Photographer/ Jenny Callanan: Pictured here are May Cotter, Fr. Ulic Troy and Sarah O’Hagan.
Highlanes Gallery has marked 20 years since the former Franciscan Church was gifted to the people of Drogheda for the creation of a municipal art gallery serving the town and the wider North East.
Current, retired and original board members gathered at the gallery on Sunday, 4th October to celebrate the anniversary, joined by Civic Mayor of Drogheda Cllr Declan Power.
The event also marked the Feast of St Francis and was attended by Fr Ulic Troy of Merchant’s Quay in Dublin and the Termonfeckin Choir, formerly the Franciscan Choir.
The gathering reflected on the ambition and work of those who helped establish Highlanes Gallery, including May Cotter, Turlough McKevitt, John Callan, Rita Lamb and Tommy Leddy, while also remembering the late Dermot Kierans.
Original project manager Nick Reilly was also in attendance.
Two decades of stewardship
Over the past 20 years, a number of board members have played a role in guiding the gallery, including Alison Lyons, Brona O’Reilly, Sarah O’Hagan and Marian Whearty.
Retired staff member Hilary Kelly was also among those recognised for her contribution.
Current board members attending included Louth County Council Chief Executive David Conway, Kevin McAllister, Colette Moss and Board Chair Joe McGuinness.
The current board is preparing to launch a new strategy for Highlanes as it moves into its next decade.
Patrons and Friends of the Gallery also attended, including Peter Lyons, Eimear Matthews and David Hogan.
Those involved in Highlanes’ youth and curatorial programmes included Kay McQuaile and Annie Conaghy.
The gallery team hosting the event included Gallery Director Aoife Ruane, Gallery Manager Stephen Hodgins, Visitor Services Officer Se Kelly and gallery assistants Bernie Griffith and Iryna Lakhman.
The team reflected on the warmth and loyalty shown to Highlanes by local audiences over the past two decades.
Remembering those who shaped the gallery
A central part of the anniversary event was remembering people who have died but made important contributions to the gallery’s development, reputation and character.
Among those remembered was lighting designer Marcus Costello, who was represented at the event by his mother Margaret, and photographer Jimmy Weldon, represented by his wife Katherina.
Collection founders, artist Bea Orpen and Terry Trench, were also remembered.
The anniversary gathering celebrated the people who helped transform the former Franciscan Church into one of Drogheda’s most significant cultural spaces and those who have continued to shape its work since it opened.
Anniversary programme continues
Highlanes Gallery’s 20th anniversary programme continues through October.
The Young Creatives Art Exhibition and Picturing the Border: 1921 – 2026 are both running until Saturday, 31st October.
The exhibitions form part of a wider programme marking two decades of Highlanes Gallery in Drogheda and its role in the cultural life of the town and the North East.
