the skills of architect David Cullivan and contractor Seán Quigley and their teams, who, in tandem with Cavan County Council Senior Executive Engineer Séamus McLoughlin, have put a great deal of thought and effort into this project, and it shows.”
The museum will use the new space to accommodate the school and tour groups from across Ireland that visit Ballyjamesduff. The former convent has seen visitor numbers steadily increase in recent years. First opened in 1996, the museum has been most innovative in its development.
The addition of the Somme trench exhibition, the 1916 Rising exhibition, the Peace Garden and the Nuns Walk have all contributed to making it one of the county’s premier visitor attractions. Plans to develop Cavan as the ‘Storytelling Capital of Ireland’ were mooted on the launch day; while a War of Independence exhibition that will feature a unique Cavan artefact were also mentioned.
Cathaoirleach O’Reilly spoke of political machinations in London that are pulling the focus on the cross-border communities and the place of a centre of historic learning have in making contemporary events relevant: “Our island is still scarred by the legacy of conflict, I can think of no greater cause than educating our youth about peace and reconciliation, so that their future and that of future generations can be a bright one, free of bitterness and division.
“This multi-purpose space will also provide a home for travelling and in-house exhibitions, for visiting workshops, lectures, concerts and theatre, as well as meetings and conferences - all of which will further enhance Cavan County Museum as both a fabulous amenity for local people, and an economic driver for Ballyjamesduff and East Cavan,” he said at the launch.
The shared space benefited from PEACE IV funding. The council’s PEACE programme manager, Jane Crudden, and Siobhán Donohoe guided the process from start to finish; while the Council’s senior management team, in particular Eoin Doyle, were noted for their supportive of the Museum.
In closing Cathaoirleach O’Reilly said: “I want to pay special tribute to Savina Donohoe, Michael Finnegan, and all the staff here at the museum. It is a jewel not only in Cavan’s crown, but in Ireland’s also. It’s no surprise that just last year, the Irish Independent named it one of the top ten places to visit in the country. To combine peace work, education, outreach and research, and simultaneously create an exciting, dynamic, award-winning visitor experience is no mean feat, so I salute you for all you have achieved so far, and wish you every success with this new phase of your work.”