Students tell tales of 1916
SECONDARY students across county sligo took part in an interactive 1916 workshop which has inspired them to dig deeper into their local history.
The ‘ Sligo Stories’ workshop introdued them to oral story collecting and key historical events that occured in this region in 1916. Hawk’s Well Theatre Artist- in- Residence, Bob Kelly and Historian Gary Burke, of St. Angela’s College ran the workshops over the past two months as part of the 1916 centenary commemorations.
Siobhán Gillespie, teacher at St. Attracta’s Community School, Tubbercurry said: They studnets were very taken with the different methods of recording history and the importance of preserving these records no matter what format they appear in.
“I think they have now become more aware of the history all around them and the importance of history in their lives. For example, most were completely unaware that Sligo Gaol even existed and arising from this they have started to compile a ‘ Dummies Guide to Sligo’ and hope to go on a tour of Co. Sligo where the students themselves will act as the guides.”
The workshops were sponsored by St. Angela’s College, Sligo, Summerhill College, Sligo, and the Hawk’s Well Theatre in partnership with Sligo County Council and Ireland 2016.
All secondary schools across the county are now invited to take part in the Sligo Stories project.
St Angela’s College will confer an award to the best school entry and the best individual entry.
The Top 5 student interviews will be included in a Sligo Stories audio exhibition at the Hawk’s Well Theatre during May 2016.
For further information please contact sligo@ hawkswell. com