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Galway City Museum is delighted to receive a collection of objects from local man Tommy Holohan. These objects belonged to Tommy’s grandmother Nan (Anne) O’Toole, a fishwife, and his grandfather, Michael O’Toole, a Claddagh fisherman, who lived with their family in a cottage at Rope Walk, Claddagh, Galway.

The Irish cloak was a standard 19th century garment worn by women all over the country. It is described as a sleeveless garment reaching to the ankles, open in front and fastened with a hook-and-eye or with ribbons. One width of material goes into the back and a half width into each side. On the shoulder, the material is tightly gauged, and attached to the back of the neck is a large hood which hangs down the back when not in use. The hood, which is lined with satin, silk, or sateen, is made of a rectangular piece of material drawn into pleats at the back. It was constantly used when the cloak was worn, even on hot days, when the hood could be drawn to shield the eyes of the wearer from the sun. The cloak formed very graceful drapery, fell well and folded well, was very elegant and usually large enough to envelop the whole person.

Tommy Holohan is a living history of Galway city, and more particularly, a living history of one of its most unique areas - The Claddagh - and his passion for both has led him to discover and collect an extraordinary array of photographs, postcards, and documents charting the evolution of the city.