Clare County Library is presented with CIGO Award for Excellence in Genealogy

On Thursday, February 10 2011, Clare County Library was officially presented with the CIGO (Council of Irish Genealogical Organisations) 2010 Award for Excellence in Genealogy in the De Valera Public Library, Ennis.  The award, which was announced in November 2010, recognises the facilities provided in the Local Studies Centre at Ennis (which includes a magnificent collection of Clare newspapers and the recently acquired microfilmed parish registers) and particularly the online genealogy section of the Library’s website.

left to right: Deputy Mayor of Ennis, Cllr. Brian Meaney, Helen Walsh, Clare County Librarian, Steven Smyrl, Executive Liaison Officer with CIGO and Peter Beirne, Executive Librarian (Local Studies Centre, Ennis)

Presenting the award Steven Smyrl of CIGO said, “where would we be without such people willing to undertake work on a voluntary basis and then to disseminate it through the wonder of the Internet? Where would we be without such far thinking staff as those who run the Clare County Library? Well, I can tell you where…in a place devoid of philanthropy, selflessness, generosity of spirit and an overriding wish to assist others. It is perfectly obvious that the website of Clare County Library provides a forum for the demonstration of these important values and long may it last!”

Deputy Mayor of Ennis, Councillor Brian Meaney, who introduced the presentation, commented that the facilities at the library often go largely unrecognized but there can be no doubt as to what an invaluable resource it is.

Clare County Librarian, Helen Walsh, said it was an honour to receive the award and credit was due to all the staff involved.

Also in attendance on the night were members of The Clare Roots Society, whose contribution of material to the website was gratefully recognized by the library and by CIGO. Previous recipients of this award include The National Archives, The Irish Times and Dublin Public Libraries and Archive.