exhibition

DATE: Launch: 2pm, 2nd August
Venue: Upstairs at Durkin’s Restaurant, Ballaghaderreen. This event is part of the Ballaghaderreen Art Festival. Book your FREE ticket HERE.

The launch will include short readings and an opportunity to meet some of the students. The exhibition will remain open for viewing until 5pm.
Free Entry

The Cherry Blossom Tales: Reimagining the Legacy of Anne Deane

Join us for the launch of The Cherry Blossom Tales, a vibrant student-led exhibition inspired by the life and legacy of Anne Deane, Ballaghaderreen’s remarkable 19th-century businesswoman, activist, and key supporter of the Ladies’ Land League. This was Ireland’s first political movement led by women and a powerful chapter in both local and national history.

Developed through a series of creative workshops with students from St. Nathy’s College, the exhibition features original paintings, photographs, framed narrative prints, and a process-based video. 

The students’ creations are imaginative responses to Ballaghaderreen’s history and to The Cherry Blossom Tales, a short story set in the garden of Dillon House in 1882, written by contemplative artist and writer Dr. Anna King.

The exhibition brings the past into the present through the lens of young imaginations, weaving together art, story, and creative exploration in fresh and unexpected ways.

Special thanks to Karen Munnelly and Conor O’Connell for their generous support throughout the project. Anna worked closely with Karen's 5th class and TY students, and Conor supported two students in his art class as they responded to The Cherry Blossom Tales.

Funded by Roscommon County Council Creative Ireland Programme 2025.