Lissadell Season Opening Day marks 150th anniversary of the 1867 Fenian Rising and the launch of ‘ The March of a Nation’ exhibition

LISSADELL Season Opening Day on Sunday 5th March combines marking the 150th anniversary of the 1867 Fenian Rising and the launch of the new exhibition at the childhood home of the rebel countess Constance Markievicz, entitled “The March of a Nation”.

The return of military trained famine immigrants known as “Fenians”, after serving in the American Civil War, to the west coast of Ireland caused great alarm in the run up to the 1867 Rising with Lissadell House fitting bars to the basement windows to prevent a possible Fenian attack. Born a year later Constance Gore- Booth was to play a remarkable role in the coming turbulent revolutionary years.

At the centre of the exhibition are a series of life size replica movie type sets following the movements of some of the 1916 Rising leaders. These sets were on display during the centenary year in the Ambassador Theatre as part of the REVOLUTION 1916 exhibition.

They were transplanted to Sligo in a major logistical exercise and faithfully recreated in the restored Riding Centre at Lissadell, where as a child Constance assisted in distributing food relief to starving tenants in 1879. This act developed her sense of social justice that led to her spurning a life of privilege to pursue an Irish Republic of equals.

Catherine O’Reilly and Neville Dunbar at the 80’ s Roller Disco in Zero Gravity Skatepark, last Saturday evening.

Roisin Roberts and Ceola McGowan at the 80’ s Roller Disco in Zero Gravity Skatepark, last Saturday evening.

Attracta Conlon receiving the new iPhone on behalf of her daughter Sarah Conlon from Lorraine McDonnell, Business Development Manager at The Sligo Champion.