‘The Seamus Mallon I knew’ a talk at Newry and Mourne Museum

On 6 April at 2pm, Newry and Mourne Museum will host a fascinating lecture into one of Northern Ireland’s most important political figures, Seamus Mallon.

As the former deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland, a Member of Parliament for Newry and Armagh and one of the architects of the Northern Ireland Peace Process, Seamus Mallon was a key figure in the political landscape of Northern Ireland for over 50 years.  The talk will be delivered by Andy Pollak, the co-author of Seamus’ memoir, ‘A Shared Home Place’.

Seamus was born only eleven miles north-west of Newry in the County Armagh village of Markethill on 17 August 1936. He was educated at the Abbey Christian Brothers Grammar School in Newry and then at St Patrick’s Grammar School in Armagh.

The talk at the Museum coincides with the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement.  Andy will reflect on his time getting to know Seamus during the 20 months they spent co-writing his memoir. He will share how he initially felt intimidated by Seamus but by the end of the writing process Seamus became a warm friend to him and his family.

Andy Pollak is the founding director of the Centre for Cross Border Studies in Armagh.  Previous to that, he was Belfast reporter, religious affairs and education correspondent with The Irish Times and editor of Fortnight Magazine. 

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Michael Savage said, “This is the second in a series of talks hosted by Newry and Mourne Museum, that showcases and provides insights into the significant figures from our local area who have contributed immensely across various genres including art, business and politics.

“The talk will highlight the big role Seamus played in shaping our society today, not just locally but globally.  It will be delivered by a another well respected local person in their own field and someone who knew Seamus on a personal level. This is an afternoon not to be missed.”

Following the talk, members of the audience will have an opportunity to ask questions and will be able to browse the display, ‘Seamus Mallon: The Man and the Politician’, which is based on several artefacts that were donated to Newry and Mourne Museum by Mr Mallon’s family in February 2022. This can be seen in Gallery 3.  

The talk will commence at 2pm and admission is free of charge. To book your place in the audience and for more information, please contact declan.Carroll@nmandd.org.