Anthony Galvin - Heritage Experts | Heritage in Schools

Anthony Galvin

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Subject(s):
Science, History, Geography
Curriculum Strands:
Story (History), Local Studies (History), Life, society, work and culture in the past (History), Continuity and change over time (History), Human environments (Geography), Natural environments (Geography), Environmental awareness and care (Geography/Science)
Counties catered for:
Cork, Dublin, Kerry, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Limerick, Tipperary, Waterford
Classes catered for:
All Classes

Book in-person visit


Anthony Galvin is a full-time children’s entertainer, and the author of more than a dozen books. He focuses on some hidden gems of Irish history. In Chasing the Last Prince discover why the Battle of Kinsale was lost, and how that led to the flight of the Earls. Or explore our history of piracy and buccaneers (including the Pirate Queen Grace O’Malley). Or travel to the icy polar regions with Ireland’s Frozen Heroes, Tom Crean and Ernest Shackleton. The presentations lasts up to an hour, and can be tailored to all ages. All are done in full costume and can be done outdoors or in class. Questions and audience interaction is encouraged, and equipment can be handled.

The presentations are dramatic, and sometimes funny. Anthony believes in sparking the children’s imagination, so that the teachers can fan the flames afterwards.

Donal O’Sullivan Beare was the last prince of old Ireland. Following defeat at the Battle of Kinsale, he took a thousand of his followers on a mad dash to safety in Leitrim. The march took place in deep winter, with enemies attacking every day. Only 35 survived. In this dramatic one-man show Anthony brings that period of history alive. In full costume he tells the story of the march and it’s impact on Irish history. Highlights include the first Battle of Aughrim, and crossing the Shannon at Portumna under enemy fire, in two currachs made from the hides of their horses. Funny, dramatic and terrifying, it makes history relevant today.

40 minutes to one hour, suitable for all classes.

Anthony has spent his career juggling writing and entertaining. This presentation weaves those strands together. Using a mix of Irish and European folk tales as a starting point, he puts a very modern spin on the source material. The presentation is a series of hilarious and dramatic stories, dragged into the modern age, interspaced with insights into story, folklore, and literature. He explores how the role of the storyteller, folklorist, and writer differ, and come together. Great to encourage creativity and an appreciation of language in students.

40 minutes to one hour, suitable for all classes.

Kids love pirates, so what better way to get them to engage with history? Did you know that St Patrick was brought to Ireland by pirates? Grace O’Malley controlled the Atlantic seaboard, and Kinsale’s Anne Boney was the scurge of the Carribean. In 1631 Barbary pirates took the entire village of Baltimore – every man, woman and child – selling them into slavery.

Though few now know it, Ireland was once a haven for pirates, with the Munster coast particularly notorious. This presentation explores pirate culture (ships were run on very democratic lines) and tells the bloodcurdling tales that will have the kids on the edge of their seats.

40 minutes to one hour, suitable for all classes.

Anthony Galvin is a veteran of more than twenty trips to the Arctic, and part of the Global Warrior citizen science project, as well as the author of The Great Polar Fraud. He is part of a rich heritage of Irish polar explorers, that includes Tom Crean and Ernest Shackleton. He brings all the specialist clothing into the classroom, as well as telling the stories of Ireland’s most famous explorers. This presentation focuses heavily on the vital area of climate change, and man’s effect on the environment.

40 minutes to one hour, suitable for all classes.

Testimonials

  • "Anthony was an absolutely brilliant presenter. The children were so engaged throughout and had so much fun as he presents in such a fun and captivating way. Children gave the experience 11 out of 10 and acknowledged how much they enjoyed it, not wanting it to end. Thanks so much Anthony would 100% recommend to other teachers and schools." - St. Brendan's NS, Kerry
  • "Tony was fantastic. Brought the experience to life for the children and was able to tailor his content for the younger and older classes. Very informative and enjoyable." - Scoil Teampall Toinne, Tipperary
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  • "Children thoroughly enjoyed the story of Tom Crean. They were still speaking about it a day later which is always a great sign. Thank you Anthony." - Scoil Saidhbhin, Kerry
  • "This was a fantastic experience for all the children. Anthony was excellent at delivering the program and captured the children’s attention. The story was captivating and his own real life experience of traveling to the arctic was so interesting. His overall manner and character really suited the children and he had them all really entertained." - Cloughjordan No.1 NS, Tipperary
  • "Fantastic! A really interesting and well informed presentation. Children’s imaginations were ignited and their interest and engagement held throughout. So interesting for grown ups and children!" - St Finbarre's NS, Cork
  • "Very worthwhile visit from Tony. He had great knowledge and a great understanding of the topics he was covering. Very informative and interesting...the children loved it!" - Dripsey NS, Cork
  • "A fantastic visit. Anthony had all the pupils fully engaged as he shared fascinating stories about polar explorations, polar life and polar explorers in his witty and entertaining lessons. Lots of time for question and answer sessions too. Highly recommend." - Kilcommon NS, Wicklow
  • "A wonderful experience. Anthony was brilliant and catered for the needs of all the children in our school. He was professional and very engaging and entertaining. The teachers were very impressed and the children hung on his every word. Throughly enjoyed this experience and would recommend Anthony to other schools." - St Brigid’s JNS, Dublin
  • "Fantastic! A really interesting and well informed presentation. Children’s imaginations were ignited and their interest and engagement held throughout. So interesting for grown ups and children!" - St Finbarres NS, Cork
  • "Anthony was an absolutely brilliant presenter. The children were so engaged throughout and had so much fun as he presents in such a fun and captivating way. Children gave the experience 11 out of 10 and acknowledged how much they enjoyed it, not wanting it to end. Thanks so much Anthony would 100% recommend to other teachers and schools." - St. Brendan's NS, Kerry
  • "All teachers involved rated the experience very highly as did the students, they loved it!" - Scoil Mocheallog, Limerick
  • "Everybody enjoyed the visit especially the older classes." - Lisselton National School, Kerry
  • "Anthony was fantastic and we would love to have him back. The children were enthralled." - Ballinacarriga NS, Cork
  • "We recently had the pleasure of welcoming Anthony to our school who captivated the students with tales of Tom Crean and Arctic exploration. His storytelling prowess was truly remarkable, keeping the children spellbound throughout the entire presentation. His ability to adjust the presentation to suit the different age groups was impressive. For the younger children, he used simple language and vivid imagery, making the adventures of Tom Crean come alive in a way that was easy for them to understand and enjoy. For the older students, he delved deeper into the historical context and the challenges of Arctic exploration, sparking their curiosity and encouraging thoughtful questions. The children were fascinated by the stories and the way he told them. His enthusiasm and passion for the subject were infectious, leaving a lasting impression on everyone. It was a memorable experience that not only entertained the students but also educated them about an important part of history. We are grateful for his visit and hope to have him back in the future for more captivating storytelling sessions." - Tineteriffe NS, Tipperary

Additional Information

  • Provides in-person visits
  • Caters for special needs

Contact Details

Mobile:
087 7504321
Email:
anthonygalvin2000@yahoo.co.uk
Website:
www.partyscience.ie