Special Mayo County Matters reflects on 1916 in Mayo

THIS week’s episode of Mayo Matters on Irish TV is a special edition to mark, honour and reflect on 1916.

It includes a lengthy feature covering the launch of the Jackie Clarke 1916 Collection from its home in Ballina, and includes interviews with some of the descendants of the seven signatories of the Irish Proclamation with a poignant reading by Jamey Connolly (grandson of signatory James Connolly).

Ballina native Jackie Clarke, who was a business man and local politician, developed an interest in collecting from the age of 12 and over his lifetime gathered more than 400,000 historic artefacts that combine to make up this valuable collection. He had a particular interest in the 1916 Rising and bought the original Irish Proclamation, which is now the prized possession within the museum and is kept safely in a vault.

The Jackie Clarke 1916 collection is the largest single collection of memorabilia related to the 1916 leaders that exists outside of Dublin.

Speaking to Irish TV, Mayo County Council chief executive Peter Hynes describes the collection spanning more than 400 years of Irish history as ‘quite priceless’ and something everyone should make a point of seeing.

He added: “The Clarke family bequeathed the collection to Mayo County Council and it is now held in trust for the Irish people. It is a very significant collection which we are very proud of and lucky to have.”

A second 1916 feature from the Custom House Studios in Westport looks at a new art collection in honour of the unsung heroine of the Irish rising, Kathleen Lynn, which includes an interview with artist Mary A. Kelly.

Finally, there is coverage of celebrations in Kiltimagh as they host a very special day of 1916 commemorations.

Be sure to tune in for this special Mayo 1916 episode this evening (Tuesday) at 7.30 p.m.