Marconi Centenary - Galway County Council

Galway County Council supports Clifden to celebrate Marconi Centenary

100th Anniversary of Marconi Connection

On October 17, 1907, a defining event in world communication occurred on a bog outside of Clifden, Connemara, Co. Galway, Ireland. The first commercial transatlantic message was transmitted from Guglielmo Marconi’s Station in Clifden to his North American complex in Glace Bay, Newfoundland, Canada. This message effectively launched the concept of telecommunication accessibility for all.

One hundred years later, the many achievements of this Irish-Italian genius will be honoured with a series of Marconi Centenary commemorative events from October 12th-17th 2007 in Clifden coordinated by the Clifden Chamber of Commerce.

Marconi’s daughter, Princess Elettra, with her son, Prince Guglielmo, will preside over the festivities which include:

International Royal Gala Ball
Guided walks of the Marconi Station with acclaimed archaeologist & historian, Michael Gibbons
Operatic concert by 2007 Maria Callas Grand Prix winner, Celine Byrne
The Connemara launch of Princess Elettra’s book “Marconi - My Beloved”
Lunchtime lecture series by noted Marconi historians
Showings of Concetto LaMalfa’s 2007 film about Guglielmo Marconi’s impact on Connemara
Exhibits from the Marconi Foundation in Bologna, Italy at the Clifden Station House Museum
Vintage Car Rally.

A host of Italian, Canadian and Irish dignitaries and telecommunication industry leaders will be in attendance for the events. Clifden Town will be abuzz with music from Italy, Canada and Ireland throughout the week and local restaurants will become trattorias of Italian delicacies.

The penultimate event marking the 100th anniversary of that first continent-connecting message will be a live broadcast linkup on the Marconi site by Connemara Community Radio with Glace Bay, as well as, wireless connections with Marconi stations around the world.

A Commemorative Award Lunch will follow which will honour those who keep the memory of Marconi alive.

For more information on the Marconi Centenary, contact Michele Hehir, Clifden Chamber of Commerce on 087-232-2451 or go to www.clifden.ie for details.

The Marconi Centenary is supported by The Clifden Chamber of Commerce; Ireland West Tourism; the Marconi Foundation, Bologna, Italy; Galway County Council; the Radio Officers Assn; and the OPW.