New book launch kickstarts Heritage Week in Lackagh
SOME 300 photographs and illustrations relating to the history and heritage of Lackaghbeg feature in a new book launched over the weekend.
Lackagh Museum and Community Development Association showcased their latest publication, “The Townland of Lackaghbeg” on Saturday evening in Carnoneen Parish Centre, Lackagh. The book was launched by local resident and Galway Bay FM presenter Ronan Lardner.
Speaking at the launch Ronan Lardner congratulated author Michael Hurley on another excellent publication.
“This book is putting past, present and future together as we reflect on the past that is recorded in the book and as we a launch it in the present, it will be an invaluable source of information for generations in the future,” remarked Lardner.
“Michael Hurley deserves tremendous credit for the hours that he puts into research, with his publications. This book of almost 200 pages and 300 photographs, is a credit to his dedication that is a benefit to all of us.”
Gerry McDonagh, Chairman of Lackagh Museum and Community Development Association thanked Michael for his wonderful work in keeping the heritage of the community alive.
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AT the launch of Michael J. Hurley’s latest publication ‘The Townland of Lackaghbeg’ was Ronan Lardner, Galway Bay FM presenter, who launched the book; Michael Hurley, Author; Frank Kearney, MC and Gerry McDonagh, Chairman of Lackagh Museum and Community Development Association.Image 2 of 3
Michael Hurley with his grandchildren Clodagh McNamara and Aisling McNamara, daughter Keeva Kavanagh and wife Phil Hurley.Image 3 of 3
AT the launch were Michael Hurley, Seamus Gallagher and Joe Collins.Michael has produced a book almost every year in conjunction with Lackagh Museum and Community Development Association since he arrived in Lackagh, 13 years ago. Fr John O’Gorman and Cllr David Collins also spoke at the launch.
The 184-page all-colour book was written by Museum Committee member Michael J Hurley and features detailed information of land ownership by the Bodkin family and its eventual transfer to the residents.
The book contains just over 300 illustrations and photographs (many donated by residents), which have been carefully restored to provide an important record of several generations in this Clachán.
The area has grown to be the most densely populated townland in the Parish of Lackagh with the addition of Carraig Mhór, Woodlands and Sean Garraí. Worthy of note is that the townland of Lackaghbeg (Small Lackagh) is bigger than its neighbour Lackaghmore (Big Lackagh).
The book gives information of the Lackaghbeg Blacksmith, Mattie Loughnane, river drainage, Ordnance Survey letters, Lackagh School, and there is a special mention of the late Bridgie Coppinger, who was a tireless worker on behalf of the museum.
The book, available in local outlets, is priced at €15 with any profits from the sale going towards the development of the museum in Lackagh.