Museum Loan Strengthens Tameside's Friendship with Cork

TAMESIDE’S long association and friendship with the people of Ireland has been further strengthened by the long-term loan of a piece of military history that is of great significance to the City of Cork.

In fact, such is the importance that the Árdmhéara Chorcaí (Lord Mayor of Cork), Cllr Kieran McCarthy, came to the borough in person to receive it from the Deputy Mayor of Tameside, Cllr Betty Affleck, at Dukinfield Town Hall.

The item comprises a shaving kit which is one of the many Manchester Regiment artifacts held at Portland Basin Museum, Ashton-under-Lyne. Soldiers took it from the body of Commandant Leo Murphy after he was killed during a raid in Waterfall, just south of Cork, in 1921.

At the time, County Cork was a hotbed of the struggle against London rule which led to the establishment of the Irish Free State – now the Republic of Ireland – in 1922.

The Manchesters were one of many regiments sent to the country at the time in a bid to impose order as the British government attempted to stabilise the worsening security situation.

Cllr Sangita Patel, Tameside Council’s assistant executive member for culture, heritage and digital inclusivity, said: “I am delighted we have been able to help our friends in Cork.

“They have told us the Árdmhéara’s visit marks their city council’s appreciation for the loan, underlines the shared history between Cork and Greater Manchester, and shows how far we have come since the tumultuous times of a century ago.

“Tameside – as a borough and as an authority – has a long and deep relationship with Ireland. The Deputy Mayor, Cllr Betty Affleck, was born in Dublin. The executive leader, Cllr Gerald Cooney, is also of Irish descent. In 1997 we had a visit from President Mary Robinson.

“I am proud and pleased we have been able to further strengthen our long and lasting friendship by means of this museum loan.”