"We highly recommend Joe McCabe's WW2 history presentation and display to all schools. We were delighted to welcome Joe to Maryfield College and to experience the fantastic variety of WW2 artefacts he brought to show the students. The girls were fascinated and very engaged in the whole process. This presentation and exhibit of WW2 primary history sources is suitable for all year groups from 1st to 6th year and particularly for History and English classes and equally for Transition Year. It surprised us to learn we were the first all girl's school to experience this as we believe this historical topic and associated artefacts are important for everyone in Irish society." - Finola Ryan, Guidance Counsellor and TY Coordinator, Maryfield College, Dublin.
The WW2 and Ireland history talk and exhibition are amazing. The primary historical sources are ideally suited to Junior and Senior History where Irish and European History interface. Highly recommended!
—Gerry Hand. Former Principal, Castleblayney College, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan
We highly recommend Joe’s World War 2 and Ireland History Talk and Exhibition to other care homes as an educational and entertaining activity. Uniquely performed to residents with a variety of conditions including visual impairments, dementia, special needs, hearing impairments etc. this presentation is ideal for the purposes of reminiscence, entertainment and education in the nursing home setting. Joe captivates everyone in his audience and brings enormous energy to his presentation. His interaction, understanding and compassion is second to none in what can be a complex setting.
–Naomi McElwaine , Activities Director, Esker Lodge Nursing Home, Cavan.
Many, many thanks for the wonderful talk you gave fifth and sixth class this week. It was interesting and informative. The boys were really focused and engaged well with the material. They were also very impressed by the amount of World War 2 and 'Emergency' artefacts which they could handle. Your presentation was excellent. The delivery was fantastic and we will definitely have you back. Well done and thanks again.
–Jennifer O'Carroll, Deputy Principal Harold Boys' N.S., Dalkey, Co. Dublin.
I would highly recommend this talk and exhibition to any school. The amount of genuine sourced WW2 artifacts on show were just incredible. The children refer to it as “The Best History Lesson Ever” and “Amazing”. Joe’s depth of knowledge is fantastic and he relates it all back to what was happening in Ireland in the years leading up to and during World War 2. His energy and enthusiasm would entice the most reluctant child to learn about WW2 History.
—Catríona Donohue, Principal, St Michael’s N.S, Stradone, Co Cavan.
A fantastic educational experience for the class. Very well presented and engaging for pupils with extensive use of both visual and interactive resources throughout. An inspiring look into our past and the people involved – the boys in my class are still talking about it!
—Mark Hanratty, Teacher, Scoil Mhuire Boys' N.S. Castleblayney, Co Monaghan.
A big thank you to Joe for his excellent presentation to the senior classes in our school on World War 2 history. His wide range of personal knowledge of World War Two and how it affected Ireland during ‘The Emergency’ really held the children's attention. They also really enjoyed the 'hands-on' aspect with the circulation of the many fantastic original artifacts throughout the talk. A great way to bring history to life for children and to give them the opportunity to learn in a different way. Highly recommended!
—Beryl Trenier, Principal, Fairgreen NS, Belturbet, Co. Cavan.
