Local History

History of Claregalway

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Category: Claregalway Historical and Cultural Society

Published on Wednesday, 08 August 2007 12:27

Written by Joe O'Connell

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Claregalway is a rural parish rich in history and tradition. In 1991, the Clareglaway Cultural and Historical Society was founded. The group aimed to collect the local history and publish a book from the information gathered. The group initiated a FÁS sponsored scheme which began the enormous task of documenting the local history. Although alot of information was gathered, there was never a finished publication from that initiative.

Committee Photo : Back Row (L to R): Sean Concannon, Michael Hession, Brendan Noonan and Michéal Ó’Heidhin. Seated (L to R): Gearóid Hartigan, Tom Lenihan (chairman) and Seamus O’Connell (treasurer)

In 1996, the Society once again took up the work and added some newer research. In 1999 produced a 300 page hardback book. It sold in excess of 2000 copies, and has since been reprinted. While gathering the information, the group found that there were alot of good quality pictures from long ago, and decided to publish a second book purely of these pictures along with captions. This book has sold in excess of 700 copies. This history section has been taken, with permission, from the publications of the Society:

• Claregalway Parish History - 750 Years (Pub. 1999)
• Claregalway Parish History - Pictorial (Pub. 2002)

Both books are available for purchase from the committee members. You can also email Seamus O'Connell. Both books are priced at €20. Worldwide postage prices are available on request.

While every effort has been made to ensure that the information is factual in the publications, and now their inclusion in this site, the committee cannot be held liable for any errors or mistakes therein.