Village mural plan for soldier Jennie
HER incredible story has been documented in books, newspapers and even in a stage musical, and now the village where she was born wants to honour Jennie Hodgers in a more permanent way.
A committee has formed to erect a mural in the main street to the remarkable women, who enlisted as a man called Albert Cashier in the Union Army during the American Civil War.
‘ The idea is to attract tourists to our village using Jennie Hodgers’ incredible story,’ says local Robert Gargan, who is chairing the committee. ‘A mural would be achievable at a reasonable cost and would create a focal point to potential visitors to the village.’
Albert D. J. Cashier was born Jennie Irene Hodgers om Christmas Day 1843, to Clogherhead couple Sallie and Patrick Hodgers.
Cashier served in the Union Army during the American Civil War after adopting the identity of a man before enlisting, and maintained it until death. She became famous as one of a number of women soldiers who served as men during the Civil War.
‘ This is the start of a project to create several murals and points of interest around the village and the development of a historic walking trail in Clogherhead,’ adds Robert.
‘I’ve joined forces with Damian Kierans from the Smuggler’s Rest, who was behind the Seafood Rocks festival and has a big interest in bringing tourism to the village, as well as Cllrs Tom Cunningham and Declan Power, who will try to bring council support.’
There had already been plans for local artist Ciaran Dunlevy to create three murals in the heart of the village, which were shelved, however, Robert thought it would be the ideal time to resurrect them.
‘We are just looking for €2,500, which is a very reasonable amount for such an important attraction,’ adds Robert. ‘We will be asking the residents of the village what they would like to see, and people can donate what they can to the Go Fund Me page for Jennie Hodgers Mural.