Aughrim Remembered - page 4

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The Aughrim Development Company, for handling the flags and bunting the planting of the tree and making the garden available to us for the soldiers bivouac, the Aughrim Pastoral Council, Aughrim Retirement Group who in conjunction with St Catherine’s Hall committee arranged for the tea and sandwiches which were in plentiful supply during the course of the lectures. The Aughrim Art and Cultural Group, Maura Wade for the art workshop,

M/s Ester Barrett for loaning her “Charge at Aughrim” painting, which was on display in the interpretive centre, local businesses and above all the people
of Aughrim. All who contributed to the much commented and remarked on atmosphere
which prevailed in the village that weekend. The tone of “Aughrim Remembered” was
accurately portrayed in the fabulous brochure produced by Damien Goodfellow, and his
wall mounted panels had great impact. The logistical coordination and cooperation by
Marie Mannion of Galway County Council was superb and contributed in no short manner
to the success of “Aughrim Remembered”.
Should we go again? On a couple of follow-up visits to Aughrim and having spoken with
some of the people of the above committees the answer is, very definitely. This view is
shared by the Kelly Clan Association. I am aware of an interest to attend any further
Aughrim gather by a Dutch military historian, also a Dutch re-enactment company would
be very interested in attending. The “Aughrim Remembered” event has great potential for
expansion and could develop into a military summer school or such like. In this regard I
would be very interested in meeting with, and exchanging views, with similarly minded
people.
I trust this report is fair and balanced and is inclusive of all those whose contribution I
greatly appreciate. It was only right that the men who died in the battle of Aughrim should
be remembered in a nonsectarian and nonpolitical fashion,. The fact that it was initiated by
a Kelly clans man, and will continue to be supported by the Kelly Clan, is not an act of
oneupmanship, but an act of tribute and remembrance to our people who made the
ultimate sacrifice and those who suffered great hardship and deprivation at that time.
Joe Kelly.