Inspired by a remarkable series of photographs showing a local man Matthew Guinan in the company of President John F Kennedy, President Lyndon Johnson, President Richard Nixon and, in conversation with Dr Martin Luther King, Geashill Tidy Towns research the incredible life of Matthew Guinan who died in 1995 but who is still remembered for his larger-than-life personality by his remaining family and by residents of the village. He left Geashill, Co Offaly at nineteen and arrived in New York at the onset of the Great Depression.  He quickly became involved in Trade Union work, rising through the ranks to become International Executive Vice President of the Transport Workers Union in 1952. Amongst many achievements he led 20 TWU members in a walk with Dr Martin Luther King as he pursued his dream on the landmark Selma to Montgomery marches in 1965. During Phase 1 of this project, the community will research and tell the story of Matthew's life and work, identifying its key elements and imagery, followed by an illustrated lecture during Heritage Week 2024 which could pave the way for a permanent mounted photographic display to be enjoyed by residents and visitors alike. We will engage with an illustrator / storyboard artist in order to create a visual representation of the story’s narrative. More details to follow as the project progresses.

Please note that the details of events listed above are provided by the relevant Local Authorities.