In 2012 I was approached by a committee that was involved in putting together a funding pitch for an ambitious project, a large outdoor interpretive space located in and around the historic ruins of the Marconi Wireless Station located in Connemara located in the West of Ireland. The site is also famous as the crash landing site where British aviators John Alcock and Arthur Brown made the first-ever non-stop transatlantic flight in their tiny Vickers Vimy in June of 1919.

A site of such historic and international importance had been crying out for interpretation and amenities for decades to create an immersive experience for the thousands of visitors annually and was not exactly accessible or informative to the layperson.

The bid was seen as crucial by everyone involved. Many other projects around Ireland were also vying for funding at the time, so we had to make a very strong case for the project. We needed to convey both the historic significance of the site and its importance as an international landmark, while also highlighting its importance as a civic amenity for future generations to enjoy.

Operating on a tight deadline I worked closely with committee members, consulting and advising them on the document’s structure, collating content, and establishing the creative direction. The end result was a beautifully crafted deck, that was subsequently presented to an executive board responsible for overseeing the funding of projects of this nature.

When the news came through that the committee’s pitch had been successful, securing over €1 million euro in funding, I was over the moon! A great example of a community coming together. This funding meant that the future of the site was now secure, and meant the site would become a first-class destination for visitors and locals alike, interested in learning about the fascinating origins of modern-day telecommunications and international travel.

Client Testimonial

It happens occasionally that an organisation comes across a situation where momentous events hinge on critical interventions. Clifden Chamber of Commerce was recently in this situation. For many years people had spoken about resurrecting the iconic Marconi Wireless Station which had lain desolate outside the town since it was set ablaze by Republican forces in 1922. Up to that point it had been the major wireless station in Europe, an icon of the birth of the technological era in the early years of the 20th Century.

Suddenly the success of a major new tourist initiative by the Irish tourism agency , the hugely successful “Wild Atlantic Way”, called out for iconic visitor attractions along the route. Failte Ireland were seeking ideas. The Marconi Station site was a significant candidate for consideration along the route. The Chamber needed a professionally produced publication to attract the interest of the Board to the value of the site, without being excessively fussy or long winded.

The Chamber turned to Noel Mannion who is well known for the quality of his graphic design work which he has produced for many companies in the area. Over a hectic 2-week period, the 28-page book was assembled with the help of local historians, with the minimum amount of fuss and total absence of stress or panic from Noel and his team. The outcome was fantastic and has been hugely admired by all who have seen it.

Happily the result has surpassed all hopes. Failté Ireland granted the maximum amount of funding requested, €990,000.

Thanks to Noel for the Million Euro deck!

Shane Joyce – Marconi Project Coordinator.