A temporary exhibition on the history and legacy of McCann’s Bakery is now on display at Newry and Mourne Museum.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Valerie Harte, officially opened the exhibition on Thursday 28 September, which tells the story of one Newry’s most iconic businesses.
The display, called ‘Slices of History: Memories of McCann’s Bakery’, looks at the Bakery’s long history going back to its establishment in 1837. On show are a wide range of items such as a breadman’s jacket, recipes, brochures and bread making equipment, all of which will bring back fond memories.
It highlights how the company was a part of the fabric of Newry and Mourne society, providing a much-needed service in the community, especially at a time before cars and buses were commonplace. The company also provided employment for many in the area, especially in difficult periods.
Chairperson Newry, Mourne and Down Council, Councillor Valerie Harte and Dr. Ken Abraham Curator Newry and Mourne Museum at the official opening of ‘Slices of History’ memories of McCann’s Bakery. with Bread Servers l-r Seamus McLoughlin, Oliver McAteer, Council Chair Councillor Valerie Harte, Sean McConville, Paul McAteer, Dr. Ken Abraham and Jimmy Dobbin.
Accompanying the exhibition is a booklet of edited transcriptions from conversations that were recorded by Newry and Mourne Museum during reminiscence evenings with the former employees of McCann’s Bakery including the manager, office workers, mechanics and of course, bakers and breadmen. The booklet focuses on their memories of what life was like in the bakery.
Opening the exhibition, Chairperson, Councillor Valerie Harte thanked all who helped in its development. She said, “This booklet acts as a record for future generations documenting the important contribution the bakery and its employees made to the economic and social history of the area. Everyone who contributed memories can be proud to have been a part of that history.”
‘Slices of History’ a new exhibition of memories of McCann’s Bakery was opened in Newry and Mourne Museum the home of McCann’s Bakery. Chairperson Newry, Mourne and Down Council, Councillor Valerie Harte, Dr. Ken Abraham Curator with back row l-r Rosemary Cunningham, Monica Murphy her father Gerry was Manager, Denise Mathers brother and Dad Colm Mathers Snr and Jnr, Mary McKevitt 2 brothers and Dad Sean, Aidan and Peter, Denise Mathers Ann Blair Father Kevin and Grandfather James McBride, Kieran Doyle young lad cleaned the bakery, Paul Linden Summer worker ,Gary McKeown Baker, Sean McConville Bread Server Paul Blair Worker. front row l-r Peter McSherry Office Manager, Sean Carr Director, Eileen McCaul McCann’s staff, Dr. Ken Abraham Curator, Chairperson Councillor Valerie Harte, Bread Servers Oliver McAteer, Paul McAteer, Jimmy Dobbins and Seamus McLoughlin.
Dr Ken Abraham, Curator at Newry and Mourne Museum, said, “The Museum has a special connection with McCann’s as we occupy the building that housed the bakery for many generations. We have built up good relationships with many who have worked here, and we are proud to tell their story.”
The display is now open to the public free of charge until August 2024. For further information, please telephone 0330 137 4034.
Entry to Newry and Mourne Museum is free of charge. For opening hours, information on events, upcoming exhibitions and other services please telephone 0330 137 4422.
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