This extraordinary milestone was marked by the publication of Life Lines, a book of the women’s personal stories with photographs by Humans of Dublin photographer Peter Varga with help from artist Eoin Mac Lochlainn. The publication was made as part of The National Neighbourhood, a Dublin City Council Culture Company programme which builds cultural projects with communities around the city.

The Harold’s Cross Ladies Club was founded in 1969 at a time when the marriage ban was still in place. Most of the women were confined to the home and clubs such as these became a vital source of friendship and support. At its height there were actually two Harold’s Cross Ladies Groups and such was their popularity that there were waiting lists for both of them.

Celebrating two local anniversaries and the culmination of the latest project from the National Neighbourhood at the Stella Cinema. Photo by Marc O'Sullivan
Celebrating two local anniversaries and the culmination of the latest project from the National Neighbourhood at the Stella Cinema. Photo by Marc O'Sullivan

Additional Projects with the Harold's Cross Community

At the event, other projects made in the area as part of The National Neighbourhood were also presented. There was also a screening of a film about the Harold’s Cross Festival which celebrated its 10th anniversary this year. The film was a project also made as part of The National Neighbourhood with contributions from members of the committee and filmed by Dave Knox and artist Eoin Mac Lochlainn.

Other members of the local Harold’s Cross community, Glór Malóga, a community group founded to promote the use of the Irish language in the city, also presented original poetry as gaeilge created in collaboration with musician Eithne Ní Chatháin and poet Stephen James Smith.

These projects, which all celebrate the vibrancy of the Harold’s Cross community, have been made in collaboration with Harold’s Cross Festival Committee, Harold’s Cross Ladies Club and Glór Mológa, with artists Eoin Mac Lochlainn, David Knox, Peter Varga, Eithne Ní Chatháin and Stephen James Smith in partnership with Dublin City Council’s public libraries, South East Area office, Arts Office and the National Gallery of Ireland and the National Museum of Ireland as part of The National Neighbourhood.

The National Neighbourhood

The National Neighbourhood is a year-round programme that creates ways for people to see and make culture in their place with people they know. These new experiences, explorations and connections are the foundation for people to build creativity into their everyday lives.

The National Neighbourhood is made by Dublin City Council Culture Company in partnership with Dublin City Council (Dublin City Libraries, local area offices, Arts Office, Dublin City Gallery The Hugh Lane) and National Cultural Institutions (Abbey Theatre, Chester Beatty, Irish Museum of Modern Art, National Archives, National Concert Hall, National Gallery of Ireland, National Library of Ireland, the National Museum of Ireland).

Dublin City Council Culture Company runs cultural initiatives and buildings across the city with, and for, the people of Dublin. Find out more at dublincitycouncilculturecompany.ie.

Partners

Made by Dublin City Council Culture Company in partnership with Dublin City Council (Dublin City Libraries, local area offices, Arts Office, Dublin City Gallery The Hugh Lane) and National Cultural Institutions (Abbey Theatre, Chester Beatty, Irish Museum of Modern Art, National Archives, National Concert Hall, National Gallery of Ireland, National Library of Ireland, the National Museum of Ireland).