‘Jesus only had 12, and look how far he got!’: Albert Reynolds Collection launches in Longford

On the establishment of a new Fianna Fail cumann in Longford, the then-Taoiseach Albert Reynolds travelled down from Dublin to chair the first meeting.

The excitement of the organisers however was soon replaced with anxiety when it was realised the number of members in attendance was a mere handful.

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Upon arrival, Albert was met at the door and told, with much embarrassment, “we’re sorry but despite our best efforts, we only have ten people.”

“Ah sure, not to worry,” he replied, “didn't Jesus only start off with 12 and look how far he got!”

This was just one of a number of entertaining anecdotes shared by Albert’s daughter Miriam Reynolds with the large crowd in attendance at the official opening of the Albert Reynolds Collection - a most impressive and extensive assembly of personal belongings, photographs, and books treasured by the former Taoiseach.

The event, which took place in Longford Library last Monday, November 3, was MC’d by “avid Albert supporter” Johnny Fallon, a and attended by members of the Reynolds family as well as guests including Fr Brian D'Arcy. The collection was offically unveiled by Minister Jack Chambers.

Fittingly, the date in question would have been Albert’s 93rd birthday. As a nod to the occasion, there was chocolate biscuit cake - Albert’s favourite treat - for guests to enjoy with tea and coffee.

During her speech, Miriam said the contents of the collection were “a fitting testament to the remarkable achievements of a man who was first elected to Longford County Council in June ‘94 at the age of 41, and then three years later to Dáil Eireann at 44.

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“A most important point, which should never be forgotten, is the foundation on which Albert built his highly productive and effective political career; the career that enabled him to achieve all that he did.

The foundation of Albert's political career had two components. The first or one was the unwavering support he was privileged to receive from his trusted friends and loyal supporters in the town and county of Longford”.

“The second component is the solid foundation from which Albert flourished was the love of his life, Kathleen, our loving and devoted mother and grandmother. In his own words, she was his best friend, his strength, his anchor.”

Speaking to the Longford Leader afterwards, Miriam recalled her mother wanting everything to remain untouched after Albert passed away in August 2014.

“After dad died, our mother, Kathleen, probably like lots of widows and people who are bereaved, especially with the spouse or the first loss in the family, she didn't want anything moved, so his suits were still in the wardrobe with the pens, the chequebooks, and the bits of paper; everything was left. It was over seven years between their deaths.”

Recalling the moment she realised they had a collection on their hands, Miriam added, “It was a normal family home with all the usual things that families have, but Dad had an office and there was a section with a bookcase outside his office.

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“I suppose it was really when I got to that room and started going into the drawers that it was like a slow unfolding of everything, and then you begin to realise, actually there's an awful lot of treasures here, and we could divvy them up between seven households, but none of us really wanted to do that, and also it didn't feel right. Then the idea of approaching Longford came about.”

Speaking about a very sentimental find, Miriam added, “Dad was appointed Minister for Post, Telegraphs and Transport in December, 1979. Three months later, he represented Longford in the Patrick's Day parade in New York.

“I was quite surprised that when I was going through everything, I found a box with tissue and inside it was the Longford sash that he had worn for the parade representing Longford in 1980.

“Then of course 18 years later, he was invited to be the Grand Marshal of the St. Patrick's Day parade in New York. And so side by side were the Longford sashes from 1980 and 1998 years later.

“It was a nice kind of full circle moment that's specific to Longford. There was something about finding it all so perfectly wrapped up in tissue that really emphasised the importance and the regard that he had for it. It was just so wonderful to see.”

Speaking about the items in her parent's collection, Miriam added, “I think probably the one that tugs my heart is the flag. It's the flag from the state funeral that the state presented.

“ It's in there in a beautiful wooden box with a gorgeous glass front and an engraving. That's the one that tugs at the heartstrings the most.” She added, “I've been speaking to people today, and a lot of are getting such a kick out of seeing the diplomatic passport with all the stamps from the places dad travelled to. That's only one of the passports he had! He loved travelling, and if there was an opportunity anywhere, he was after it.”

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Albert's daughter Leonie Reynolds also spoke of her delight that her father's belongings would now take up residence in his heloved Longford.

“Martin Mansergh got very involved with dealing with the state papers and they've all gone to UCD, but this is more the personal collection, the photographs, the memorabilia that has all been collected over the years.

“As Miriam said earlier, there's seven of us so dividing it up really didn't seem like the right thing to do, so it's all going to be in the one place and we're all so delighted. Where better than Longford?”