Posted 07/03/2016

Exhibition: Éamonn Ó Modhráin - A Revolutionary Journey

Exhibition on tour of the Library Network until the end of 2016

Éamonn Ó Modhráin – A Revolutionary Journey was launched on Sunday, 28 February 2016 at 7.00 p.m. by the Mayor of Kildare, Cllr. Brendan Weld in the Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge, Co. Kildare

Discovered while clearing out an attic by family member Robert Doyle, Athgarvan, in 2010, the Ó Modhráin family’s documents and personal effects are a collection of historical items that give a unique insight into Irish nationalism at a local level. Éamonn Ó Modhráin (1881-1954) was a prominent nationalist and republican in Kildare during the early years of the 20th century. He was active in the Gaelic League, was arrested and imprisoned in 1916 and prominent in the War of Independence and Civil War.

Stored inside a large metal container were numerous letters and postcards written by Éamonn, while in Wakefield Jail, Frongoch prison camp and Mountjoy Jail. The treasure trove of historical material included autograph books containing the names of many of his fellow prisoners, as well as letters from his two sisters, Úna and Treása Ní Mhodhráin, who lived in Dublin during the period of the Rising and were members of Cumann na mBan.



The majority of the documents will be on display for the first time. Some of the unique items will include a damaged fob watch, a set of bagpipes, a handmade Celtic brooch engraved with “Mountjoy Jail EOM”, a slightly moth-eaten cloth badge with the prisoner number A356 stamped on it, and a knife, fork and spoon wrapped in paper stating, “Used by E. Ó Modhráin in Wakefield Prison, 1916.”


Exhibition Opening

The exhibition was opened on the 28th of February 2016 by the Mayor of Co. Kildare, and continued until the 18th March 2016 in the McKenna Gallery of the Riverbank Arts centre in Newbridge, Co. Kildare.

Exhibition on Tour

Following the Riverbank showing, the exhibition will travel around the library network until the end of 2016 as follows:

    Kildare Library 4 April to 23 April 2016
    Leixlip Library 3 May 2016 to 21 May 2016
    Athy Library 13 June 2016 to 2 July 2016
    Naas Library 2 August 2016 to 20 August 2016
    Celbridge Library 5 September 2016 to 24 September 2016
    Maynooth Library 3 October 2016 to 22 October 2016
    Newbridge Library 1 November 2016 to 19 November 2016

The Kildare Decade of Commemorations Programme 1916-2016 features over 100 unique projects. It is full of exciting themes, events and community led activities such as concerts, school pageants, book launches, drama, musical and dance performances, art exhibitions, lectures and seminars.