Mayor launches exhibition on Cork and First World War

A HISTORICAL exhibition at Cork City and County Archives has been launched by Independent councillor Kieran McCarthy, Lord Mayor of Cork.

The exhibition, entitled ‘Cork and the First World War’, tells the stories of a number of Corkonians who served during the conflict, featuring their photos, diaries, letters, medals, and keepsakes.

Senior archivist at Cork City and County Archives, Brian McGee, said: “We are delighted to be presenting this exhibition in the 110th anniversary year of the outbreak of the First World War.

“We wish to say a special word of thanks to Ferdia Foley for his excellent work in curating the exhibition and to UCC School of History for supporting Ferdia’s work.”

Mr Foley, who completed a work placement at the Cork City and County Archives as part of his master’s degree, said: “With a strategic harbour and high enlistment numbers, Cork played a central role in the Irish war experience.

“This exhibition explores the everyday lives of Corkonian locals, soldiers, politicians, and protestors, and provides an insight into this overlooked and fascinating part of our past.”

Among the stories that are exhibited are those of Eleanor Bryanna Tivy, a nurse from Barnstead House in Blackrock who served in St Thomas’ Hospital in London; Michael O’Leary from Macroom, who was awarded the Victoria Cross in 1915; Gerald O’Sullivan from Douglas, who was awarded a Victoria Cross for bravery during the Gallipoli Campaign in 1915; Monsignor Joseph Augustine Scannell, who left Cork to take up duty as an army chaplain in 1916; and Irish nationalist and politician Daniel Desmond Sheehan MP, who enlisted at the age of 41, encouraging all Irishmen to do the same.

The Cork and the First World War exhibition features fascinating artefacts, including a Princess Mary Box issued in 1914 which originally contained a Christmas card, cigarettes, and a picture of the princess.

Also showcased are council minutes discussing the manufacture of war munitions in Ballincollig Gun Powder Mills, newspaper advertisements for naval and military tailors, and reports and letters from businesses struggling with higher production costs and stagnant wages.

The exhibition will run at Cork City and County Archives until June, and is free for the public to attend. Group tours are available by prior arrangement.