The Glucksman Library has an exhibition in the Hunt Museum in Limerick at present. Drawn from the archives of the Daly family of Limerick, the Limerick and the 1916 Rising exhibition marks the centenary of the death of John Daly, the Limerick Fenian mayor and commemorates the Daly family of Limerick and their participation in the 1916 Easter Rising.
By showcasing unique family documents and personal artefacts, the exhibition explores the life and legacy of John Daly (1845-1916), prominent Limerick Fenian, uncle of Edward ‘Ned’ Daly, and for many years a close friend of the Irish nationalist Thomas Clarke. The exhibition examines Daly’s early life, activities as Fenian organiser in the 1880s, prison experiences, business activities and political rise in Limerick following his release, and his enduring friendships with leading Republican figures including Thomas Clarke and Seán MacDiarmada.
The exhibition also illuminates the broader Limerick connections to the 1916 Rising, notably the part played by Edward Daly and Con Colbert, two Limerick men executed following the events of the Rising. Historic photographs and postcards add a rich visual element, while a 19th century parlour acts as a fitting backdrop to display the personal effects of Edward Daly, returned to his family by Kilmainham Gaol following his execution on 4 May 1916. An audio recording of the personal account of Edward Daly’s sister Madge Daly detailing her last visit with her brother provides insight into the personal toll which the events of the Rising wrought on the family. Through a range of media, the exhibition skilfully harnesses the Daly Papers as an invaluable source in contextualising Limerick’s part in the Republican movement and in conveying the varied personalities and impact of the individuals involved.
Commenting on the launch, Glucksman Library’s Director, Gobnait O’Riordan notes that ”the Limerick and the 1916 Rising exhibition provides an opportunity to highlight a unique and distinctive personal archive which focuses on a number of individual lives to illustrate the Limerick experience of the 1916 Rising. It gives us new insights into the personalities of those who took part in the rebellion, and the lives lived in its wake by those who had been bereaved. Much of the information presented in the exhibit has been brought into the public arena for the first time, and with the inclusion of an online presence for the exhibit, this significant cultural material is made available to a worldwide audience, in line with the Library’s commitment to open up its historic collections to global online access.”
The exhibition runs at the Hunt Museum from 21 March-15 May 2016 and incorporates a number of workshops for younger audiences.
Limerick and the 1916 Rising is also available as a digital experience at http://limerick1916.ul.ie