19th December 2003.

LAUNCH OF “THE DISTRICT OF LOUGHREA VOLUME 1 HISTORY 1791-1918” AND “THE DISTRICT OF LOUGHREA VOLUME 11 FOLKLORE 1860-1960”.

Speaking last night at the launch in O’Dea’s Hotel, Loughrea, Councillor Pat Hynes, Chairman and Founder of Loughrea History Project said:

“I am very pleased that this Phase of the Loughrea History Project has finally reached fruition. Little did I realise when the Project started that it would be so successful. I was fortunate in persuading Joseph Forde to co-ordinate this Project; he was ably assisted by Christina Cassidy, Paul Manzor and David Ryan. Their professionalism and attention to detail has been the hallmark of all our efforts. The leadership and co-operation of FÁS, in the person of Michael Howe, was invaluable. I am deeply grateful to our Project Committee for their dedication and commitment, to those who made their premises available to us, to our sponsors, those who provided us with photographs, documents, oral and written contributions and our teaching and training staff.

Since its inception in 1999, the trainees who participated in Loughrea History Project have benefited immensely from the course. Almost one hundred participants have either obtained employment or have gone on to further Education.

This History of Loughrea and hinterland deals with the life and times of its people, highlighting their struggles for survival and their achievements both at home and abroad. As a result of their efforts, Loughrea, in this the new Millennium is taking its place as a growing and prosperous centre in the Modern Ireland.

To all those who helped in the compilation of these two Volumes, I extend sincere thanks and appreciation. I am also mindful and remember with great affection all those people who have gone to their eternal reward and who inspired and encouraged me to initiate this History Project”.