An exhibition which will focus on the early years of Fianna Fáil in County Kerry is set to go on display in Killarney Library next month.

This year marks the centenary of the foundation of the party in 1926 and the exhibition, presented by historian Dr Owen O’Shea, focuses on how the party developed and grew in Kerry in the late 1920s and early 1930s.

The exhibition titled Soldiers of Destiny, Fianna Fáil in Kerry 1926-1933, is supported by a Commemorations Bursary from the Royal Irish Academy.

It tells the story of Fianna Fáil in Kerry from its foundation in May 1926 to the general election of 1933 when the party’s vote in the Kerry constituency was the highest in the entire country.

New research about the establishment of party branches, the results of elections, the role of newspapers and propaganda all form part of the display as do profiles of the seven Fianna Fáil TDs who represented Kerry between 1926 and 1933.

Historian Owen O’Shea said Fianna Fáil’s foundation was a transformative moment in Irish politics.

He said: “Éamon de Valera’s party set about establishing a network of branches in Kerry with enormous speed and the Fianna Fáil vote in the constituency grew rapidly from 33% in 1927 to 68% in 1933.”

The exhibition will be on display at Tralee Library from February 16 to February 28 and at Killarney Library from March 10 to March 31 and can be viewed during library opening hours.

The seven TDs who represented Kerry during those years were Denis Daly, Fred Crowley, Tom McEllistrim, William O’Leary, Thomas O’Reilly and Jack Flynn.

Their stories are being shared for the first time as are many of the election posters, newspaper advertisements and political material from the time.

Well-known photographer Valerie O’Sullivan has been recognised for her outstanding work at the AIB Press Photographer Awards, scooping two accolades in the National Awards ceremony.

She took home the Sustainability award and placed third in the Reportage category, both awards for her work, Reviving, Restoring and Re-thatching.

The photo essay piece focused on master thatcher, Richard Ó Loideoin, and his apprentice, Billy, re-thatching the O’Neill old family dwelling house, which dates back to the early 1800’s, at Tinnie’s Lower, Valentia Island, one of the only remaining rope-thatched dwelling houses in Ireland.

This rare form of thatching uses purple moor grass known locally as ‘Fadac’, which is harvested on the north side of the island.

The vernacular farmstead dates back to the early 1800’s to which the O’Neills live close by.

When Master thatcher, Richard Ó Loideoin and his apprentice Billy, pulled back the tarpin cover from the cottage, they discovered the unique structure had its original roof intact.

Together they are dedicated to the preservation and conservation of this unique form of thatching.

The judges cited a delightful use of colour and composition in this story of a re-thatching of an old family dwelling, saying: “This ancient tradition has been brought back to life by these charming and timeless photographs. A sheer joy to look at.”

The judges described the picture of the dresser in this essay as a “wonderful depiction of something old being well maintained and preserved for future generations, which is at the very heart of sustainability.”