“Connections, Routes and Networks” is the theme for National Heritage Week 2024, which takes place from 17th to 25th August and Clodagh Roche, the curator of Drogheda Museum, Millmount says “being a part of such an important celebration is very significant to them.
Drogheda Museum Millmount will be holding two events to help explore the way we connect to each other, culturally or physically during Heritage Week.
The Old Drogheda Society Lecture Series will hold a talk on Wednesday 21st August at 7pm when Sr. Bridget Corrigan will talk about the life and times of Mother Mary Martin, the founder of the Medical Missionaries of Mary, and their work in Drogheda.
“We will be brought on a journey from the establishment in 1936 by Mother Mary Martin, when the Vatican issued a decree allowing religious women to become engaged in obstetrics and surgery, to operating in over twenty one countries worldwide” Clodagh said.
“Mother Mary Martin was the first woman to be granted the Freedom of Drogheda for her work in the field of medicine and healing. In Drogheda there were many male patients who suffered from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
“Sr. Margaret Anne Mayer (pictured below at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital) discovered that many men got COPD by inhaling the fumes off a horses hoof when the hot horseshoe was applied, during her medical research.
Seating is limited at this event, and will be held upstairs in our Martello Room in Governor’s House. Doors open at 6:30pm.
“We will also have an award winning local Blacksmith Tom King, known as ‘An Gohba’, showcasing his creations forged in the heart of the Boyne Valley, during our Open Day on Sunday 25th August from 12:30 till 5:30pm.
“Many local crafters in Millmount Quarter will have their studios open on the day, including an array of local stallholders. Entertainment will be provided by Ninteen98, the Lourdes Brass Band, Drogheda’s own Traditional Irish Musicians from Comhaltas, as well as children’s entertainers Billy Bonka Balloons and face-painting, and more.
“Food and coffee trucks will be serving fresh food, and an ice-cream van will be on site. Throughout the day, entry to the Museum and Tower will be free of charge, where you will be able to see exhibits of Drogheda’s history and some unique heritage artefacts on display.
“Our Tour Guides will be available to bring you on a trip down memory lane, and we will have a special talk on the History of Millmount Quarter in the Tower by Shane and Eoin, who will have some exciting new information to unveil.
“There is something for everyone, and we welcome people of all ages, abilities, and nationalities to come join us in celebrating our heritage and culture during our Heritage Open Day on Sunday 25th August from 12:30-5:30pm. It is a day for everyone to enjoy, is accessible, inclusive, and diverse.”
