Frank Taaffe honoured for Shackleton & Athy endeavours

ONE of the great figures of Kildare was deservedly acknowledged at the weekend for his efforts in promoting one of the county’s most famous sons.

Frank Taaffe was presented with The Royal Scottish Geographical Society (RSGS) medal “in furthering the fortunes of Athy and delivering the Shackleton Museum and Autumn School”.

Mr Taaffe became the first Irish citizen to be awarded the Shackleton Medal when he was presented the honour by David C. Henry from the RSGS at the ceremony in his Athy home last Sunday.

Mr Henry read from a letter from the Falklands Islands that described the Shackleton School as “the best Polar school in the world” and because of his efforts in setting it up and promoting it, “Frank, your name is honoured throughout the polar world”.

Founded in 1884, there have only been 400 medals awarded by the RSGS, which was actually chaired by Ernest Shackleton himself in 1904.

“This medal is given to those who show true leadership and citizenship, and Frank Taaffe is one of those people,” said Mr Henry.

“Frank Taaffe has fought for 40 years for this, and the Autumn School puts Athy on the map globally.

“Frank had an enormous hand is setting up the Shackleton Museum, and all of those interested in this historic age.”

“When I got the letter (from the RSGS) I was absolutely astonished,” said Mr Taaffe.

“I couldn’t believe my fame had got all the way to Dundee,” he smiled.

“When myself and Margret (granddaughter of Shackleton) started the school 25 years ago, we had little knowledge of how much global interest there was, and would bring thousands of people to Athy.”

He reminded those gathered how much the former chief executive of Kildare County Council Peter Carey had to do with the original set-up.

“He asked me is there anything you want,” said Frank.

“I said ‘a statue’, and he said leave it to me. Within a year we had it, made by Mark Richards, one of the finest sculptors in the country.”

He added: “There was some controversy putting up the statue of an Englishman, but it brought people to the town.

“Then Eugene Furlong told us about the cabin in which he (Shackleton) died, and it was in a farm in Norway.

“He went for this at his own expense, and they agreed to sell it to us.”

Mr Taaffe continued: “Kevin was able to do a deal with the freight company, and he was so excited Joe Farrell (local historian) drove to Norway and drove home behind the lorry. Kevin (Kenny, local historian) even asked to sleep in the cabin.

“The county council said they’d take over the running of the museum, because a small private body was not really able to, but I asked if we could have polar experts (Kevin & Joe) and Peter Carey involved.”

Mr Taaffe concluded: “I feel now it will be a great financial asset for the town.”

Mr Henry added his admiration for Mr Taaffe.

“Given the time left to me, we of the Shackleton committee are delighted that Frank is being honoured by this.

“When you think of the temerity and audacity to open the school, when they didn’t think there’d be a second year, never mind a 25th.”