This article is from page 15 of the 2012-08-28 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 15 JPG
THE book launched last week, The Ennis Atlas has been hailed as an “impressive monument” to the history of the town.
The book was written by local man Brian O Dálaigh as part of the Royal Irish Academy’s series of historic town’s publications.
It was officially launched at a civic reception in Waterpark House, Ennis on Friday night.
According to Professor Howard Clark, joint Chairman of the Historic Town Atlas Project, the comprehensive level of information provided in the book will provide a “reliable baseline” for future historical studies of Ennis.
He said, “Brian O Dálaigh proved himself to be an energetic researcher. This is an impressive monument to the history of Ennis.”
Prof Clark said the Atlas could not have been completed without the support of Clare County Library Services, Ennis Town Council and staff at the Royal Irish Academy.
He also commented on the high level of interest in the history of Ennis, saying,
“The general interest and pride of the townspeople is evident in this room tonight.”
County Librarian Helen Walsh said the value of the Atlas to the history of Ennis is “substantial.”
Tom Brassil, secretary of the Royal Irish Academy, said the project could not have been brought to realisation without the support of local authorities and library services.
He added, “This kind of local support is crucial to these projects.”
Brian O Dálaigh, who edited the Corporation Book of Ennis, told the launch that he had been first ap- proached to compile the Atlas in 1990 but had been unable to do so due to work commitments.
He started researching the Atlas in 2007, adding that the project had reignited memories of his childhood growing up in Carmody Street.
Mr Ó Dálaigh, whose father worked as a cooper, recalled many of the tradesmen who worked in Ennis at the time including Jack Darcy (forge), Frank Malone (farrier) and Tom Clohessy (stone cutter).
He added, “My research has brought me back into an Ennis that has unfortunately disappeared.”
Mayor of Clare, Cllr Pat Daly (FF), who grew up in Parnell Street, said the Atlas was a “very impressive project” that would help to keep alive memories of “old Ennis.” Mayor of Ennis, Cllr Peter Considine (FF) said the Atlas shows the extent of interest that exists in the history of Ennis.
He added, “It is broad on reach and depth and will be of invaluable assistance to people who plan the town in future.”
Cllr Considine said the Atlas would provide a use reference point for Ennis Town Council, who had recently initiated the Ennis 2020 public consultation visioning process.