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Drinagh's Sean Hurley recalled in exhibition

May 8th, 2018 8:44 AM

By Kieran O'Mahony

Items which will be on display include a letter to his mother, informing her of his death in 1916.

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A new permanent exhibit dedicated to the only Cork-born volunteer to have been killed in the Easter Rising in Dublin in 1916 is to take pride of place at Michael Collins House in Clonakilty.

A NEW permanent exhibit dedicated to the only Cork-born volunteer to have been killed in the Easter Rising in Dublin in 1916 is to take pride of place at Michael Collins House in Clonakilty.

The opening will coincide with the launch of the museum’s summer season and extended opening times. ‘This exhibit is a valuable addition to Michael Collins House in terms of local and national history,’ said Jamie Murphy, manager of Michael Collins House. 

‘Personal artefacts belonging to Sean have been generously donated by the Hurley family helping to tell the poignant story of the sacrifice made by him for his country.’

‘Sean was born in 1887 in Drinagh and he was a close friend of Michael Collins, with both men taking very similar paths in their youth. 

Both went to school in Clonakilty and later played together for the Geraldines GAA club in London,’ Jamie explained.

Both men returned to Dublin to take part in the 1916 Easter Rising, but Sean was fatally wounded on April 29th, shortly before the rebels surrendered, and he later died from his wounds.

‘Some of the personal artefacts include Sean’s personal pocket watch, his 1916 Military Medal, as well as a touching letter from Capuchin friar Fr Augustine to Sean’s mother, informing her of his death in the Rising.’ The official unveiling of this exhibit will also launch the summer season for Michael Collins House with its extended summer opening hours beginning from May 1st, Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm, and Sunday from 12pm to 5pm.

A reception was held last Friday when the items went on display in the museum for the first time, giving the public a chance to view them.

Furthermore, ‘History Talks’ in association with Michael Collins House, also returned last week, the first of a number of history talks which will take place in Clonakilty over the summer.

 

• For more information contact Michael Collins House on 023 8858676 or see www.michaelcollinshouse.ie

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