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26 Mar 2026
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26 Mar 2026
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Longford County Librarian Martina Needham addressing the launch of the Pakenham Papers Digitisation Project Picture: Shelley Corcoran
Many members of County Longford Historical Society, and others with an interest in local history, gathered in Longford Library on Wednesday, March 19 to celebrate the launch of the Pakenham Papers Digitisation Project.
The idea for the project was proposed by Luke Baxter during the society’s fiftieth anniversary celebrations in 2017.
Its aim was to make available important archives concerning Longford town, owned by the Pakenham family of Tullynally Castle, Castlepollard, Co. Westmeath.
The Pakenhams (Earls of Longford) and their ancestors the Aungiers, owned Longford and were crucial to its development from the 1620s onwards. The family archive contains a wealth of material which documents much of the town’s history. The result of the project was the digitisation of a large selection of items, including the books of Longford Borough Corporation, some leases and many rent books. Most date from the period 1668-1909.
The launch was attended by Thomas Pakenham, distinguished author and tree expert, and his daughter, Eliza Chisholm. Without their help and support, the project would not have been possible.
Also Read: Jail term for distracting man in Longford retail outlet in order to steal cash from his wallet
At the beginning of the event, Cllr Mark Casey, Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council, requested a minute’s silence in memory of two people who had supported the work.
One was Valerie, the wife of Thomas Pakenham and a well-known author, and the other, Jude Flynn, a pillar of the historical society and one of Longford’s greatest local historians.
MC Fr Tom Murray and society chair, Pat Donnelly, paid tribute to the Pakenham family for agreeing to allow the papers to be digitised. Finally, Thomas Pakenham spoke about the archive and his family’s Longford connections.
The images of the papers are available in Longford County Archives and access can be requested by emailing archivist@longfordcoco.ie or ‘phoning 043-3341124.
Also Read: Wedding Bells: Longford couple celebrate marriage ceremony at Tankardstown House
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