To mark the start of the Olympics, an Olympic torch is now on display at the new Monaghan Museum for the first time ever. The stunning object was donated by Regina O'Reilly, from Castleblayney. Regina was nominated to be torchbearer in the Olympic Torch relay for the London 2012 Olympics due to her Charity work for Bowel Cancer UK. Cllr Aidan Campbell facilitated the contact between Regina and the museum, which led to this important donation to the collection. According to Regina, in donating the torch to the Museum, she wanted it to inspire people to challenge themselves, and to not accept that they can’t or shouldn’t do something. Regina went on to encourage people to "go out there and live their dreams."
The 8000 holes in the torch represent each of the torchbearers that participated in the event. As the Paris Olympics open this week, the museum is inviting everyone to come in and experience the new museum and the many incredible stories waiting to be discovered. Speaking to Northern Sound, curator of the museum Liam Bradley said that there's something for all the family to enjoy.
