Athenry News & Views Summer 2026

Summer 2026 Athenry Summer 2026 Free Online Publication NEWS & VIEWS News - Sport - Farming - Health - Music - Fashion Culture -Travel - Folklore - History

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Athenry News & Views

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Contents

About Athenry Experience A Golden Opportunity for Athenry Murphy House ‘The Bivouac’

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Galway County Council - Affordable Housing. Athenry Community Garden and Nature Park Celebrating Success at Newcastle N.S. Turf Cutting Tradition through the years Donnacha Cahill Sculptor Enduring Journey of Irish Travellers

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A Chance Discovery: My Family and the Attymon Hoard Mary Lavin: A Literary Voice Shaped by Athenry and Bective Quotes - O’Regan’s Athenry Celebrating 100 Years of Thinking Day in Athenry Local Updates with Deputy Louis O’Hara T.D. GAA wreath laying ceremony honouring Larry Lardner Travel - Mogadishu 2025 Lisheenkyle N.S. News Athenry Primary School Don’t be Manipulated Busy Times in Gaelscoil Riada Miles, Milestones and Momentum at Athenry A.C. Golf Club News & Updates Development Dream becoming a reality for Athenry Camogie The Athenry Northern Relief Road - Albert Dolan TD Minimalist Gardening Annual Parish Cemetery Masses 2026 Athenry Agricultural Show 2026 Athenry FC Another Season Comes to a Close! St. Mary’s GAA Club News & Updates Galway County Council News - Cllr. Sean Broderick The Restoration of St. Kerrill’s Abbey, Cloonkeenkerrill Mary’s Meals 125 Years of Parish Life - Brid Higgins Extracts from the diary of Peter Broderick (Part 2) Words - by Paul Holland Visit the beautiful Community Garden and Nature Park

We would like to thank all who contributed articles, provided photographs or supported us by advertising and helped in any way to make this publication possible. Athenry News & Views Team

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Athenry News & Views Athenry NEWS & VIEWS

Editorial About Athenry Experience Group Over the past two years, the Athenry Experience Group has been working on a range of projects focused on promoting Athenry, preserving its history, developing tourism and strengthening communication between residents, community groups and local businesses. The group’s aim is simple: to help make Athenry a more connected, informed and progressive place to live while preserving its unique history and heritage that make it such a special town. One of the group’s first projects was the creation of athenryexperience.ie, a website designed to showcase Athenry as a tourism destination while also providing a platform to record and preserve the history of the town and its people. A significant part of the website is dedicated to recording the stories of local people through photographs, interviews and audio-visual recordings. Another important aspect of the website is the digital republication of rare local history and folklore publications. These works connect present-day generations with the lives, experiences and traditions of their parents, grandparents and great-grandparents. They preserve a rich storytelling tradition that was once passed down through local Seanchaithe and community historians. Without these publications, many stories of local life, customs and events might have been lost forever. By making them available online, Athenry Experience is helping to ensure that this valuable heritage remains accessible to everyone. The project remains ongoing, and there are many more stories waiting to be told by families and individuals throughout the area. The story of British rule, the Great Famine, land agitation, cultural revival and political struggle created the conditions that eventually led to the birth of an independent Irish state. The challenges faced by the country after independence were equally significant as communities worked to build a new future. Athenry played a central role in many of these developments and, in many respects, reflects the broader story of Ireland itself. In 2025, with the support of Galway City Museum and the Office of Public Works (OPW), the Athenry Experience Group helped develop a major exhibition on the events of 1916, the role of Liam Mellows and the Galway Volunteers.

Published by: The Athenry Experience Group Next Edition September 2026 Articles & Advertisments to: athenryexperience@gmail.com

Editorial Group: Steve Dolan, Joe Monaghan,

Philip Magnier, James Lundon, Patricia O’Grady, Sylvia Ryan, Ann Poniard, Sean Cleary, Jarlath Cloonan.

Athenry Experience Free Online Library

Cover Photograph - Cahertober Lake by Jarlath Cloonan

Instagram

Website: athenryexperience.ie

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publication. We also greatly appreciate the many contributors who provide regular updates, stories, photographs and reports from across local and surrounding communities. The group welcomes assistance from anyone interested in becoming involved with Athenry News & Views. Editors, writers, photographers, historians, researchers, administrative volunteers and people with financial, marketing or fundraising experience are all needed. Interested in getting involved? The Athenry Experience Group is calling on anyone who wishes to contribute their skills, knowledge, time or enthusiasm to become involved. Whether your interest lies in history, tourism, writing, photography, fundraising, business development or community engagement, there is a role for you. Together, we can preserve our past, celebrate our present and help build a stronger future for Athenry. For further information or to get involved, please contact the Athenry Experience Group at athenryexperience@gmail.com Learn more and follow progress at Murphy House & Centre

The exhibition, located on the upper floor of Athenry Castle, features a series of interpretive storyboards explaining the events of the period. It also includes a remarkable three-metre commemorative banner listing the names of more than 750 men and women from County Galway who participated in the Rising and related activities centred on Athenry. For many local families, the banner provides a direct connection to relatives whose contributions helped shape Irish history. It stands as a lasting tribute to the commitment and sacrifice of the people of East The next major project undertaken by the group was the revival of the local magazine Athenry News & Views. For more than forty years, the publication documented the life of the town, recording events, achievements and community stories. Although publication ceased in 2019, its extensive archive remains an invaluable record of local history. To ensure its long-term sustainability, the decision was made to publish the magazine in an environmentally friendly digital format, free of charge and accessible worldwide. All editions are available at athenryexperience.ie/ news and can be accessed through a direct web link or by using the widely distributed QR codes. The continued support of local businesses through advertising is critical to the success of the Galway during this pivotal period. Reviving Athenry News & Views

Murphy’s of Clarke Street, Athenry Historic 1916 Irish House ‘The Bivouac’

This is a rare opportunity to secure, on behalf of the people of Athenry, a house of National importance. Built in 1906 by members of the Irish Republican Brotherhood, the property is not simply historic, it is directly tied to the foundations of the Irish State. This house helped shape our country and to lose such a historic place would be to disregard a vital part of our National history and story. Be part or our team and experience the journey Email: athenryexperience@gmail.com Call: 00 353 083 002 1286

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A Golden opportunity for Athenry Proposed National 1916 Interpretive Centre

The most ambitious project currently being pursued by the Athenry Experience Group is the establishment of a National 1916 Interpretive Centre and the restoration of the historic Murphy House at Clarke Street, Athenry. The Group’s vision is to create a nationally significant and unique tourist attraction that tells the story of the 1916 Easter Rising in the very location where Irish Volunteers trained and assembled before mobilising to take control of the Government-run Model Farm (now Liam Mellows College) and Moyode Castle during Easter Week 1916. Athenry’s participation in the Easter Rising is widely acknowledged and can justifiably claim to be one of the few locations outside Dublin where Volunteers formally assembled, took control of strategic properties and remained active until ordered to stand down. The proposed Interpretive Centre will preserve and showcase this important chapter in Irish history through innovative exhibitions, immersive visitor experiences, educational programmes and cultural events. It will serve as a focal point for heritage tourism, attracting visitors from across Ireland and overseas while supporting local economic development. A National Heritage Destination Our vision is to transform Murphy House and the National 1916 Interpretive Centre into a landmark destination that honours the legacy of 1916, enriches public understanding of Ireland’s revolutionary period and positions Athenry as a leading heritage and tourism hub in Galway and the West of Ireland. Using the story of the 1916 Rising as its central theme and visitor attraction, the project has the potential to substantially increase visitor and the restoration of historic Murphy House at Clarke Street

numbers to Athenry while creating new income generating opportunities through associated products and services, including: Guided tours and heritage experiences Educational programmes and school visits Cultural events and commemorations Exhibitions and lectures Retail and hospitality opportunities The Interpretive Centre will act as a catalyst for the development of a wider cluster of visitor attractions within Athenry, encouraging longer visitor stays, increased tourism spending and greater economic benefits for local businesses and the wider community. A Gateway to East Galway The project will establish Athenry as both a destination in its own right and a gateway hub for exploring the rich heritage, cultural and tourism experiences of East Galway. By connecting visitors with attractions throughout the region, this development will strengthen Athenry’s role as a key tourism centre and contribute significantly to the sustainable economic, cultural and social development of the town and surrounding area. The Murphy House headquarters of the Irish Volunteers in 1916. Photograph of the R.I.C. who occupied the house following the Easter Rising and published in national newspapers.

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By restoring Murphy House and interpreting its history in an engaging and accessible manner, Athenry can secure an important part of its heritage while creating a lasting educational and tourism resource for future generations. Tourism Potential Modern tourists have many choices when deciding where to visit, how long to stay and how they spend their money. Competition for visitors is intense. However, Athenry possesses many advantages. Its strategic location, excellent rail connections, modern road infrastructure, rich history and vibrant community provide a strong foundation for future growth. The challenge is ensuring that the visitor experience is visible, accessible and compelling before travellers make their destination choices. Achieving this will require a coordinated effort involving community organisations, heritage groups, local authorities, hospitality providers, tourism agencies and businesses throughout the area. Getting Involved The success of this project will depend on community support and collaboration. Whether your interest lies in history, tourism, fundraising, business development, education, heritage conservation, marketing or community engagement, there is a role for you. Together, we can preserve an important part of Ireland’s history, celebrate Athenry’s unique contribution to the story of the nation and help build a stronger future for our town. For further information or to become involved in the project, please contact the Athenry Experience Group using the details provided below.

The Interpretive Centre would and House complement Athenry’s existing heritage attractions, including: Athenry Castle Dominican Priory, Medieval Town Walls Heritage Centre, Historical walking trails, Ringforts and archaeological sites, Holy wells and religious heritage locations. Importantly, it would also support local hotels, guest houses, restaurants, cafés, pubs and retail businesses by encouraging visitors to spend more time in the town and surrounding area. Celebrating Athenry’s Unique Story The aim is to create a visitor experience that presents Athenry not only as one of Ireland’s finest medieval towns, but also as a place whose people played a significant role in shaping modern Ireland. The story of the Murphy family, the Irish Republican Brotherhood, the Galway Volunteers and the events of Easter Week 1916 provides Athenry with a unique historical narrative that deserves national recognition and preservation. Leader of the I.R.B. in the West of Ireland and Irish Volunteers Richard Murphy made his house available to the National Leaders of the 1916 Rising for meetings an lodgings.

Please contact the Athenry Experience Group at athenryexperience@gmail.com

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The Irish Times article about the 1,000 strong 1916 Easter Rising in Athenry and seizure of Moyode Castle dated Saturday May 6th

Murphy House, ‘The Bivouac’ Athenry A Site of National Historical Significance

The Murphy House and adjoining Town Hall, Clarke Street, Athenry, is arguably the most important historical site associated with the Easter Rising in the west of Ireland. Originally owned by Richard “Dick” Murphy, a central leader of the Irish Republican Brotherhood and a member of the Irish Volunteers committee, the building served as a hub of nationalist activity before, during, and after the revolutionary period. It was here that leading figures—including Pádraig Pearse, Éamon de Valera, Thomas Clarke, Eoin MacNeill, and Roger Casement—met with local leaders such as Liam Mellows and Dick Murphy to organise and plan the western campaign of the Rising. “A cultural and historical asset of national and international importance.” As a professional Irish historian, I am struck by the significance of all that took place at the Clarke Street site—a quiet location nestled within the medieval walls of one of Ireland’s most historic towns. This pivotal story is supported by an impressive body of original written evidence, photographs, furniture, memorabilia, and artefacts. I have visited comparable sites in other countries that contain far less than what the Murphy House offers. At a time when many sites associated with Ireland’s revolutionary period have been lost or are under threat, it is essential that we preserve the built heritage of this defining era, from which our modern Republic emerged with its promise of self-determination. The acquisition, restoration, and opening of Murphy House to the public would create a lasting historical and cultural legacy for future generations. In addition, the tourism potential of such a project would bring significant economic benefit to both the local and wider community, offering visitors an authentic and immersive experience. Athenry—Baile Átha an Rí, the “Town of the Ford of the King”—is easily accessible by motorway and rail, and boasts a rich history stretching back to medieval times. Celebrated in song and recognised worldwide, Athenry stands as a powerful microcosm of Ireland’s story. The Murphy House Project would only serve to strengthen and enrich that narrative.

Dr. Chris Doyle School of History and Philosophy National University of Ireland, Galway

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Recently, local councillors approved an additional affordable housing scheme at Raheen, comprising 28 houses on the vacant site near the Raheen Woods end of the Byrne Mech Road. It is hoped construction will commence before the end of the year. In addition, there are currently 16 houses under construction at Páirc na Rí on the Tuam Road, 20 at An Cheathrú Bán, 49 at Gortnahown near the cemetery and 36 at Caheroyan. Collectively, these developments will provide a welcome boost to local housing supply. Despite these positive developments, house prices remain high and securing affordable accommodation continues to be a major challenge for many people. Urban Framework Plan Galway County Council is currently preparing an Urban Framework Plan for a significant area of development land at Ballydavid South/Caheroyan. The framework will provide a detailed blueprint for future development, including housing, road infrastructure, pedestrian and cycling connectivity, neighbourhood facilities, public amenities and open spaces. The lands concerned are located to the rear of the existing housing estates along the Tuam Road and New Line and extend as far as the proposed route of the Northern Ring Road, which has yet to be constructed in that area. By planning the overall layout in advance, it is hoped that the problems associated with piecemeal development can be avoided and that the land bank can be developed in a coordinated, sustainable and community-friendly manner. The plan is expected to be completed by the end of June. Having an agreed framework in place will also strengthen applications for funding to complete the final section of the Northern Ring Road and support engagement with Uisce Éireann and ESB Networks regarding the delivery of essential services to the area.

Affordable Housing Housing remains one of the most pressing issues facing families and individuals across the country. Delivering new homes continues to be challenging due to a range of factors, including difficulties accessing development finance, rising construction costs and the provision of essential services such as water, wastewater and electricity. There is, however, some welcome progress locally which will provide homes for a significant number of people within the community. At present, approximately 260 homes are under construction in Athenry, with a further 70-plus homes granted planning permission and additional developments at pre-planning stage. Of the 260 homes currently under construction, 106 will be delivered through an Affordable Housing Scheme. The first phase of Fearann na hEascrach, located beside the Raheen pitches, has already opened for expressions of interest. This initial phase comprises 33 houses, with further phases of 48 and 25 homes scheduled for release next year. Under the Affordable Purchase Scheme, Galway County Council will make these homes available at reduced prices to first-time buyers and other eligible applicants. The purchase price is linked to household income and mortgage capacity, providing greater opportunities for people to secure home ownership. It is a positive development and one that many hope will be expanded in the future. Galway County Council News By: Cllr. Peter Feeney

Affordable housing at Fearann na hEascrach beside Raheen sports grounds

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Seeds of Connection Growing in the Heart of the Community By: Ciaran Mahony & Emma Muldoon (Clarin College) Athenry Community Garden and Nature Park

With the decline of the “third space” across Ireland and beyond — those everyday places where people naturally gather and connect — many communities are experiencing growing levels of isolation and disconnection. In recent years, Athenry has not been immune to this shift. Yet beneath the surface, something hopeful has been quietly taking root. That spark of renewal comes in the form of the Athenry Community Garden and Nature Park, a remarkable local initiative developed by Amicitia Athenry and a committed team of volunteers determined to create a greener, healthier and more connected future for the town. The seeds of the project were first planted during the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when many people rediscovered the benefits of spending time outdoors and reconnecting with nature. Seeing that the local allotments in Athenry were already at full capacity, Gillian Lally approached Galway County Councillor and Amicitia voluntary director Shelly Herterich Quinn with the idea of creating a new community garden for the area. Through the support of Galway County Council, a 2.4-acre site in Gortnahown was secured, and work soon began. Since then, an energetic group of volunteers — including Shelly Herterich Quinn, Gillian Lally, Patrick Mulhahill, Heather Griffen, Paul Cotter, Jason Ó’Cobhthaigh and many others — have dedicated countless hours to transforming the land into a thriving community space built on cooperation, sustainability and shared purpose. One of the first major undertakings involved planting approximately 300 native trees around the site. These trees not only enhance biodiversity and sustainability but also help improve the wet and boggy ground conditions that exist across parts of the land. The project gained further momentum when Amicitia received Climate Action funding, enabling significant developments to take place. Among the most impressive additions is a newly constructed polytunnel, allowing gardeners to grow produce throughout the year and experiment with a wider variety of crops. During a recent visit to the gardens, lead gardener Gillian Lally proudly showcased flourishing tomato plants already thriving inside the structure. Working alongside the Athenry Men’s Shed, the team also constructed 19 raised planting beds to provide additional growing spaces for local residents as demand for allotments continues to increase.

The site’s vision extends far beyond gardening alone. A solar-powered cabin has been installed and is intended to serve as a community hub for workshops, training sessions, educational activities and social gatherings — or simply somewhere to “pop down for a cup of tea.” The garden also features a beautiful natural pond, where efforts are underway to encourage wildlife such as frogs and newts to settle and thrive. The entire site has been carefully designed to help reconnect people with nature and with one another. That sense of reconnection was perfectly captured during one of the community tree-planting days, when local children enthusiastically played in piles of soil and, as Gillian Lally fondly described, “went home filthy and delighted with life.” Lally’s philosophy for the garden centres on encouraging people to reconnect with the earth and “not be afraid to get dirty again.” It is an ethos that has become deeply embedded in the atmosphere of the project — one that welcomes people to ground themselves, appreciate nature, build friendships and become part of something meaningful.

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Looking ahead, the plans for the site are ambitious and inspiring. Amicitia hopes to run monthly gardening courses throughout the summer, helping people develop practical skills and confidence in growing their own food. Family-friendly spaces are also planned, including areas where children can interact with nature through activities such as a mud kitchen and environmental play spaces. For adults, future plans include peaceful walking paths winding through the expanding woodland areas, creating a tranquil environment where visitors can relax and reconnect with nature. The group also hopes to develop “wellness vegetable boxes” using produce grown on-site, with aspirations of eventually supplying fresh local ingredients to nearby businesses such as the Raheen Woods Hotel. Environmental sustainability remains central to the project’s vision. Alongside an already functioning rainwater harvesting system, the group plans to introduce composting toilets to further reduce the site’s environmental footprint. Perhaps most importantly, the garden has already begun making a genuine difference within the local community. Children from nearby estates have started growing their own plants and have formed routines around watering them using the community’s harvested rainwater system and shared watering cans. Amicitia and its volunteers warmly welcome anyone interested in getting involved, whether through gardening, maintenance work or simply lending a helping hand. The garden remains open to the public and continues to evolve into a vibrant shared space for the people of Athenry. The official launch of the Athenry Community Garden and Nature Park will take place on 27 June in Gortnahown, opposite Páirc Na hAbhainn estate — a celebration not only of a garden, but of community spirit, sustainability and hope for the future.

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Athenry News & Views

Celebrating Success at Newcastle N.S. A Remarkable Year of Achievement, Creativity and Sporting Excellence

From music and technology to sport and performance, it has been an extraordinary year for the pupils of Newcastle National School. Throughout the year, the school community has celebrated a series of memorable achievements that have showcased the creativity, talent, teamwork and enthusiasm of its pupils both inside and outside the classroom. National Recognition at the Walton RTÉ Lyric FM Music Competition One of the proudest moments of the year came on 19 May, when Newcastle National School was named runners-up in the prestigious Walton RTÉ Lyric FM Music Competition. Representing their school with confidence and professionalism, the talented pupils travelled to the National Concert Hall to perform their original song, A Chuisle Mo Chroí, live on stage at the national finals. The competition celebrates exceptional young musical talent from schools throughout Ireland, and Newcastle NS received outstanding praise for the creativity, musical ability and emotional depth of their performance. Writing and performing their own original composition made the achievement even more special and meaningful for the pupils and teachers involved. The entire school community is immensely proud of the children for their dedication, hard work and remarkable talent. Reaching the national finals and securing the runners-up title is a tremendous honour and an experience that will remain with the pupils for many years to come Innovation and Creativity Through LEGO League Innovation and teamwork were also to the fore this year as 5th Class pupils once again participated in the exciting LEGO League project. The theme for this year’s competition, Unearthed,

encouraged pupils to explore the fascinating worlds of archaeology, artefacts and ancient ruins. Throughout the project, the children investigated historic Irish sites and enjoyed a local field trip to the site of an old school, where they uncovered a variety of interesting artefacts while learning more about local history and heritage. Working collaboratively in groups, pupils researched, coded and problem-solved as they designed and built their own robots to assist archaeologists in their work. The project provided a highly engaging hands-on learning experience, combining science, technology, engineering and creativity. Six pupils proudly represented the school at the LEGO League Showcase held at Atlantic Technological University, where they enjoyed an inspiring and memorable day. During the showcase, the pupils presented their innovative models, demonstrated their coding skills in action and displayed detailed posters outlining their design processes, coding journeys and the core values practised throughout the project. Following the showcase event, the pupils toured the ATU laboratories, where they experienced cutting edge technology firsthand, including a 3D printer and a robotic arm in operation. To conclude the project, the pupils hosted their own school showcase event, proudly presenting their work, discoveries and achievements to the wider school community. Sporting success was another major highlight of the year for Newcastle National School, with huge congratulations extended to the school’s girls’ football team on their fantastic achievement. Newcastle NS was one of only 32 schools nationwide

Pupils pictured with teachers Gráinne O’Neill, Éadaoin Ní Neachtain and Louise Donohoe following their performance at the Walton’s RTÉ Lyric FM National Music Competition Finals in the National Concert Hall, Dublin.

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Sport continues to flourish at Newcastle NS, with even more exciting achievements adding to what has already been a memorable year for the school community. In addition to the girls’ football team’s unforgettable experience at Croke Park, both the boys’ football team and boys’ hurling team have also enjoyed outstanding success in this year’s Cumann na mBunscol competitions. After a series of impressive performances, both teams have now reached their respective Cumann na mBunscol finals and will contest the finals later this month. Excitement is building throughout the school community as pupils, staff and families prepare to support the teams on these important occasions. Further sporting success came through the school’s girls’ camogie team, who have also enjoyed an excellent campaign and progressed to the semi-final stages of their competition. These achievements are a wonderful reflection of the dedication, teamwork and sporting spirit shown by all pupils and coaches involved. Everyone at Newcastle National School wishes the teams the very best of luck in their upcoming matches. Ukulele Orchestra Brings Music to Life. Music has continued to flourish throughout the school year,

selected to participate in the Allianz Rewards Pitch Day at Croke Park — an unforgettable opportunity for the young players. On Wednesday, 15 April, the girls had the incredible honour of playing in Ireland’s most iconic sporting stadium, competing against Sisters of Charity, Clonmel and Convent Primary School, Mallow. The team represented their school with tremendous pride, displaying excellent skill, determination and sportsmanship throughout the day. It was a memorable occasion for players, teachers, families and supporters alike and a fitting reward for the girls’ hard work and teamwork throughout the year. Pupils from Newcastle NS pictured at the LEGO League Showcase in ATU Galway.

Girls’ Football Team Enjoys Croke Park Experience

Girls’ football team from Newcastle National School who participated in the Allianz Rewards Pitch Day at Croke Park.

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with all pupils at Newcastle NS learning to play the ukulele as part of their musical education. This year, pupils from 3rd and 4th Class had the exciting opportunity to attend the Galway Ukulele Orchestra, hosted and organised by Music Generation Galway County. Held at Leisureland and supported by Galway and Roscommon Education and Training Board, the event brought together more than 400 students from 10 schools across Galway County for a spectacular musical gathering. The young performers rehearsed, played and experienced the excitement of performing as part of a large orchestra. The event also provided an excellent opportunity for Musician Educators and school staff to connect and celebrate a year of music-making in schools throughout the county. The day proved to be an inspiring and enjoyable experience for everyone involved and reflected the school’s continued commitment to creativity, confidence and participation in the arts.

St. Oliver Plunkett NS, Newcastle Boys’ Hurling Team.

Pupils performing at the Galway Ukulele Orchestra in Leisureland.

St. Oliver Plunkett NS, Newcastle Boys’ Football Team.

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Turf Cutting Tradition through the years By: Jarlath Cloonan

For centuries, turf cutting was woven into the fabric of Irish rural life, providing fuel, employment and a strong sense of tradition. In 21st century Ireland, however, turf cutting has become a subject of both cultural importance and environmental debate. For many families, particularly in East Galway, cutting turf was once an annual tradition passed down through generations. During the summer months, neighbours, friends and families gathered in the bogs to cut, foot and save turf for the winter ahead. The scent of a turf fire became closely associated with Irish homes, hospitality and community life. Although modern heating systems and alternative fuels have reduced dependence on turf, many people in the country still value it as an affordable and traditional source of heat. In some rural areas in Galway, turf cutting remains part of local heritage and identity, with older generations especially retaining a strong connection with the bog. Among those continuing the tradition is Pat Finnerty from Monivea, who has been cutting turf in local bogs for more than fifty years. Having spent decades working on the bogs, Pat has

Pat Finnerty embraced changes in turf cutting methods However, in recent decades,

witnessed enormous changes in both turf-cutting methods and rural life. While hand-cutting turf was once the norm, modern machinery has transformed the work. Today, Pat uses a hopper turf cutting machine to cut turf efficiently and economically, helping to provide his many loyal customers with a reliable and low-cost fuel source for heating and cooking. Despite changing times, he continues to supply households that still appreciate the warmth, comfort and tradition of a real turf fire.

concerns about climate change and environmental protection have brought major changes to turf cutting practices. Peatlands are now recognised as important natural habitats and carbon stores that help absorb greenhouse gases and support biodiversity. As a result, restrictions have been introduced on turf cutting in certain protected bogs and conservation areas. The decline of large-scale commercial peat harvesting, including the ending of peat-fired electricity generation by Bord

Cutting turf using a Hopper in 2026

Cutting turf the old way in the 1800s

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Harvesting turf the old way in the 1800s

Plot of freshly cut turf in 2026

na Móna, was welcomed. Many former bog workers and rural communities have since adapted to new forms of employment and environmental restoration projects. Today, the country faces the challenge of balancing environmental responsibility with respect for rural traditions and

cultural heritage. While turf cutting is no longer as widespread as it once was, it remains an important symbol of Irish history, resilience and community life. Across the country, restored bogs, heritage projects and local museums continue to preserve the stories, skills and traditions associated with turf cutting,

ensuring that this unique part of Ireland’s past is not forgotten by future generations. For Pat Finnerty, life goes on, providing his customers in East Galway with a service and a low cost fuel, influenced only by the weather. Contact Pat at 087 163 0608

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Donnacha Cahill Sculptor

Athenry native Donnacha Cahill is a sculptor specialising in Bronze and Steel. A Fine-Art graduate he is renowned for his ability to create sculpture that tells a story but also allows the viewer to interpret the work with their own narrative. His work is highly collectible and is currently in private collections across the globe including countries such as, Canada, Switzerland, The USA, Italy, Holland, New Zealand, England, Germany and France. Donnacha believes in creating work that acts as a vessel to inspire and tell stories. He is inspired by his every day surrounding and observations from his home in Athenry, His exhibition at the the West of the River Gallery/Cafe in Old Church Street is well worth a visit

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Enduring Journey of Irish Travellers

On a summer morning over half a century ago, a brightly painted wagon might have appeared on the edge of a town or village. Children would peer out its barrel-top doorway, horses would paw the ground and soon a small crowd would gather. Some came for a story, others for a tune and many to trade for the wares of the tinsmith who travelled with his family. Wherever the Travellers went, they carried with them not just goods, but a culture steeped in music, storytelling and kinship. In 1960, while home on holiday in Lisdoran, Athenry, Columban missionary Fr. Frank Carr received an unexpected gift. Friends, an Irish-American family named Cawley, whose roots were in the Athenry area, presented him with what was considered a top-quality camera at the time. Colour photography was still a rarity in rural Ireland. It was expensive and most families relied on simple black-and-white snapshots if they owned a camera at all. But Fr. Frank embraced the gift with quiet enthusiasm. Standing outside his family home, he began capturing scenes from daily life and among his most striking subjects were the Traveller families who passed along the road. More than half a century later, his images remain rare windows into a vanished world, a moment when the road was still home and colour photography was just beginning to enter Ireland. For generations, myths swirled around who these people were and where they came from. The most enduring claimed that the community sprang from the devastation of the Great Famine of the 1840s, when thousands of Irish families lost their homes. It was a story often retold by those who wished to see

Travellers abandon their nomadic ways and blend into a settled society. But in 2017, a different answer emerged. A genetic study showed that Travellers and the settled Irish share the same ancestry, diverging only about 12 generations ago, roughly 360 years. The finding dismantled the Famine myth and affirmed what Travellers had long known, their history runs deeper than the roads they travel. Life for their community has never been simple. Their skills as tinsmiths, thatchers, weavers and traders once made them vital to rural Ireland and their presence at fairs was as familiar as the music and an odd bare-knuckle ‘fight’ that usually drew a crowd. Yet as the 20th century ushered in industrialisation, plastics replaced tin, machines replaced farm hands and the horse-drawn wagon gave way to the caravan. With work scarce, many families crossed the Irish Sea to England or moved into cities, taking up jobs in construction or scrap metal. But discrimination followed them. Denied housing, shunned in schools and often unwelcome in workplaces, Travellers were left to camp along roadsides, in fields and on derelict sites. Still, their traditions endured. Around campfires and kitchen tables, stories continued to flow, songs were passed on and family remained the heartbeat of their community. Today, the horse-drawn wagons of old are long gone and even caravans are rare, but the spirit of resilience survives. The story of the Irish Travellers is not only one of hardship but of perseverance and of a people who, despite centuries of change, refuse to let their culture be erased.

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While home on holiday in Lisdoran, Athenry in 1960, Columban missionary Fr. Frank Carr received an unexpected gift of a colour camera. Standing outside his family home, he photographed scenes from daily life. Among his most striking subjects were traveller families who passed along the road. His colour images remain rare windows into a vanished Ireland, a time when the road was still home to the traveller community .

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Athenry News & Views

A Chance Discovery: My Family and the Attymon Hoard

By: Ciarán Cannon

I was recently invited by the Kiltullagh Killimordaly Heritage Society to tell a story that is both deeply personal to me and of real historical significance to our area: the discovery of the Attymon Hoard in April 1891. That discovery was made not by archaeologists, but by my great grandfather, Thomas Cannon, and his brother-in-law, Philip Fahy, while digging a drain through the bogland at Cappanasruhaun—a place whose name, “the field of streams,” still feels fitting today. Cappanasruhaun is a townland near Attymon train station. What my ancestors uncovered that day had lain hidden for more than two thousand years: a collection of beautifully crafted bronze objects from the Iron Age, including ornate bridle bits and distinctive Y-shaped pendants. What strikes me most is the sense of intention behind the original burial. These were not lost items or discarded tools. They appear to have been deliberately placed deep in the bog, perhaps as a votive offering—a gesture tied to belief, ritual, or identity in a world we are still trying to fully understand. And then, for reasons unknown, they were never retrieved. Equally remarkable is how close we came to never knowing their significance at all. In 1891, Attymon was a place of quiet rural life, though not untouched by wider currents of change. The railway line to Loughrea had just opened, bringing new opportunity, while nationally Ireland was in a period of political tension and transformation. Amid all of this, my great grandfather carried on with the rhythms of daily life and, like many in the area, travelled regularly with his horses to the weekly market in Athenry. It was through one of those ordinary journeys that an extraordinary connection was made.

Without that chance encounter in Athenry, it is entirely possible that the objects might have remained little more than curiosities within a farming household, their true age and importance unrecognised. Instead, in September 1891, they became part of the national collection, and today the Attymon Hoard stands as one of the most important pieces of evidence for Iron Age Ireland’s connection to a wider European cultural world. The hoard is now on display in the National Museum, and I still remember my own father, also Thomas Cannon, bringing me there as a young boy to see it for the first time. That wider context is something I explored during my talk in Kiltullagh. The artistic style of the Attymon pieces belongs to what archaeologists call the La Tène tradition—a distinctive form of Celtic art that emerged in central Europe and spread across the continent. Long before modern communication, ideas and craftsmanship travelled vast distances through trade, movement, and cultural exchange. That such beautiful artistry found its way to a quiet corner of my family’s farm is, to me, extraordinary.

Following the discovery in the bog at Cappanasruhaun, Thomas Cannon did what any practical man might do. Recognising the quality of the bronze bridle bits, he had new leather straps made for them and began using them on his horses. To him, they were fine, well-crafted pieces—perhaps a little unusual, but nothing more. That changed one market day in Athenry. Standing in the town square, he encountered Major James Clarke, a local landowner and army officer from Graigabbey. Clarke immediately recognised that these were no ordinary bridle bits. Struck by their craftsmanship and distinctive style, he asked if they could be examined more closely. Arrangements were made for them to be inspected the following week by an archaeologist from what is now the University of Galway. The verdict was remarkable: the pieces were over two thousand years old, dating to the La Tène period of the Iron Age—a time characterised by flowing spirals and intricate metalwork that we still recognise today as classic Celtic design. on display in the National Museum The Attymon Hoard, dating from the ‘Iron Age’, now

Ciarán Cannon President of Cycling Ireland and former Minister of State at the Department of Education and Department of Foreign Affairs.

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Summer 2026

Growing up, I heard my father’s version of the discovery—a story shaped by oral tradition, practical detail, and local colour. When I later compared this with formal museum records, I was struck by some differences. Names were misspelled, details uncertain, and even the reported depth of the find—an astonishing 24 feet—raises questions. Somewhere between folklore and formal record lies the truth, and perhaps that is where history often resides. More than a century later, the story took another intriguing turn. In September 1991, my grand uncle Jimmy Cannon was visited by the renowned archaeologist, Professor Etienne Rynne, who made Athenry his home in the late 1960s. Jimmy was 86 at the time and the last surviving member of the Cannon household at Cappanasruhaun. perspective, Etienne realised that new information was emerging. Jimmy spoke of additional objects found on that day in 1891—items that had remained in the house for years before quietly disappearing. Intrigued, Etienne asked him to sit at the kitchen table and draw what he remembered. That hand-drawn sketch, now preserved in museum archives, hints at missing pieces that could yet reshape our understanding of the hoard, if they are ever rediscovered. In many ways, the story is still unfolding. For me, the Attymon Hoard is not just an archaeological discovery. It is a reminder of how global history and local lives intersect—how a moment of chance, a conversation in a market square, or a fragment of family memory can shape what we come to know about our past. And it all began in an East Galway bog, just a few miles from where many of us live today. As he recounted the story of the discovery from his own

The townland of Cappanasruhaun, the field of streams, can be seen to the right of this map

Jimmy Cannon’s 1991 drawing of the lost artefacts, submitted in a letter from Professor Etienne Rynne to the National Museum

Jimmy Cannon

ETIENNE RYNNE from Athenry was emeritus professor of archaeology at NUI Galway. He was a renowned scholar and while his speciality was early Irish art, he was drawn to a range of subjects. In the 1960s he visited Jimmy Cannon who recounted the story of the discovery of the Attymon Hoard and new information about other items.

Tommy Joe Cannon

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Athenry News & Views

Mary Lavin: A Literary Voice Shaped by Athenry and Bective By: Ronan Killeen

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the death of celebrated Irish writer Mary Lavin, who died on 25 March 1996. Born on 10th June 1912 in Walpole, Massachusetts, Lavin would become one of Ireland’s most distinguished literary figures, renowned particularly for her mastery of the short story form. Mary was the daughter of Nora Mahon and Thomas Lavin. Her mother belonged to the Mahon family of Cross Street, Athenry, where her grandparents operated a business in the early twentieth century on the site now occupied by the Stone Pizza House. The Mahon family appears in the 1901, 1911 and recently released 1926 Irish census records, reflecting their long standing presence in the town. For a brief period when she was nine years old, Mary lived with her grandparents, the Mahons of Cross Street. The experience of Athenry life and family connections would remain a strong influence throughout her writing career. Her father later became manager of the Bective estate in County Meath, an environment that profoundly shaped Lavin’s literary imagination. This connection inspired one of her best-known collections, Tales from Bective Bridge, a work widely regarded as a landmark in Irish short fiction. Athenry itself also left a deep impression on Lavin’s work, most notably reflected in her novel The House on Clewe Street. Across several volumes of short stories and novels, she explored themes of family, rural life, memory and personal identity with remarkable psychological insight and emotional depth. Throughout her distinguished career, Mary Lavin received numerous literary honours, including the Katherine Mansfield Award, the Ella Lyman Cabot Award and two Guggenheim Fellowships. Her contribution to Irish literature secured her an enduring place among the country’s finest twentieth-century writers. In 1992, RTÉ produced the documentary An Arrow in Flight, offering a valuable insight into Lavin’s life and work. The programme remains available to view online.

Writer Mary Lavin

Several important studies and biographies have also examined her legacy, including The Four Seasons of Mary Lavin by Leah Levenson (Marino Books, 1999); Mary Lavin, edited by Elke D’hoker with a foreword by Colm Tóibín (Irish Academic Press, 2013); and Gratefully and Affectionately – Mary Lavin and The New Yorker by Gráinne Hurley. Three decades after her passing, Mary Lavin’s work continues to resonate with readers for its humanity, precision and deeply Irish sense of place. Her connections to Athenry and Bective remain an important part of the story behind one of Ireland’s great literary voices. One of the best-known quotes linking Mary Lavin directly to Athenry comes from an interview cited in Mary Lavin: The Athenry Dimension. Reflecting on the influence the town had on her writing, Lavin said: “For years whenever I wrote a story, no matter what gave me the idea, I had to recast it in terms of the people of that town.” This quote is particularly significant because although Mary Lavin only lived in Athenry for a relatively short period as a child with her grandparents, the town and its people remained a powerful influence throughout her literary career. Many critics and local historians have identified Athenry settings, characters and social life in works such as The House in Clewe Street, A Bevy of Aunts, Loving Memory and several of her short stories. A second often-cited passage from her novel The House in Clewe Street, widely regarded as being inspired by Athenry, begins: “...you can see the spire of the church pricking the distant clouds.” Quotes - courtesy O’Regan’s Athenry

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