A major new publication on the Rock of Dunamase “The High Fortress” edited by Peigin Doyle and published by Wordwell Books was published in Portlaoise last night (23rd November 2022).
Catherine Casey, Laois Heritage Officer; Michael Parsons, Laois Heritage; Cllr Thomasina Connell, Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council and Virginia Teehan, Chief Executive, the Heritage Council at the launch of The High Fortress: A Guide to the Rock of Dunamase. Picture: Alf Harvey.
Launching the book, Cllr Thomasina Connell, Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council said “A special site like this, deserves a very special publication, and I am absolutely delighted to say that this book published by Wordwell, with Laois County Council and the Heritage Council, fills that need very well. As Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council I am proud to be associated with this wonderful book. It will be a must-read for anyone exploring this amazing site or learning about the history of Laois.”
The book is the result of a collaborative process between the Laois Heritage Forum and authors working with Editor Peigín Doyle. Peigin is an author and journalist whose specialist areas are history, heritage, and archaeology. The contributing authors are:
Dr John Feehan, author of “Laois, an Environmental History” and “The Geology of Laois and Offaly”;
Dr Sharon Greene, research archaeologist and the editor of “Archaeology Ireland” magazine;
Dr Matthew Stout, author of “Early Medieval Ireland 431–1169” and
Brian Hodkinson an archaeologist who has directed key Irish excavations such as the Rock of Cashel, Nenagh Castle and on Dunamase itself.
Nick Maxwell and Una MacConville from Wordwell (publishers); Catherine Casey, Laois Heritage Officer; John Mulholland, Chief Executive Laois County Council; Peigín Doyle, Editor; Angela McEvoy, Director of Services Laois County Council and Hugh MacConville at the launch of The High Fortress: A Guide to the Rock of Dunamase. Picture: Alf Harvey.
The ruins of an Anglo-Norman fortress built over an Early Christian Irish dún, Dunamase was fought over, occupied, fortified, reinforced, seized, abandoned, and blown up. Today, silhouetted against the Laois skyline, it has the power still to stir imaginations. Plundered by Viking raiders in 843AD, it became the dowry of Aoife, the bartered daughter of Diarmait Mac Murchada, when she married Richard De Clare, Strongbow, as the price for the Anglo-Norman invader restoring Diarmait as king of Leinster.
Fortified by a murder hole, arrow slits, portcullis, drawbridge and high protecting walls, the struggles between Gaelic Irish versus invading forces played out around the fortress of Dunamase for centuries. Weapons and armour, buckles and spurs, gaming pieces and arrowheads, Gaelic metalwork and medieval coins, all unearthed in excavations, bear witness to its role as a focal point for critical events in Irish history.
Chief Executive of Laois County Council John Mulholland thanked each of the authors for their insight, and dedication into getting all aspects of the human and natural history of this site right. He particularly mentioned the photographers, illustrators and image owners who allowed images to be used in this publication – saying that the imagery really lifts the whole publication beyond the ordinary. Archaeological illustrator Dan Tietzsch Tyler contributed the wonderful reconstruction drawings of what the castle might have looked like in the 13th century, which help to bring the site to life for readers and visitors.
Speaking at the launch, Michael Parsons of Laois Heritage Society thanked the members of Laois Heritage Forum who have been working on the book for several years, and also commended the support of the Heritage Council in supporting and developing all aspects of the heritage of Laois over the last number of years.
Contributor Dr Sharon Greene; Cllr Thomasina Connell, Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council; Bernie Foran, Laois County Librarian and Caroline Hofman, Chief Executive Laois Chamber at the launch of The High Fortress: A Guide to the Rock of Dunamase. Picture: Alf Harvey.
Virginia Teehan Chief Executive of the Heritage Council also welcomed the publication, saying the Heritage Council was delighted to work in partnership with local authorities and to support Heritage Officers in local authorities across the country in conserving, recording and raising awareness of their local heritage.
The attendance at the launch of The High Fortress: A Guide to the Rock of Dunamase. Picture: Alf Harvey.
The book is available from local bookshops and can be ordered online from wordwellbooks.com
The High Fortress ISBN: 978-1-913934-74-
Author(s): Peigin Doyle. A Guide to the Rock of Dunamase.
For one day in 1903, a sporting event took place in Ireland which not only profoundly altered the future of that sport worldwide, but also had a lasting impact on both Irish sport and society. The race was the International Gordon Bennett Cup race, carried out on newly repaired, and sometimes rolled, roads of Carlow, Laois and Kildare.
In a country still discovering the motorcar, people remembered how noisy they were, how exciting they were, and how it would change so many people’s lives. It certainly changed the perception of how racing should be run, at a time when all of Europe was about to ban it altogether as being too dangerous, not just to the drivers, but to the spectators as well. The Irish Gordon Bennett Cup Race changed all that.
Made with the support from the the Heritage Council and the Heritage offices of Laois, Carlow and Kildare County Councils, this is the story, in two parts, of how the race came to be in Ireland, and why the eyes of the racing world were turned to Ireland for this one event, this momentous but largely forgotten race that, still today, is thought to be the largest outdoor sporting event in Irish history
How Ireland saved Motorsport Part One
1903 Gordon Bennett Trophy. René de Knyff, driving his Panhard to second place, passes Alexander Winton repairing the Winton Bullet 2 on the first lap. Printed and published in 1903 by Hely’s Ltd, Dame Street, Dublin. Photographer and current owner of copyright are lost to history. Image is currently displayed at Ask About Ireland
The 2023 Community Monuments Fund has been launched by Malcolm Noonan, Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform.
€6 million will be invested in next year’s Community Monuments Fund helping owners and custodians of archaeological monuments to safeguard them into the future.
The Community Monuments Fund was first established as part of the 2020 July Jobs Stimulus with an investment of €1.15 million supporting 71 projects. This significant increase in funding for the scheme reflects the positive impact of the Fund over the last 3 years. It is estimated that the funding for 2023 will support approximately 120 projects nationwide.
The core aims of the Community Monuments Fund are to conserve, maintain, protect and promote local monuments and historic sites. Funding is available to allow conservation works to be carried out on monuments which are deemed to be significant and in need of urgent support. The aim is to encourage access to monuments and improve their presentation and also build their resilience to enable them to withstand the effects of climate change. The fund supports essential repairs and capital conservation and access works at archaeological monuments and also the development of Conservation Management Plans to identify any measures that may be needed to conserve monuments. Grants are also available to enhance public access infrastructure and interpretation at archaeological monuments.
Visiting the Community Monuments Fund supported conservation works at Dysart Enos Church Ratheniska, with Chris Corlett of the National Monuments Service, October 2022. Pictured with community members Liam Wall, James Deegan and Jane Wall are Conservation Architect Ricard McLoughlin, Chris Corlett and Archaeologist Colm Flynn. Stone work by Damien Condon, Calx Conservation.
Speaking today, Minister Noonan said:
“I am delighted to announce a €6 million Community Monuments Fund for 2023. With the excellent collaborative partnership between Local Authorities and our National Monuments Service, the 2022 Fund produced an extraordinary level of community engagement, traditional skills opportunities, and protection of our heritage. We are very pleased that we are able to grow this support in 2023 to support over 120 projects. The grant assistance to local authorities, private owners and communities in the maintenance, protection and promotion of local monuments and historic sites in private ownership is an acknowledgement of the important role of our heritage and of those who work so tirelessly to care for it.”
Minister Noonan added:
“We must do what we can to support the protection of our vulnerable archaeological heritage, to celebrate it and make it accessible to all. In doing so, we deliver clearly on commitments under our new national heritage plan, Heritage Ireland 2030. I would like to thank all of those communities and Local Authorities for their continued interest in the protection of archaeological monuments across the country. This investment will help to ensure that our archaeological heritage continues to enrich all of our lives.”
Finished conservation works at Rahin Church Ballylinan, supported by the Community Monuments Fund 2022. Pictured are (L-R) Chris Corlett National Monuments Service, Colm Flynn Archaeologist, Aoife Howard, David Kelly Partnership Engineers, Jethro Sheen, Sheenstone stone masons.
The community monuments fund is managed in Laois by Laois County Council. The closing date for applications for the 2023 round of grants is 14 February 2023. Full details and application forms here.
Previous projects funded by the Community Monuments Fund in Laois include:
Conservation of Rahin Church, Ballylinan
Conservation of Dysart Enos Church
Conservation Plan for Ballyadams Castle
Conservation Plan for Clonreher Castle
Research into the archaeological landscape of the Great Heath
Site visit to Baunaghra Medieval Church, conservation plan supported by the Community Monuments Fund 2022. Pictured (l-r) Catherine Casey, Heritage Officer, Laois County Council, Chris Corlett National Monuments Service, Fintan Dunne Conservation Architect and Seamus Costigan, Landowner, Behind the camera – Colm Flynn Archaeologist
Laois has brought home two major awards at the National Heritage Week Awards Ceremony organised by the Heritage Council, in Dublin today (20th October)
Teddy Fennelly from Portlaoise has been named Ireland’s national Heritage Hero for 2022. Teddy has been an advocate and enthusiast for local history and heritage in Laois for over 50 years. He has been honoured with the 2022 Heritage Hero award for his outstanding contribution to the protection and promotion of heritage over more than 50 years.
The awards recognise the enormous contribution of individuals and community groups across Ireland in ensuring the preservation, protection, and promotion of Ireland’s built, natural and cultural heritage. The annual event, which is organised by the Heritage Council, was held at the Royal College of Physicians Ireland and was hosted by RTÉ broadcaster Anne Cassin.
Teddy Fennelly, Ireland’s National Heritage Hero 2022 , with Minister Malcolm Noonan (Minister Of State for Heritage and Law Reform), Virginia Teehan (CEO of the Heritage Council) and Martina Maloney (Chair of the Heritage Council) at the Heritage Week Award Ceremony in Dublin, 20 October 2022. Photo Barry Cronin.
This year National Heritage Week celebrated the return of in-person events, while continuing to showcase digital projects, which proved popular over the last two years. More than 1,800 events and projects took place around the country in August during National Heritage Week, as communities and individuals answered the Heritage Council’s invitation to explore this year’s themes of sustainable heritage and biodiversity.
Teddy Fennelly was nominated for the award by Laois County Council.
Welcoming the announcement, Cllr Thomasina Connell, Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council said “Teddy has dedicated his life to the heritage of County Laois and this award acknowledges his immense contribution. We in Laois County Council are acutely aware of the immense value that people like Teddy bring to heritage and community life in the county and throughout the country. Teddy is a very deserving winner of the award and I’m delighted to congratulate Teddy, his family and his many friends and colleagues on this great achievement”.
Heritage Hero, Teddy Fennelly at the Heritage Week Award Ceremony in Dublin, 20 October 2022. Photo Barry Cronin.. Photo Barry Cronin.
Teddy Fennelly has been pivotal in ensuring that the story of Colonel James Fitzmaurice and first East-West Transatlantic flight in April 1928 is remembered and his book “Fitz and the Famous Flight” is the definitive work on the subject. As Chair of the Col Fitzmaurice Commemoration Committee, Teddy commissioned ”The Impossible Dream”, a piece of music by Martin Tourish and the Music Generation Laois Trad Orchestra commemorating Fitzmaurice and the Flight. He was also instrumental in overseeing the naming of Fitzmaurice Place in Portlaoise, the regeneration of the area and the installation of a sculpture commemorating the flight.
He had a pivotal role in the purchasing, repatriation and restoration of the Portlaoise Plane and organised for a US flag received by Fitz on his triumphant tour of America to be donated to Laois County Council. Earlier this year he instigated the Laois Festival of Flight.
United States Military Attaché Major Thomas Nolta; Cllr Willie Aird Acting Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council; Teddy Fennelly, Col James Fitzmaurice Commemoration committee and Ross Mac Mahon at the presentation of the Fitzmaurice Flag by Ross Mac Mahon to Laois County Council during Heritage Week. Picture: Alf Harvey.
Teddy has played a key role in the heritage led regeneration of the 16th century plantation fort, Fort Protector at the centre of the town, driving the conservation plan for the Fort. An area that was neglected now has a regenerated public square, the fort walls are conserved, a 16th century church and graveyard have been conserved and reopened, and the Old Fort Festival is bringing economic development into the town.
He has written books on everything from the cooperative movement and Donaghmore Workhouse to the history of Laois GAA. As Chair and President of Laois Heritage Society he has been responsible for publishing journals, promoting research and carrying out practical conservation projects.
Speaking at the event, Minister Malcolm Noonan TD, said: “I am delighted to be able to attend the annual National Heritage Awards and acknowledge the fantastic work of so many heritage enthusiasts around Ireland. National Heritage Week demonstrates that there are a great many people who really do appreciate our precious heritage – be it built, natural or cultural – and are willing to work together to protect and conserve it. I share that commitment and welcome the fact that my Government colleagues and I have been in a position to double funding for natural, built and archaeological heritage since I took office in July 2020.”
Chair of the Heritage Council, Dr Martina Moloney praised the enthusiasm and passion of the event and project organisers. She said: “National Heritage Week is not only a celebration of heritage but also a celebration of people and particularly those whose work in heritage, very often as volunteers, has made such a difference to their communities. The Awards are our chance to say thank you for the outstanding work and collective effort of all participants.”
Chief Executive of the Heritage Council, Virginia Teehan added: “National Heritage Week aims to build awareness and education about our heritage. This year it looked to the past to create a better future and chose themes that have particular resonance for us all as we grapple with climate change and the impact we have on the world around us. We chose the themes of sustainability and biodiversity and encouraged organisers to examine the intersection of the environment with preserving our tangible, intangible and natural heritage to create a more resilient world. The Awards are a recognition of every organiser, and of every event and project that took place. Today’s recipients are representative of the tremendous work of all organisers across the country, work that supports and encourages heritage protection.”
“Bats About Rooks” Wins National Biodiversity Award
The National Heritage Week award for Biodiversity was awarded to the Irish Wildlife Trust Laois Offaly Branch, BirdWatch Ireland and Kildare Bat Group for their Heritage Week biodiversity event in the People’s Park, Portlaoise.
Minister Malcolm Noonan, Minister of State for Heritage and Law Reform, Caroline McDonald and Anna Collins Kildare Bat Group, Ricky Whelan, BirdWatch Ireland, Martina Maloney Chair of the Heritage Council, and Virginia Teehan CEO of the Heritage Council at the Heritage Week Award Ceremony in Dublin, 20 October 2022. Photo Barry Cronin.
This award is presented to the event that successfully encouraged a greater appreciation of our natural world or a consideration of the variety of plant and animal life in the area, and/or conservation of native species and natural landscapes, and/or that considers a resilient and sustainable future for the environment.
Ricky Whelan of BirdWatch Ireland started the event at the rookery at the Downs beside the Park, one of the largest in Laois, and brought to life the antics of the Rooks and Jackdaws that call Portlaoise their home.
Ricky Whelan said “We are blessed to have such natural spectacles on our doorsteps and at the centre of our county town. To be able to see upwards of 4000 Rooks come to roost each winter evening is truly wonderful, it’s a privilege to observe their behaviours, politics and social structures right on our doorsteps. Add the wonder of echolocating and foraging bats to the equation and you have a truly special event”.
Studying the different bats at the Bats and Rooks Walk in Portlaoise Town Park for Heritage Week. Picture: Alf Harvey.
Anna Collins of Kildare Bat Group explained the bat life of the Park, showing adults and children alike how to use bat detectors to make the echolocation calls of the bats audible to human ears, and helping everyone to adjust the frequency on the detectors to actually identify the different bat species flying above the group, purely by the frequency of their calls.
One of the highlights of the event was when the group was treated to the sight of two Daubenton’s bats, possibly a mother and young, flying together low over the park’s lake, feeding on the insect life of the lake.
Páirc an Phobail in Portlaoise, managed by Laois County Council, is an oasis for wildlife in the town, having recently been awarded the Green Flag for Parks. The original vision for Páirc an Phobail has evolved over the last 16 years with many new additions, designed to attract people of all ages back to using the Park to its full potential. Some of the facilities in the Park are a natural play area, a woodland walk containing a bilingual Tree Trail, grassy areas managed for pollinators and a small man -made lake which is also managed for wildlife. The Park provides an excellent location for nature trails and also gives schools and families the opportunity to observe local wildlife in a beautiful setting. The Park has successfully achieved a Green Flag Award each year since it first entered the scheme in 2016.
Ricky Whelan from Bird Watch Ireland leading the Rook tour at the Bats and Rooks Walk in Portlaoise Town Park for Heritage Week. Picture: Alf Harvey.
Errill Famine Project wins County Heritage Week Award for Laois
Errill Tidy Towns won the Laois County Heritage Week Award for their project to mark the 175th anniversary of the great famine in Errill, by erecting a commemorative plaque and limestone seat, near the site of what was once a soup kitchen, to feed desperate people of the town during the famine. This is phase one of the group’s famine pot project. Phase two will be the installation on site of the actual famine pot that was used in the soup kitchen. The pot was kindly donated by a local family and was on view on the evening.
A research project on the history and impact of the famine on the Errill area was undertaken by Aisling O’Dea, Fiona O’Dea, Michelle Bourke, Jenny Galbraith and Cathy Galbraith as part of the Laois Volunteering Scheme – Local History Research Project 2020, under the guidance of Peadar Cleary of Errill Tidy Towns.
Famine Commemoration with the unveiling of a memorial seat and plaque in Errill during Heritage Week. Picture: Alf Harvey.
The Heritage Week event was attended by a large group of local people as well as Laois County Council CEO John Mulholland, Laois Heritage Officer Catherine Casey, Directors of Services Angela McEvoy and Donal Brennan, Cllr John King, Trevor Stanley manager of the Donaghmore Famine Workhouse Museum, and descendants of Sadie Kinahan.
A commemorative plaque was unveiled as part of the Laois Heritage Week event. John Kinahan, descendent of Sadie Kinahan who had written about the Soup Kitchen in Errill during the 1930 Schools Folklore Project, unveiled the An Gorta Mór plaque.
Professor Emeritus William J. Smyth, who unveiled the commemorative limestone seat, noted that one third of the local population had disappeared during the famine through death or emigration. Half of the local children disappeared. Most of them had nobody and were forgotten. One of the missions of famine commemoration is to give memory back, he said.
He stressed that it was not a famine in the sense that there was food, but instead was an Gorta mor. “The potato blight was an ecological disaster. What happened was a political disaster – a failure to act. It was always too little and too late.”
Professor William Smith unveils the memorial seat at the Famine Commemoration with the unveiling of a memorial seat and plaque in Errill during Heritage Week. Picture: Alf Harvey.
Retired detective Eamon Cleary was instrumental in unearthing much of the history of the local area during the period. He recalled that the famine was not spoken of during the 50s and 60s and very little was handed down verbally on it.
It was only when he undertook some research himself in UCD that he discovered the submission of Sadie Kinahan (Costigan) for the Folklore Commission in 1937. She pinpointed where the soup kitchens were locally and outlined the situation.
The CEO of Laois County Council John Mulholland complimented the committee on their work. Cllr John King also paid tribute to their work and said that the seat was “a headstone of history.”
Speaking on behalf of the Kinahan family, John Kinahan thanked the committee and said the family were delighted with the part his mother played.
He thanked Eamon Cleary for his excellent work, noting that his mother had never spoken about it outside of her submission to the Folklore Commission. The evening rounded off with three recitations by local poet Michael Creagh.
Aisling and Fiona O’Dea and Michelle Bourke (not pictured are Cathy and Jenny Galbraith) who researched the project on the history and impact of the Famine on the Errill area; John Mulholland, Chief Executive Laois County Council and Cllr John King at the Famine Commemoration with the unveiling of a memorial seat and plaque in Errill during Heritage Week. Picture: Alf Harvey.
Over €63,000 funding for biodiversity projects in Laois has been announced by Minister Malcolm Noonan through the Local Biodiversity Action Fund.
The Laois Wetland Survey continues this year, with field survey underway by consultant ecologists Wetland Surveys Ireland of these crucially important sites for biodiversity and climate change.
Laois Heritage Officer Catherine Casey, Patrick Crushell, Wetland Surveys Ireland; Barbara Bermingham, Anna Rothwell and Willie Crowley, Wetland Surveys Ireland at the Ridge of Capard for the Wetlands of Laois Walk. Picture: Alf Harvey.
The Laois County Council awareness-raising campaign on Midlands 103 radio continues in partnershi p with Offaly and Westmeath County Councils;
Catherine Casey, Heritage Officer with Laois County Council said “We are working with the Irish Wildlife Trust Laois/Offaly Branch on a project to install next boxes for birds and roost boxes for bats as well as some community awareness-raising at Timahoe Monastic Site. We are also delighted that additional funding made available this year allowed us to work in partnership with the Laois County Council Environmental Awareness office and the Environmental Education Unit of An Taisce to deliver an Choill Bheag, tiny native woodlands at three Portlaoise School campuses (Holy Family campus, Scoil Bhríde and Summerhill Campus) and at Laois Education Centre, as part of the Portlaoise Low-Carbon own initiative.”
Full details of all biodiversity projects funded nationally by Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage are here
Ricky Whelan and Anne Sundermann of Irish Wildlife Trust Laois Offaly Branch planning biodiversity enhancement at Timahoe Monastic Site
A new Conservation Advice Pilot Grant Scheme has been announced by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
The scheme is open to owners of properties on the Record of Protected Structures. Successful applicants will receive conservation advice including maintenance guidelines and suggested repairs and improvements to enhance the building’s character, integrity, and amenity. A summary of the scheme is provided below.
The scheme will provide grants of €3,000 (ex. VAT) to cover the cost of having a conservation-accredited architect visit a protected structure, conduct a survey, and compile tailored conservation advice for the property owner. The report will suggest a maintenance schedule for the building, and outline repairs and improvements which would enhance the building’s character, integrity, and amenity.
The aim of the scheme is to help owners of protected structures to understand the value and potential of the architectural heritage of their buildings, and to prompt them to consider investments which could enhance that value, whether funded privately or through conservation grants.
Abbeyleix Heritage House and Fountain. Picture: Alf Harvey.
Applicants must complete the form below and submit it to builtheritage@housing.gov.ie by Friday, September 30th using the subject line ‘Conservation Advice Pilot Scheme’. Alternatively, applicants may submit their form by post to Conservation Advice Pilot Scheme, Built Heritage Policy Unit, Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, 1.06 Custom House, D01 W6X0 by the same date.
Successful applicants will be selected by lottery and provided by the Department with a list of conservation architects participating in the scheme. The applicant will then select an architect from the list and arrange a site visit. The completed report will be provided to both the building owner and the Department. The Department will use the reports only for the purpose of approving the grant payment, in line with the Data Privacy Statement attached. The Department will make grant payments directly to the architect on receipt and approval of the required Conservation Advice and invoice.
Launch of mural in Mountmellick celebrating Swifts for Laois Culture Night
For Culture Night Laois on Friday, September 23rd, Creative Ireland Laois, Laois County Council Heritage Office and BirdWatch Ireland launch a street mural by artist, James Kirwan to celebrate Ireland’s threatened Swift (Apus apus). The mural is located at the gable end of the Gearoid Horan’s building on Patrick Street, Mountmellick and is adjacent to Mountmellick Community School.
The Swift is a small migratory bird which arrives in Ireland to breed from Africa in May and departs by August each year. Although similar in appearance to Swallows and Martins, the Swift’s nearest relatives are thought to be the Hummingbirds, native to North and South America.
Catherine Casey Heritage Office for Laois County Council said:
“We are delighted to be launching this wonderful mural as part of Culture Night as it represents the coming together of the biodiversity of Laois through the Swift and the creative artistic side of the county through the medium of street art. As Swifts are such an urban bird, living in our towns and villages, I can’t think of a better subject for a large scale street mural. This project will rise awareness of the importance of Mountmellick for swifts and also the other work being done to survey and conserve swifts across Laois, with the support of the Heritage Council and the Local Biodiversity Action Fund.”The Swift’s scientific name Apus apus means ‘without feet’ which refers to the Swift’s short legs rather than to any lack of feet. Swift’s legs and feet are adapted to cling to vertical surfaces rather than perching on wires and walking on the ground. If they find themselves on the ground, it can be difficult for them to take off again.
BirdWatch Ireland’s Ricky Whelan with street artist, James Kirwan at Coffee Notions, Mountmellick, September 2022
Swifts are more common in urban areas, building small, cupped nests in small crevices in buildings, as well as in the eaves of houses. Swifts pair for life and return to the same nest site for many years. They spend most of their life in flight, drinking, feeding, mating and evening sleeping in the air.
Mountmellick native Ricky Whelan of BirdWatch Ireland said:
“Mountmellick has a wonderful cultural heritage and I am so proud to see its rich natural heritage enshrined by the Swift mural. Mountmellick is a stronghold within county Laois for these charismatic and threatened birds which is something we should all celebrate and be vigilant to protect into the future.”
Swifts are among the fastest of birds with Ireland’s Swift able to reach speeds of over 110km per hour. The average Swift weights about 40 grams – the same weight as a Cadbury’s Crème Egg! They feed on airborne invertebrates (spiders, flies and small insects) captured in flights. The Swift’s call is a loud, piercing scream and Swifts will often form ‘screaming parties’ on summer evenings, when ten to twenty Swifts will gather in a group flight above their nesting area, calling out to each other excitedly.
Street Artist, James Kirwan said
“From the moment Creative Ireland Laois reached out to me about this mural project, I was very interested and excited, especially because I am a huge fan of Swifts. I had also recently listened to Ricky Whelan’s and Niall Hatch’s ‘In Your Nature’ podcast on Swifts, so it is an added bonus to work closely with Ricky and learn even more about these fascinating birds. To be an artist who gets to paint a mural about the conservation of swifts is an honour and it goes without saying that I am wholeheartedly looking forward to being in Mountmellick and creating this mural that highlights the uniqueness of this bird”.
Wexford-born James Kirwan is an experienced artist based in Dublin. His work has been showcased in solo and group exhibitions, and his mural work has been seen as far away as Canada. James has worked extensively in Ireland too, with recent work appearing in Gorey, Waterford, Thurles and Dublin. James’ work is often made with bold colours, with a mix of playful abstract forms and references to the natural world and landscapes.
James has a keen interest in the importance of the protection of birds and their habitats in Ireland. He brings this, in his distinctive style, in the stunning piece for Mountmellick’s Swift mural. In October, James is scheduled to return to Mountmellick to facilitate a creative workshop with art students in Mountmellick Community College which will explore his street artworks and techniques, and reflect his interest in nature, and his use of abstract shapes.
The mural launch takes place on Fri Sept 23rd at 5.30pm at Mountmellick Community School. The Swift episode reissue is available at BirdWatch Ireland’s ‘In Your Nature’ podcast on Buzzsprout or any good podcast provider. ‘In Your Nature’ is produced in partnership with the Heritage Offices of Laois and Offaly County Councils, supported by the Heritage Council and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and is edited by Ann-Marie Kelly.
Laois County Council and BirdWatch Ireland are very grateful to Gearoid Horan for giving permission for the use of his building for the mural, and also sincere gratitude for the support of Principal Larry Curtin and Deputy Principal Frances Kerry – La Rosa of Mountmellick Community School.
The Mountmellick Swift Project mural is supported by Creative Ireland Laois as part of the Creative Ireland Programme – in partnership with Laois County Council Heritage Office and BirdWatch Ireland.
Voluntary group recognised for work at Old St Peter’s Graveyard
The committee of Portlaoise Tidy Towns working in partnership with Laois County Council has received an award from the Adopt Monument Scheme of the Heritage Council, in recognition of their tremendous work in the conservation of Old St Peter’s Graveyard at the heart of historic Portlaoise.
Speaking at the presentation of the award Gerry Brown, Chair of Portlaoise Tidy Towns Committee said “We are delighted to receive this award and even more delighted with what it represents – the successful completion of our campaign to get Old St Peter’s Graveyard conserved and ready to open to the public. I’d like to pay tribute to all the people who have been involved with this project over the years in sourcing funds and ensuring that Old St Peter’s could be brought back to the beautiful reflective community space that it is today”.
Gerry Browne, chairman Portlaoise Tidy Towns; Catherine Casey, Laois Heritage Officer; Patricia Lodge representing the late Cllr Jerry Lodge; Dr Sharon Greene, Abarta Heritage and Vincent Booth, secretary Portlaoise Tidy Towns at Old St Peter’s Graveyard for the announcement that Portlaoise Tidy Towns has received an award from the Heritage Council and the Adopt a Monument scheme in recognition of their achievements on behalf of Old St Peter’s Graveyard Portlaoise. Photo: Alf Harvey.
The Committee invited Patricia Lodge, wife of the late Cllr Jerry Lodge to accept the award on their behalf, in memory of Jerry’s pivotal role in getting the conservation project at the site started, a number of years ago.
Thomasina Connell, Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council said “I am delighted to welcome the completion of the conservation project at Old St Peter’s Graveyard. I know this newly conserved space will be well used and warmly welcomed by the people of Portlaoise. I was delighted to see the committee pay tribute to my late colleague Cllr Jerry Lodge, and I’d like to add my words of thanks to both the committee and the Lodge family for the enormous role they have played in this project. I’d also like to congratulate the sections within Laois County Council who have collaborated to deliver this complex and important project.”
Portlaoise Tidy Towns representatives Gerry Brown and Vincent Booth with Patricia Lodge at Old St Peter’s Church and graveyard Portlaoise. Photo: Alf Harvey.
Dr Sharon Greene of the Adopt a Monument Programme said “The Heritage Council Adopt a Monument mentor’s award has been given to Portlaoise Tidy Towns Committee in recognition of their remarkable achievement in conserving and presenting Old St Peter’s graveyard. It can sometimes be forgotten how much time and effort can go into a project like this, as well as the knowledge and experience gathered along the way. Portlaoise Tidy Towns Committee are in a position to share that knowledge and experience with others as a Mentor Group in the scheme and will no doubt carry on to achieve more themselves.”
The Old St Peter’s Conservation Project is a Partnership Project of Portlaoise Tidy Towns and Laois County Council, supported by the Heritage Council, the Community Monuments Fund and the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund.
Old St Peter’s Church and graveyard Portlaoise. Photo: Alf Harvey.
A major new plan to guide the conservation and presentation of the 16th Century Fort Protector at the heart of Portlaoise has been launched. The plan, which was created in a partnership between Laois Heritage Society and Laois County Council, with the support of the Heritage Council, builds upon several years of research, consultation and community engagement by a team led by Conservation Architect Richard McLoughlin in association with archaeologist Eoin Sullivan and Historian Diarmuid Wheeler.
Angela McEvoy, Director of Services Laois County Council; Richard McLoughlin, Lotts Architecture; Cllr Conor Bergin Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council and Teddy Fennelly, president Laois Heritage Society at the launch of the Portlaoise Fort Protector Conservation Plan. Photo: Alf Harvey.
Speaking at the launch, Cllr Conor Bergin, Cathaoirleach with Laois County Council said “This is just one example among many, of a project where the initial support of the Heritage Council facilitated Laois County Council to get a project started and leverage much greater exchequer funds, and I would like to express again our sincere gratitude to the Heritage Council for this.
“A project like this does not come together without a huge amount of work and I’d like to pay a special tribute to the Working Group of Laois Heritage Society who have been working for many years now on the conservation of the Fort Protector.
“Teddy Fennelly and Michael Parsons were the instigators of this plan, and they have put many hours of hard work and creativity on all the many parts necessary to get the plan to this stage – fundraising, research, practical conservation, conversations with property owners, development of policies, more fundraising and organizing awareness activities and events
“Their commitment, creativity, attention to detail and meticulous historical research have created a very special publication, and a very active and successful conservation project and they deserve our most sincere thanks and congratulations.”
Launching the Portlaoise Fort Protector Conservation Plan. From left: Catherine Casey, Laois Heritage officer; Bernie Foran, Laois County Librarian; Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley; John Mulholland, chief executive Laois County Council; Richard McLoughlin, Lotts Architecture; Cllr Conor Bergin, Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council; Michael Parsons, Laois Heritage; Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald; Teddy Fennelly, Laois Heritage president; Angela McEvoy, Director of Services Laois County Council and Sean Murray, chairman Laois Heritage. Photo: Alf Harvey.
The meeting was also addressed by Teddy Fennelly President of Laois Heritage Society, Michael Parsons, former Chair of the National Heritage Council and John Mulholland Chief Executive of Laois County Council. Richard McLoughlin Conservation Architect with Lotts Architecture presented a fascinating history of the development of the Fort and the town of Portlaoise, through an examination of maps dating back to the 1550s.
Cllr Thomasina Connell with Richard McLoughlin, Lotts Architecture at the launch of the Portlaoise Fort Protector Conservation Plan. Photo: Alf Harvey.
Cathaoirleach Conor Bergin paid tribute to the Project Team, Archaeologist Eoin Sullivan, Historian Diarmuid Wheeler and most especially Conservation Architect Richard McLoughlin, who gave so generously of their time, expertise and energy over the past seven years in bringing the plan to this stage with so much community engagement and involvement.
He continued “As we are here at the start of the Old Fort Festival, which brings with it a great economic and cultural boost for the town of Portlaoise, I think it’s important to acknowledge that the impetus for the development of the festival came from the Main Street traders after they were approached by Richard and the project team to discuss the importance of the Fort. It’s a great example of how collaboration with the community builds pride in heritage and allows the development of grass roots events that celebrate that heritage and the identity of the place. I’m delighted to see the range of family heritage events going on throughout the weekend for the Old Fort Festival and I’m particularly pleased to see that Old St Peter’s Graveyard will be open to the public each afternoon throughout the weekend. ”
The huge public interest in the Fort and the history of Portlaoise was evidenced by the large group in attendance and the wide range of questions posed after Richard McLoughin’s talk. Several speakers noted that the policies proposed in the plan have already started to be put into action, and it will certainly not be a plan that remains on the shelf, but is instead a living document. Information on projects undertaken to date is available here.
Ronan Farrell and John Dunne at the launch of the Portlaoise Fort Protector Conservation Plan. Photo: Alf Harvey.The launch of the Portlaoise Fort Protector Conservation Plan. Photo: Alf Harvey.
The Fort Protector Conservation Plan can be downloaded below, and hard copies are available for purchase from Laois Heritage Society, Copies of the plan will be in the Portlaoise Branch Library.
The Fort Protector Conservation Plan is a Partnership Project of Laois Heritage Society and Laois County Council, supported by the Heritage Council.
The Heritage offices of Laois, Carlow and Kildare County Councils, working with video makers Bailey and Blake, are looking for the memories from local families about the famous Gordon Bennett motor race of 1903.
This was the first ever international sporting race in Ireland, which brought the biggest ever crowds, and was probably the first time many people of Ireland had ever seen a car.
Jenatzy, 1903 Gordon Bennett winner, driving a Mercedes. Source: Postcard, published by Hely’s Ltd., Dublin
We want to find anyone who has old photos, maybe a postcard, a flag or just stories handed down the generations about this momentous race.
Did your family rent out a field to watch? Does your family have memories of RIC members coming to the area ? (Over 2000 of them were drafted in to work at marshalling from all over the country). Did one of the cars break down outside your house? Did someone in your family sell food or water to the hungry spectators?
1903 Gordon Bennett Trophy. René de Knyff, driving his Panhard to second place, passes Alexander Winton repairing the Winton Bullet 2 on the first lap. Source: Printed and published in 1903 by Hely’s Ltd, Dame Street, Dublin. Photographer and current owner of copyright are lost to history.
The Heritage Office of Laois County Council, with the support of the Heritage Council want to bring those memories and photos together for documentary makers Bailey and Blake to help illustrate this event for everyone locally to be proud of, and to tell the story to the worldwide motor racing fraternity, and learn about the race that is said to have saved motorsport.
Michael McCormack and Anne Fullam in Michael’s 1928 Austin at The Lawn Stradbally for the Gordon Bennett Picnic stop. Picture: Alf Harvey.
Catherine Casey Heritage Officer with Laois County Council said “Many people will know of the original race through the Gordon Bennett Classic Car Rally, which makes its annual come-back after Covid on the June Bank Holiday this year. We are delighted to be working with Bailey and Blake on this film project and we hope that as many people as possible will take par and share their family memories”
William Molloy, Stradbally and Sean Sleator and Paul Hurley, Graiguecullen view the Titanic Ghost Rolls Royce at Stradbally for the visit of the Gordon Bennett Rally. Picture: Alf Harvey.
To share a memory , or maybe a photo or two, please contact the Bailey and Blake team on gordonbennettstory@gmail.com or text 087 2539010
The Gordon Bennett Film is a project of the Heritage Offices of Carlow, Kildare and Laois County Councils, supported by the Heritage Council.
George Dalton with Malcom and Gail Lomas and their 1949 Riley Roadster at the Irish Gordon Bennett Classic Run 2004 at Treacys’, The Heath. Picture: Alf Harvey.
A project led by the community in Stradbally and Laois County Council is taking practical action to enhance the town’s wildlife and built heritage.
Stradbally Community Development Association was granted funding in 2021 through the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, for the conservation of the bridge at the centre of the town, public realm enhancements and actions to improve biodiversity.
After a period of planning the project is now seeing visible action on the ground, with nest boxes for breeding swifts installed at strategic locations in the town this week. Swifts are a summer visitor to Ireland from Africa, a little bit larger than a swallow but blackish-brown all over, except for a small, white chin-patch, with a short tail and long, sickle-shaped wings Swifts in Ireland are in decline. We have lost 40% of our Swifts in the last ten years, according to BirdWatch Ireland. A survey carried out for Laois Heritage Office in 2018 highlighted the importance of Stradbally as a stronghold for swifts in the county.
A swift over Stradbally. Photo Alf Harvey
Ricky Whelan of BirdWatch Ireland assisted the SCDA group with finding the best site for the new nest boxes and was there on Saturday to help with installation. He said “It’s fantastic to see Laois County Council and local communities collaborate to help this charismatic and endangered bird across County Laois. The swift boxes installed in Stradbally will increase nesting opportunities for swifts in the town and we hope that this will have a positive impact on the population locally. A Biodiversity Week walk held in Stradbally this week explored the swifts, swallows and house martins of the town, and it was great to see such interest from people from Stradbally and farther afield in these beautiful birds and how to help them. BirdWatch Ireland looks forward to working with the community of Stradbally in the coming years to enhance the town for all wildlife”.
John O’Brien (Stradbally Community Development Association), Ann Simpson (Stradbally Tidy Towns) and Mary Rose Simpson (Building owner), with Ricky Whelan (Birdwatch Ireland) installation of swift nesting boxes in Stradbally, a Stradbally Community Development Association and Laois Heritage Office project, with the assistance of BirdWatch Ireland and funding from the Town and Village renewal Scheme
John O’Brien, PRO Stradbally Community Development Association said “ The birds are singing and moving SWIFTLY in Stradbally especially on Main Street and Hunters Lane . Stradbally Tidy Towns and Stradbally Community Development Association are delighted to join forces to execute a project that will enhance the town’s wildlife and built heritage. Thank You so much to Pat Deegan Engineering , Stradbally and his Team for their expertise, time and hard work on Saturday morning”
Pat Deegan installing swift nesting boxes in Stradbally, a Stradbally Community Development Association and Laois Heritage Office project, with the assistance of BirdWatch Ireland and funding from the Town and Village renewal Scheme. Photo Alf Harvey
Ann Simpson, Chairperson Stradbally Community Development Association said “We are delighted to have the swift nest boxes installed in Stradbally, and we would like to thank in particular Fr Breen PP Stradbally for allowing us to put three nest boxes and a caller at the back of his house. We are all looking forward to watching our new residents arrive!”
The nest boxes were installed in time for a Biodiversity Week walk in Stradbally and are part of an ongoing commitment to swifts by Laois County Council which has seen swift nest boxes installed in public buildings across the county, including the new Portlaoise Library, following the survey of swifts in Laois in 2018, and with the support of the Heritage Council and the Local Biodiversity Action Fund.
Ricky Whelan of BirdWatch Ireland leading a Biodiversity week Swift Walk in Stradbally organised by Laois Heritage Office. Photo Alf Harvey
The project in Stradbally will also see biodiversity-friendly planting at strategic locations through the town, and a planting plan is currently being drawn up to guide this.
Part of the project will also see conservation of the masonry of the main town bridge, including repointing and repair of the architecturally important early nineteenth century ashlar limestone piers and parapets, and conservation of the historic ironwork on the west side of the bridge. As the road on the bridge is a national primary route, consultation with Transport Infrastructure Ireland has been required, and reinstatement of railings on the east side of the bridge (removed many years ago) has been ruled out, for safety reasons, but the project will ensure the restoration of this important part of Stradbally’s heritage to its former glory.
Bridge over the Stradbally River in Stradbally. Photo: Fred Hamond/Laois Heritage Office
The Town and Village Renewal Scheme project in Stradbally also includes public realm improvements including installation of disability access parking, universal access seating and bicycle stands in the village.
Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council, Conor Bergin, welcomed the progress in Stradbally and said “The funding provided by the Town and Village Renewal Scheme is very important in improving economic and social status of communities across Laois. The community section of Laois County Council works closely with local communities in developing and delivering these projects and I would like to commend all involved in Stradbally and communities across Laois who have taken advantage of these opportunities.”
Ricky Whelan of BirdWatch Ireland and Catherine Casey Laois Heritage Office at the Biodiversity week Swift Walk in Stradbally . Photo Alf Harvey
Biodiversity Week will be celebrated across Ireland from May 16th to 22nd and a range of events and resources are available for anyone in Laois with an interest in learning about the natural world.
Catherine Casey, Heritage Officer with Laois County Council said “National Biodiversity Week is all about connecting people with nature. It’s about communicating the importance of biodiversity and motivating people to play their part in protecting it. Here in Laois we are hoping that people will have some fun, and that will inspire them to learn more about the natural world around us and how we can help it”.
Swifts
In Laois, anyone with an interest in urban birds is invited to a walk to explore swifts with Ricky Whelan of BirdWatch Ireland, meeting at the Stradbally Market House at 7pm on Tuesday 17th May. The walk will end at the library and will be followed at 8pm by a Dusk Chorus walk with Des Finnamore of BirdWatch Ireland Laois Branch.
The swift walk is part of an ongoing commitment to swifts by Laois County Council which has seen swift nest boxes installed in public buildings across the county, following the survey of swifts in Laois in2018, and with the support of the Heritage Council and the Local Biodiversity Action Fund.
The most recent action for swifts in Laois has seen swift bricks installed during the construction of the new library in Portlaoise, with the help of BirdWatch Ireland. Bernie Foran, County Librarian said “We were delighted to work with BirdWatch Ireland to provide suitable habitat for swifts to nest in our new library. The historic centre of Portlaoise is a stronghold for these birds, and having had nest boxes on the existing library, we were aware of how important it is to provide for them in the new building. We were grateful to Ricky Whelan of BirdWatch Ireland for his advice and support in installing the swift bricks at the new library site”
With swift boxes at the new library in Portlaoise. From left: Laois County Librarian Bernie Foran; Gerry Browne, Portlaoise Tidy Towns; Ricky Whelan, BirdWatch Ireland; Catherine Casey, Laois Heritage Officer and Wes Wilkinson, Senior Executive Engineer, Portlaoise Municipal District Roads Office. Picture: Alf Harvey
Ricky Whelan, Swift Project Officer with of BirdWatch Ireland said “It’s fantastic to see Laois County Council and local communities collaborate to help this charismatic and endangered bird. The swift bricks installed at Portlaoise Library will increase nesting opportunities for swifts in the area and we hope that this this have a positive impact on the population locally”.
The swift project is just one of a number of biodiversity projects ongoing in Portlaoise, as the town’s “Town in a Garden” project goes from strength to strength. Gerry Browne, Chair of Portlaoise Tidy Towns said “we have already done a lot of planting for biodiversity in Portlaoise, including pollinator-friendly planting on our roundabouts and roadsides, and the planting of 10,000 native trees. This year we are working on a three year biodiversity plan for the town, and we look forward to seeing the benefits of that in the years to come”.
Wildlife in Buildings
The focus on wildlife living closely alongside humans continues with an online talk on wildlife in buildings with John Lusby of BirdWatch Ireland on Wednesday 18th May, starting at 8pm. The talk celebrates the launch of a new book and documentary on the topic, created by BirdWatch Ireland in partnership with Heritage Officers from Laois, Tipperary, Clare and Donegal County Council and the Biodiversity Office of Kerry County Council.
Wildlife in buildings can often be harmed during works due to a lack of awareness of their presence or indeed knowledge of how plan renovations and works in order to avoid disturbance, which is usually always possible. The loss of old stone structures due to demolition, dilapidation or renovation is linked to declines in species such as Barn Owl and Swift, which are dependent on these structures. Modern buildings do not provide the same opportunities for wildlife. However, there is a lot that we can do to improve modern buildings for wildlife to ensure that we continue to make space for nature. The new book can be downloaded and the film viewed here.
Resources for Children, Schools and Families
The Heritage Office of Laois County Council has focused on producing high quality material for children and schools as well as for adults in recent years and all of this material is free to download from our website at www.laois.ie/nature, including –
Gardening for Biodiversity book and colouring book by Juanita Browne
Saving Swifts and Wildlife in Buildings books by BirdWatch Ireland
Guides to building nest-boxes for birds and bats, from BirdWatch Ireland
“Wild things at School” book and worksheets by Eanna Ní Lamhna
Nature Activity sheets for kids by Reconnect with Nature
A video guide to bird song for young people by Ricky Whelan of BirdWatch Ireland
“In your Nature” Podcast by BirdWatch Ireland
“Spring into Nature” worksheets
Radio clips with nature tips, from Midlands 103
Anna and Sarah Rothwell pictured at the launch of the book “Saving Swifts” at Abbeyleix Library. The book is a joint publication of BirdWatch Ireland and the Local Authority Heritage Officer Network. Picture: Alf Harvey
These resources were produced with the support of the Heritage Council, the Local Biodiversity Action Fund of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Creative Ireland Laois and Healthy Ireland.
Details of all events and resources for Biodiversity Week in Laois are available at www.laois.ie/nature.
