The Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Heather Humphreys TD, has launched a new exhibition at the Jackie Clarke Collection in Ballina, Co Mayo commemorating the foundation of Cumann na mBan.
Speaking at the event, Minister Humphreys said: "I am delighted to be here on my first visit to the Jackie Clarke Collection, which is a great example of what can be achieved at local level. I would like to commend the work of Niamh O'Sullivan, the author and historian who was commissioned by Mayo County Library and the local committee of the Decade of Centenaries to produce this work.
“This exhibition focuses on the too-often overlooked role that women had to play in the Decade of Centenaries. It is impossible not to be inspired by the leadership and the determination of these women. I view the formation of Cumann na mBan as an absolutely vital step in the empowerment of women.
“Cumann na mBan showed that the women of Ireland were a force to be reckoned with in public life. It is important for us to look back and learn from their courage.”
Venue: The Jackie Clarke Collection, Pearse Street, Ballina, Co. Mayo.
Open: Tuesday to Saturday: 10am to 5pm.
