Council to take over Francis Ledwidge Museum

Meath County Council is to take over the Francis Ledwidge Museum in Slane, taking over from the voluntary committee that has run it for the past four decades.

Meath County Council has announced that it is working in partnership with the Francis Ledwidge Museum Committee on the transfer of the Francis Ledwidge Museum to the Council, ensuring the long-term preservation and development of this important cultural and heritage asset.

The Francis Ledwidge Museum Committee, established in the late 1970s, has played a pivotal role in safeguarding the poet’s legacy.

Through their vision and dedication, the committee purchased the cottage and developed it into a museum celebrating the life and works of Francis Ledwidge, which officially opened to the public in 1982.

This new chapter will see the Council build on that legacy, working to enhance the museum and secure its future for generations to come.

An Cathaoirleach of Meath County Council, Cllr Wayne Harding, welcomed the development, stating: “This is a particularly proud day for me personally as Cathaoirleach of Meath County Council - to be part of an announcement that secures the future of Ledwidge Cottage and recognises the extraordinary work carried out by a dedicated group of volunteers over the past 60 years in protecting the legacy of the World War One soldier poet.

“Today brings certainty for this remarkable group of people, and as someone who first encountered Ledwidge’s poetry in Slane National School, I am absolutely thrilled. I would like to sincerely thank our Chief Executive, Kieran Kehoe, and Laytown/Bettystown Area Manager, Fiona Lawless, for recognising the importance of securing the future of Ledwidge Cottage and for helping make this day possible.”

Chief Executive of Meath County Council, Kieran Kehoe, added: “The transfer of the Francis Ledwidge Museum to Meath County Council reflects a shared commitment to preserving and enhancing one of our county’s most treasured heritage sites. We commend the Committee for their vision and stewardship since the 1970s, and we look forward to working collaboratively to realise the ambitions and future potential of the museum as a centre of cultural and historical significance.”

Chairperson of the Francis Ledwidge Museum Committee, Mr Terry Wogan said: “In all our endeavours the current committee has sought to honour the foresight and ethos of the founding committee. Following in the footsteps of very many dedicated members over more than four decades, the committee has worked tirelessly to preserve the legacy of Francis Ledwidge and to develop the museum into the fine visitor attraction that it is today.

“We are confident that this positive and exciting next chapter will build on that foundation and we look forward to supporting Meath County Council in delivering on our shared vision and ambitions for the future of the museum.”

Meath County Council will now continue to work closely with the Francis Ledwidge Museum Committee and the wider community as it advances plans to further develop and enhance this unique heritage asset.