Galway exhibition recognises impact of ‘everyday heroes’

Following a successful run at Galway City Museum, the exhibition “Corrib Shores: These are our people” made its journey to Maigh Cuilinn, Co Galway.

The exhibition recognises the impact of 14 “everyday heroes” and how their stories highlight the culture and heritage of the Corrib hinterland and its people.

Last night, seven such individuals, who hail from Maigh Cuilinn, had their stories shared with the public.

William Patrick Madden, one of those featured in the exhibition, had left the area in 1840’s and became one of the first probate judges in the US state of Kentucky.

Three generations of his family travelled from the United States for the exhibition.

Others featured included Fr Francis Xavier Blake, a parish priest, who compiled a local 18th Century “census”.

From Oughterard, pioneering garda in Ireland Peig Tiernay and Richard Edmund Barrett, a Cloonmore man who served in two armed United States forces were also featured in the event.

The exhibit also contained three Olympians who attended the same local national school in Tulach Uí Chadhain.

In the past, two had represented Ireland at the Olympics.

Mathias Hynes won a silver medal at the games in 1912 and John Joyce participated in the 1904 Olympics.

The third athlete celebrated in this pantheon is the current Olympian Fiona Murtagh.

Research for the event was conducted by Moycullen Heritage in partnership with Corrib Beo.

Another event entitled “This is our place” is planned for October.