By Paul Murphy
The decision by Meath County Council to take the Ledwidge Museum in Slane into its care happened after representatives from the museum’s committee made “a brilliant presentation” to Meath County Council chief executive Kieran Kehoe and officials, Cllr Wayne Harding said at the Ledwidge Day commemoration of the poet at the museum on Sunday.
Stressing the importance of the museum to the Boyne Valley, he said that there had been three Presidential visits there over the years. There were important things happening in the area, such as the decision to go ahead with the Slane bypass, the purchase of a landmark house in the village with eight acres behind it, the Boyne Greenway on the way, and the developments at the historic Dowth Hall. “There are really great things ahead for the village of Slane and the Boyne Valley”, he said. He praised the dedicated and hardworking Ledwidge committee. He knew what it meant to the village and to the people there.
Cllr Wayne Harding said at the Ledwidge Day commemoration of the poet at the museum on Sunday.
Ledwidge Committee Chairperson Terry Wogan thanked Cllr Harding for all his energy, guidance and support over many years. The committee would not have been able to make the presentation to the council executive without the help of the councillor who “opened the door for us”. His role had been “absolutely pivotal”.
The Ledwidge Day ceremony, supported by Meath County Council, included poetry, readings, and music. Music was provided by Paddy Reilly, Terry McHugh (who sang Waltzing Matilda) and bugler Bence Zele (a member of Drogheda Bass Band who played The Last Post). Poems were read by Lucy Kennedy, Bryan Bellew, Prue ffrench Davis, Ola Fay (guide at the museum), Bernie
Price, Tomas de Faoite, Rosemary Maye, Pat Casey (a relation of Francis Ledwidge). A wreath laying and citation was carried out by Rosemary Yore of the Ledwidge Committee.
Terry McHugh, Drogheda singing Waltzing Matilda at Ledwidge Museum
