New RTE show unearths fascinating objects of Irish history
Grenade from War of Independence
The project aims to tell the story of Ireland over the past 100 years through an eclectic mix of objects collected over 12 months.
They include a plectrum from Rory Gallagher’s last Irish gig, a grenade from the War of Independence and an Aran jumper worn by musician Paddy Clancy.
RTE presenter John Creedon and a team of curators visited Cork, Galway, Belfast and Dublin to sift through the nation’s most cherished artefacts and curios.
In Cork he met Sonia’s dad John O’sullivan who proudly handed over her shoes and vest and recalled how his daughter was
Musician Paddy Clancy driven from a young age. He said: “We had some great days and some bad days but you know you enjoy the good and hope you can pick yourself up after the bad ones.”
He recalled how when she won the Irish cross country championship in 1987 at the age of 17 and was asked what was next she replied: “I’d like to run in the Olympics. I dunno… take every day as it comes anyway.”
The Cobh athlete went on to win gold in the 5000m at the 1995 World Championships and a silver in the same event at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney.
John said: “Little did we know that she’d compete in four Olympics and I was there for each and every one of them.
“The Irish public took her to their hearts, win or lose they were there with her.”
A Soviet currency note produced during Limerick Soviet currency and Sonia O’sullivan’s vest and runners
Gallagher’s plectrum and his treasured Fender Stratocaster guitar also feature in the first of four programmes on the upcoming exhibition.
His brother Donal Gallagher revealed: “This iconic instrument is said to be the first of its kind to arrive in Ireland (via the Royal Showband) and had enormous influence on generations of musicians.
“It was both an item for social culture change and of peace between the North’s divisions.”
Moving from rock to folk, Paddy Clancy’s widow Mary submitted one of his favourite trademark Aran jumpers noting the role it played in promoting our image
It’s an Irish item which is a staple in everybody’s wardrobe across world ROISIN HIGGINS SAYS ARAN JUMPER BECAME CHIC ITEM