merrion street

Simon Harris TD, Minister of State with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works today (17 December) renewed his appeal for the 'Kilmainham Jail Restoration Society' workers who helped to save Kilmainham Gaol from ruin over 50 years ago to come forward so that their huge achievement can be recognised in time for the 2016 commemoration events.
"The Kilmainham Jail Restoration Society started to work in the Gaol, which was then in an advanced state of decay, in 1960" said the Minister today. "With the help of many hundreds of volunteer labourers, who gave freely of their time and skills, the Society continued to work on the Gaol for many years, ensuring that the building was saved from ruin and was preserved for future generations".
"There is no difficulty in accommodating those who come forward now" the Minister said "but the Kilmainham Gaol Board of Visitors, who are working on this project, are very anxious that as many former Volunteers as possible come forward before the end of the year, so that their huge contribution can be marked appropriately in 2016”.
The surviving Trustee of the Ministerial appointment of 15 Trustees in May 1960 and now Chairman of the Board of Visitors of Kilmainham Gaol, Mr. Damien Cassidy and the Honorary Secretary of that Board, Mr. John Toolan want to have a permanent acknowledgement of the volunteers, not only of 1916, but also of those who in the same tradition of love of country and respect for the sacrifices of these men and women, restored Kilmainham Gaol as Ireland’s premier museum.
Since the Minister's formal appeal was publicised a number of weeks ago, a large number of former worker have come forward. "I am delighted with the response to this call" said the Minister, "but I am sure that there are many more people who missed the original publicity or who may have simply forgotten to make themselves known to us".
The Kilmainham Gaol Board of Visitors, who provide a modern link with the Restoration Society, today joined with Minister Harris in asking all those who took part in the voluntary effort which began 55 years ago to come forward and make themselves known so that a full record of all those who helped to save the Gaol can be compiled.
The Minister is encouraging as many as possible to come forward and concluded "Christmas is a time when families come together and, in many cases, it will be natural that they will talk about old times. It is natural, I hope, to expect that when families remember their parents or grandparents who were involved in the Restoration, it will inevitably lead to more names coming in and I would very much like the continued assistance of the media in helping us to get this message out to the general public again at this time."
-ENDS-
Notes to Editors:
Former Restoration workers, or family members of former workers who wish to come forward and have their contribution recognised should email:
kilmainhamgaolworkers@opw.ie
or write to:
Kilmainham Gaol Museum
(Archive Section - Voluntary Workers Project)
Inchicore Road, Kilmainham,
Dublin 8. D08 T2X5. Ireland.

All emails and postal correspondence will be acknowledged. Further correspondence may ensue in certain cases to clarify any details if necessary.
Information on the voluntary workers initiative is also provided on:
http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/dublin/kilmainhamgaol/