The eagerly awaited launch of the Pat Chambers Civil War Collection took place at the Michael Davitt Museum yesterday, Saturday July the 23rd. Last September Pat found a treasure trove of documents relating to the Civil War in a jar concealed in the wall of an old shed he was renovating. The launch was performed by Minister Jack Chambers who is the Government Chef Whip and Minister of State for Sport, the Gaeltacht and Defence.
The documents were found in Newport area, a place well known to the Minister and where he has strong family connections. He delivered a very well received speech to the exceptionally large attendance. Impressive contributions were also made by Virginia Teehan, CEO of the The Heritage Council, T.D.’s Michael Ring and Dara Calleary TD and Leas-Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council Michael Kilcoyne.
Pat Chambers Speech
Pat Chambers spoke brilliantly combining passion and humour in his address. The highlight for many was the Phil Brady interview. Phil lived in Tom Mulchrone’s house as a child, next door to where the documents were found. Phil, who is Pat’s aunt, was interviewed earlier this year by Maggie, Pat’s daughter, and a 6 minute clip was played to the enthralled audience.
Minister Chambers, Leas-Cathaoirleach Michael Kilcoyne and Phil Brady jointly cut the tape to officially open the collection to the general public. The exhibition is available for public viewing at the Michael Davitt Museum until Sunday July the 31st.
This project has been funded by The Heritage Council’s “Heritage Capacity Fund”.