Longford project features in new booklet

A special Heritage Council publication featuring stories from heritage officers in every county was launched on Monday, January 15 to mark 25 years since the Heritage Officer Network was founded.
The booklet, ‘Opening the door to Ireland’s heritage’ details one key heritage project from each local authority from the last three years.

Top row: Patrick and Thomas Cassells, brothers from Torboy, Carrickedmond. Patrick died 12 October 1918 and Thomas 13 August 1918 serving with the US Army. Copyright of Connecticut State Library & Ancestry.
Middle: Sophia Violet Barrett, who lived in Lislea, Kenagh, died on the RMS Leinster on 10 October 1918. She was a nurse with the St John’s Ambulance in the JWVAD and had served in France.
Bottom left: Henry Wakefield, a mail worker born in Newtownforbes, Co Longford who died on the sinking of the RMS Leinster with Sophia Barrett. Henry’s granddaughter, Joan Sugrue attended the centenary event in County Longford.
Bottom right: Luke C. Farrell from Lisnacusha, Lanesboro, killed-in-action 1 February 1915, whilst serving with the 1st Irish Guards. His brother, Fr Peter O’Farrell was a chaplain in WW1.

Collectively, these projects highlight the enormous contribution the Network has made to the preservation of our heritage over the last quarter of a century.

The booklet features the story of Longford’s ‘Online Database of Military Personnel’ project, developed as part of Longford’s commemoration of the centenary of the First World War.
The website, www.longfordatwar.ie, features details of the Longford people who served in armies or died in conflicts around the world.

It also includes both military and civilian personnel who were born in the county, and those from elsewhere who lived in Longford at the time of their enlistment.
Speaking on the launch of the booklet, Heritage Officer for Longford County Council Máiréad Ní Chonghaile said:
“It is deeply satisfying to see documented in this publication the influence of the Heritage Officer Network in shaping our approach to heritage research, conservation and engagement. Although we work individually within our respective local authorities, it is clear from these pages that the real strength of the Network is in the collective.”
Ms Ní Chonghaile added, “These stories cover only a snapshot of recently completed projects from current heritage officers, so when we factor in the hundreds of past projects completed since 1999, it brings into focus the enormous impact that the Local Authority Heritage Officer Programme has had.”

Chairperson of the Heritage Council Martina Moloney remarked,
“I have had the pleasure of working extensively with our Heritage Officers over many years and am constantly amazed by the shear variety of their work which is excellently captured in this beautiful publication. Not only do they provide advice, guidance, and information on all aspects of heritage, but they also secure funding, undertake research, collect data, and develop and lead a multitude of highly impactful and engaging projects.

“Raising awareness locally, Heritage Officers inspire communities to value and take ownership of their important local heritage in all its forms. What their work achieves, ultimately, is that it opens the door to our heritage for people across Ireland and further afield, so that it can be enjoyed and appreciated by everyone.”