Money issues scupper print plan to honour 1916 patriot

LACK of funding has led to the scrapping of plans for a print publication outlining the life and work of Killala born 1916 ‘rebel’ Dr. Kathleen Lynn.

It was hoped to distribute the book, which would be graphically illustrated, to every primary school child in Mayo.

However, the money required - in the region of €17,000 - just isn’t available, Marie Farrell, a member of Mayo County Council’s cultural, education, heritage, corporate affairs and emergency services strategic policy committee, revealed.

However, Ms. Farrell outlined a promising alternative - a smaller, edited down version which would be available as a computer download.

This meant the booklet could be published in print form at some later stage.
Maeve Clancy, a renowned graphic artist, is agreeable to the scaled down project, Ms. Farrell explained.

“If I get the go-ahead I can tell her to proceed,” the SPC member continued.
On Easter Monday 1916, Dr. Lynn, who was born in Killala in 1874, went to City Hall, Dublin, as chief medical officer for the Irish Citizens Army contingent there.

While there, she witnessed James Connolly, one of the signatories of the Proclamation, being shot by a sniper.

In 1919, Dr. Lynn co-founded St. Ultan’s Hospital for Infants in Dublin providing medical and educational support to impoverished infants and their mothers.

On her death in 1955, Dr. Lynn was buried in Deansgrange Cemetery with full military honours.

A major exhibition of contemporary work, informed by the selfless life of Dr. Kathleen Lynn, is presently ongoing in five Mayo venues, Castlebar, Westport, Belmullet, Ballycastle and Ballina arts centres.

The exhibition, which is drawing large crowds, is entitled Kathleen Lynn - Insider on the Outside.

It has been supported by Mayo County Council through the latter’s budget for 1916 commemorations.