The leader the Ice Made: Shackleton's Endurance Expedition

A talk by Kevin Kenny, Shackleton Museum, Athy, Co. Kildare

Shackleton is one of the most famous explorers of all time. Not necessarily because his expeditions were a success, but because they were breathtaking examples of human endurance and perseverance against all odds. His expeditions have been studied and his leadership skills the subject of many case studies at business schools around the world. 

Kevin Kenny — director of the Shackleton Museum in Athy — takes use on an illustrated journey from Shackleton's childhood in Kilkea, Co. Kildare, through his extraordinary polar exploits and the ventures that filled the spaces between. It is a story of a multifaceted and, in many ways, contradictory character whose Irish Quaker roots cast a large influence on his life and his major achievements.

Despite failing to achieve the objectives of his expeditions, Shackleton reached iconic status for his determination, leadership, and decision-making — qualities Kevin argues are as relevant to the challenges of modern life as they were to the frozen wastes of the Antarctic.

The talk opens with the assessment of British geologist Raymond Priestley, who knew both Scott and Amundsen well: "For scientific discovery give me Scott; for speed and efficiency of travel give me Amundsen; but when disaster strikes and all hope is gone, get down on your knees and pray for Shackleton."