Fingal Studies

The Mayor of Fingal, Councillor Ken Farrell, launched Fingal Studies, the new local history journal of Fingal County Libraries on Tuesday 27th July.

Local historian and author Mr.Joe Byrne, (editor of the journal), Jacinta Judge (Local History Librarian) the Mayor of Fingal, Councillor Ken Farrell and former County Librarian Mr. Paul Harris.

The launch took place in Fingal Local Studies and Archives, Fingal County Libraries new reference and research facility which is situated on the second floor of Clonmel House, on Forster Way in Swords.

The idea of a Fingal Local History Journal originated from a partnership arrangement between former County Librarian Mr. Paul Harris and NUI Maynooth’s local history certificate course delivered by Local Historian and Author Mr. Joe Byrne at Pobalscoil Íosain Malahide.

The course was subvented by Fingal County Libraries and the student’s produced theses and essays relating to Fingal, which are now available for consultation in Clonmel House.

This very successful initiative culminated in the decision that Fingal County Libraries would publish a local history journal and Joe Byrne would edit it.

The prevailing interest in the history of Fingal was very evident in the large crowd that attended the launch.

As Councillor Ken Farrell very rightly pointed out on the night “Fingal is a county of rich historical heritage and it is very appropriate that Fingal County Council should be the first authority in Ireland to undertake such an initiative”.

He further added that “the importance of the preservation and promotion of local history within Fingal is clearly illustrated by the great voluntary work being undertaken by the many  historical societies and dedicated individuals within the county”.

Producing a journal twice yearly will ensure the widest possible access to students, historians and indeed anyone who is interested in the history of the county.

The new journal will provide the perfect medium to promote and celebrate the rich and varied heritage of our beautiful county.  It will also provide a forum for the vast knowledge and ability of all the local history enthusiasts who will contribute to the journal over the coming years.

It will be readily available as a reference resource in all branch libraries and also for sale at the very reasonable price of €5.00.

Anyone interested in contributing articles relating to any aspect of Fingal to the new journal should contact Jacinta Judge, Local Studies Librarian local.studies@fingalcoco.ie Telephone: 01 8704495 or Joseph Byrne, Editor, Fingalstudies@gmail.com.