Seamus Mallon Artefacts Now on Display at Newry and Mourne Museum

A new temporary display of memorabilia belonging to former deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland, Seamus Mallon has now gone on display at Newry and Mourne Museum.

This new display, ‘Seamus Mallon: The Man and the Politician’, is based on several artefacts that were donated to Newry and Mourne Museum by Mr Mallon’s family in February 2022.

Born on 17 August 1936 in the county Armagh village of Markethill, about eleven miles north-west of Newry, he was educated at the Abbey Christian Brothers Grammar School in Newry and then at St Patrick’s Grammar School in Armagh.

On display are several artefacts from Mr Mallon’s career including a Donegal herringbone overcoat and ties made by Newry based design company, Lorsha, and a pass and diary used by Mr Mallon on his trips to Westminster in which he recorded details of political meetings.

During his long political career, he held many positions including, deputy leader of the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) from 1979 – 2001, Member of Parliament for Newry and Armagh from 1986 – 2005, Member of the Legislative Assembly for Newry and Armagh from 1998 – 2003 and deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland from 1998 - 2001.

Opening the display, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Michael Savage said, “I am honoured to launch this new display, which will give the public just a glimpse of the great man that Seamus Mallon was.  We owe him so much.  His tenacity, steadfast commitment to finding a resolution to our problems through dialogue, and his determination to reach agreement, paved the way to the peace we all take for granted today.

Chairperson, Michael Savage continued, “Through these iconic artefacts, it is fantastic to get an insight into Seamus Mallon, ‘The Man and The Politician’, including his iconic Donegal herringbone overcoat that he wore on many campaign trails; the ties made by Newry based design company, Lorsha in support of local business; and the pass and diary he used on his trips to Westminster, in which he recorded details of political meetings.  The photograph of Seamus with President Clinton, Tony Blair and David Trimble, also highlights the impact he had in politics not just locally, but globally.

“Even though this is just a small display of artefacts, it still manages to convey the big role Seamus played in shaping our society today.”

Dr Ken Abraham, Assistant Curator, at Newry and Mourne Museum said, “The Museum Collection contains artefacts and costumes relating to local people from all walks of life. This donation of material relating to Seamus Mallon, who was involved in local, national and international politics, as well as amateur drama and sport in the Newry and Armagh area, significantly enriches the Museum collection, especially in modern Irish history and politics.”

The display, housed in Gallery Three of the Museum, is now open to the public free of charge until June 2023.  For further information, please telephone 0330 137 4034.

For Museum opening hours, information on events, upcoming exhibitions and other services please call 0330 137 4422.