Tag: news

Major New Book on the Rock of Dunamase Launched

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 (23^rd 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 13^th 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.

24th November 2022
Minister for Heritage Malcolm Noonan launches €6 million 2023 Community Monuments Fund
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
21st November 2022
Funding for Biodiversity projects in Laois

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

23rd September 2022
New Conservation Advice funding for owners of historic buildings

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 30^th 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.

Conservation Advice Pilot – Application Form

Conservation Advice Pilot – Brief for Applicants

Conservation Advice Pilot – Privacy Statement

Scéim Phíolótach Chomhairle Caomhantais – Foirm Iarratais

Scéim Phíolótach Chomhairle Caomhantais – Ráiteas Príobháideachais

Scéim Phíolótach Chomhairle Caomhantais – Treoir d’Iarratasóirí

19th September 2022
Swifts fly high in Mountmellick

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.

17th September 2022
Portlaoise Tidy Towns Receive National Award

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.

4^th July 2022

5th July 2022
Conservation Plan for Fort Protector Launched

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.

24th June 2022
A Search for Local Memories

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.

18th May 2022
Biodiversity Week in Laois 2022
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.

For events happening across the country for Biodiversity Week, see https://biodiversityweek.ie/

Biodiversity Week is co-ordinated by the Irish Environmental Network, supported by the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Heritage Council
10th May 2022
New Home Stories Podcast Launched

The Laois Culture & Creativity team is delighted to announce the launch of writer and broadcaster Manchán Magan’s new podcast series “Home Stories” with insights into the homelands & cultures of Direct Provision residents in Laois.

Manchán has an article on the podcast series in today’s Irish Times magazine + a mention also in the Irish Independent.

More information is here.

Supported by Creative Ireland Laois as part of the Creative Ireland Programme 2017-2022 in partnership with Laois County Council.

16th April 2022
Successful Know your Locality Course Finishes with Field trip to Rock

The successful “Know your Locality” course has finished its second booked out run in Laois with a field trip to discover the hidden secrets of the Rock of Dunamase. The free online course introduced participants to the heritage of Ireland, and introduced them to the wide range of online sources that would allow them to paint for themselves a picture of the geological, archaeological, and historical events that happened in their own local area.

Archaeologist Stephen Mandal from the Irish Heritage School leading a field trip at the Rock of Dunamase looking at the geology, landscape, archaeology and history as part of Know Your Locality. Supported by Creative Ireland Laois as part of the Creative Ireland Programme (2017-2022) in partnership with Laois County Council. Picture: Alf Harvey.

Catherine Casey, Heritage Officer with Laois County Council said: “We were delighted to be working again with the Irish Heritage School to bring this course to everyone with interest in the built, natural and cultural Heritage of Laois. During recent lockdowns we have all become more aware of the beauty and value of our own local place, and this course taps into that. We hope it will equip people with the tools they need to research their locality and look at their own patch with new eyes. We are really grateful for the support of Creative Ireland in Laois, which allows us to bring this course to the public for free.”

Archaeologist Stephen Mandal from the Irish Heritage School leading a field trip at the Rock of Dunamase looking at the geology, landscape, archaeology and history as part of Know Your Locality. Supported by Creative Ireland Laois as part of the Creative Ireland Programme (2017-2022) in partnership with Laois County Council. Picture: Alf Harvey.

The course was delivered through five online tutorials, starting by looking at the very bedrock under our feet, examining the geological processes and glacial events that shaped the landscape and formed the soils. The course then examined the impacts of humans on that landscape over time, from pre-history to the last century. Workshops focussed on a different aspect of geology, the landscape and archaeology of Laois each week, from the formation of Ireland to the arrival of the Anglo-Normans, with a focus on each workshop on teaching online research skills.

Participants learned how to use these skills to make their own submission to the ‘Know Your 5k ’ initiative of the Heritage Council and National Museum of Ireland. Through this and other citizen scientist programmes, course participants can make a real contribution to the conservation of our heritage by recording what is in their local area, what the local community values and raising awareness of its importance.

Studying an archaeological artefact on a field trip at the Rock of Dunamase looking at the geology, landscape, archaeology and history as part of Know Your Locality. Supported by Creative Ireland Laois as part of the Creative Ireland Programme (2017-2022) in partnership with Laois County Council.
Picture: Alf Harvey.

The course ended with a field trip to the Rock of Dunamase, with the participants learning how to analyse a site in a holistic way, starting with the landscape and the rocks, to look for clues to how the area was formed and what might have led people to settle there. They learned about the arrival of the Anglo Normans to Ireland and the influence that William Marshall has had across all of Ireland, including Laois. All agreed it was a fitting end to an excellent course.

Archaeologist Stephen Mandal from the Irish Heritage School leading a field trip at the Rock of Dunamase looking at the geology, landscape, archaeology and history as part of Know Your Locality. Supported by Creative Ireland Laois as part of the Creative Ireland Programme (2017-2022) in partnership with Laois County Council.
Picture: Alf Harvey.

The course was organised by the Heritage Office of Laois County Council with support from Creative Ireland as part of the Creative Ireland Programme 2017-2022 and was delivered by Dr Stephen Mandal, of the Irish Heritage School.

30th March 2022
Great line up for Festival of Flight

The Festival of Flight is shaping up to be a major event in Laois, with plans for arts and science workshops, talks, music and historic plane fly-overs. The event which takes place in Portlaoise from the 7^th to the 10^th of April, will celebrate the rich history of flight in Laois.

Grace and Millie Fennelly at Fitzmaurice Place, Portlaoise for the launch of the new Festival of Flight being held in Laois from Thursday 7 April until Sunday 10 April.
Picture: Alf Harvey.

One of the main events of the weekend will be a live performance of the Impossible Dream, the piece composed by Martin Tourish and the young musicians of the Music Generation Laois Trad Orchestra to celebrate the life and achievements of the Portlaoise Aviator James Fitzmaurice. The piece will be performed as part of a special event at St Peter’s Church of Ireland Church in Portlaoise starting at 3pm on Saturday 9th April and will also feature talks on the history and future of aviation and exploration in Laois and Ireland and a special performance by poet Laura Murphy. Tickets for the event are priced at €10 and are available via the Dunamaise Arts Centre, www.dunamaise.ie.

Programme of events

Thursday 7^th April

Schools workshops on the art and science of flight

Premiere online of the new video “Science at Home by Midlands Science, featuring the Portlaoise Plane

Friday 8^th April

Schools workshops on the art and science of flight

Aircraft Professional Technical Networking Meeting, Bloom HQ Mountrath

Saturday 8^th April

Free family workshops on “Flights of Fancy” at the Dunamaise Arts Centre – see Dunamaise.ie for booking

“The Impossible Dream” Concert with Martin Tourish and the Music Generation Laois Trad Orchestra, featuring talks and poetry. 3pm St Peter’s Church of Ireland Church, Portlaoise, see www.dunamaise.ie for booking

Sunday 9^th April

Wreath laying ceremony and historic planes flyover (subject to weather), 12 mid-day Fitzmaurice Place Portlaoise

Portlaoise Plane on display, Fitzmaurice Place from 11am to 3pm

Committee members, from left: Catherine Casey, Laois Heritage Officer; Louise Fennelly, secretary; Ralph James, former GOC Irish Air Corps; Teddy Fennelly, chairman and Michael Parsons, Laois Heritage at Fitzmaurice Place, Portlaoise for the launch of the new Festival of Flight being held in Laois from Thursday 7 April until Sunday 10 April.
Picture: Alf Harvey.

Teddy Fennelly, Chair of the Colonel James Fitzmaurice Commemoration Committee, organisers of the festival said “We are so happy to share our love for flight and aviation with the public through this Festival. Portlaoise and Laois have so much to be proud of in the achievements of Col Fitzmaurice and the building of the Portlaoise Plane, we think the story deserves to be better known and we hope this festival l will fire up the enthusiasm and imagination of Ireland’s next generation of young explorers. We are particularly happy that our friends in the Irish Air Corps will be involved again this year – in this the centenary year of the foundation of the Air Corps, the links between Portlaoise and the Air Corps are continuing to strengthen”

Schools and Family Workshops

As part of the festival, Portlaoise schools have been offered the opportunity to book free workshops looking at all aspects of flight, from how butterflies wings work to how super-heroes fly. Catherine Casey, Heritage Officer with Laois County Council said “We are delighted to deliver science based workshops, exploring the science of flight, and at the other end of the spectrum we want to really open up everyone’s imagination to the creative and playful side of flight, with arts workshops supported by Creative Ireland Laois. We are allocating workshops to the schools that have applied at the moment and we will also have a workshop for home-schooling families, and public workshops at the Dunamaise Arts Centre on Saturday 9^th April as part of the Festival. We really want to inspire children & young people to creatively and imaginatively respond to the theme of ‘flight’. All details are on the festival website, www.laois.ie/festivalofflight”.

Eva Cahill flying her kite at Fitzmaurice Place, Portlaoise for the launch of the new Festival of Flight being held in Laois from Thursday 7 April until Sunday 10 April.
Picture: Alf Harvey.

Col Fitzmaurice Commemoration Committee

The Festival of Flight is led by the Col Fitzmaurice Commemoration Committee, which is made up of Teddy Fennelly, Alan Phelan, Michael Parsons, Louise Cahill, PJ Kavanagh, Ralph James, Sean Murray and Catherine Casey. The event is being run in partnership with Laois County Council, Laois Heritage Society, Music Generation Laois, the Dunamaise Arts Centre and Midlands Science, and is supported by the Heritage Council and Creative Ireland Laois as part of the Creative Ireland Programme 2017-2022 in partnership with Laois County Council.

For details of all events across the Festival, see www.laois.ie/festivalofflight.

Bobby and Eva Cahill at Fitzmaurice Place, Portlaoise for the launch of the new Festival of Flight being held in Laois from Thursday 7 April until Sunday 10 April.
Picture: Alf Harvey.

23rd March 2022