The newly opened John Count McCormack exhibition at Athlone Castle is already receiving a positive response from tourists and locals alike.
Visitor numbers and interest in the exhibition has been strong, with visitors to date including McCormack’s grandson, also John McCormack, and up to 40s members of the McCormack Society from Dublin, who travelled to Athlone to attend its opening.
The exhibition includes memorabilia very kindly loaned by the McCormack Society including John McCormack’s Papal chain, presented to him in 1928; a silk programme for the Gala Performance in the Royal Opera at Covent Garden on May 27, 1908 when John McCormack performed in Bizet’s I Pescatori di Perle to honour the president of the French Republic, Armand Fallieres; some personal items including a silver cigarette case which was a Christmas present from his brother Jim given to him in 1919; and a gilt jewellery box which was a gift from Mary and Alicia Scott, sisters of Sir John Murray Scott, McCormack’s mentor who was instrumental in getting him onto the stage in Covent Garden.
Athlone Castle opening times in November are Wednesday to Saturday 11am-5pm and Sunday from 12-5pm. Last admission is at 4pm. Admission: adults €8, students and seniors €6, children under 15 €4, family (two adults and up to four children ) €20.
For more information log on to www.athlonecastle.ie
