Meath County Council has announced that it is working closely with the Francis Ledwidge Museum Committee on plans to transfer the Francis Ledwidge Museum into Council ownership, helping to secure the future preservation and continued development of this important cultural and heritage attraction.
Since its establishment in the late 1970s, the Francis Ledwidge Museum Committee has been instrumental in protecting and promoting the legacy of the renowned poet. Through the commitment and foresight of its members, the committee acquired the poet’s cottage and transformed it into a museum dedicated to his life and work, which officially opened to the public in 1982.
This new chapter will see the Council build on that legacy, working to enhance the museum and secure its future for generations to come.
An Cathaoirleach of Meath County Council, Cllr Wayne Harding, welcomed the development, stating: “This is a particularly proud day for me personally as Cathaoirleach of Meath County Council – to be part of an announcement that secures the future of Ledwidge Cottage and recognises the extraordinary work carried out by a dedicated group of volunteers over the past 60 years in protecting the legacy of the World War One soldier poet.
“Today brings certainty for this remarkable group of people, and as someone who first encountered Ledwidge’s poetry in Slane National School, I am absolutely thrilled. I would like to sincerely thank our Chief Executive, Kieran Kehoe, and Laytown/Bettystown Area Manager, Fiona Lawless, for recognising the importance of securing the future of Ledwidge Cottage and for helping make this day possible.”
Chief Executive of Meath County Council, Kieran Kehoe, added: “The transfer of the Francis Ledwidge Museum to Meath County Council reflects a shared commitment to preserving and enhancing one of our county’s most treasured heritage sites. We commend the Committee for their vision and stewardship since the 1970s, and we look forward to working collaboratively to realise the ambitions and future potential of the museum as a centre of cultural and historical significance.”
Chairperson of the Francis Ledwidge Museum Committee, Mr. Terry Wogan said:
“In all our endeavours the current committee has sought to honour the foresight and ethos of the founding committee. Following in the footsteps of very many dedicated members over more than four decades, the committee has worked tirelessly to preserve the legacy of Francis Ledwidge and to develop the museum into the fine visitor attraction that it is today.
“We are confident that this positive and exciting next chapter will build on that foundation and we look forward to supporting Meath County Council in delivering on our shared vision and ambitions for the future of the museum.”
Meath County Council looks forward to continuing to work closely with the Francis Ledwidge Museum Committee and the wider community as it advances plans to further develop and enhance this unique heritage asset.
