Monaghan County Museum is proud to announce the launch of Wish You Were Here – Carrickmacross: Greetings from the Past, which will officially open on Wednesday, 15 April at 6.00pm at Carrickmacross Civic Centre. This event marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in the Museum’s outreach programme bringing Monaghan’s history directly into local communities.
Visitors are invited to explore an exhibition that shares the story of Carrickmacross through postcards, photographs and personal memories spanning more than a century. The launch evening will be a warm celebration of the people and stories that shaped the town. Guests can discover scenes of busy market days, old shopfronts, early transport, and everyday family life.
A highlight of the exhibition is Drama in Carrickmacross, which looks back at the town’s long tradition of amateur dramatics. Another feature introduces the life of Dr. Anne “Carmel” McKenna, a remarkable Carrickmacross woman whose trailblazing medical career continues to inspire.
Speaking ahead of the official launch, Cathaoirleach of Monaghan County Council, Cllr P.J. O’Hanlon, said:
“This exhibition is a celebration of Carrickmacross’s identity and the people who built the town we know today. These images not only preserve our past but also strengthen our connection to it. I warmly encourage everyone—young and old—to come along, explore the stories on display, and take pride in our shared heritage.”
Monaghan County Council Chief Executive Robert Burns welcomed the launch, noting the importance of bringing heritage directly into the heart of the community:
“Monaghan County Museum plays a vital role in preserving and sharing the stories that define who we are as a people. Bringing this exhibition directly into Carrickmacross ensures that our history is not confined to the museum building but is accessible within the very communities it represents. I commend the team for their commitment to outreach, engagement, and celebrating the rich cultural fabric of our county.”
Curator of Monaghan County Museum, Liam Bradley, highlighted the significance of launching this new outreach series in Carrickmacross:
“We are thrilled to bring this collection directly into the heart of Carrickmacross. The postcards and photographs featured here tell powerful stories of everyday life, creativity, and community spirit. ‘Wish You Were Here’ is the first step in our new outreach programme, and we look forward to continuing to make our collections more accessible to people across the county.”