Longford Field Names Project to be launched on Thursday, 29 February in Longford Library

Project aims to record history behind local placenames on national database

Press Release: 19 February 2024

The launch of the County Longford Field Names Project will take place on Thursday, 29 February at 7pm in Longford Library. All are welcome to attend.

The project aims to record the history behind field names and local placenames onto the national database MeithealLogainm.ie, making this local history accessible to all. The project will begin in the parishes of Killoe, Clonguish and Rathcline, and then hopes to be extend throughout County Longford

With much of the history behind local field names only known locally and shared via an oral tradition, this project aims to add a written record, preserving this knowledge for future generations. The project is led by Longford County Council’s Heritage Office, in partnership with the County Longford Historical Society.

It will be launched by Longford County Council Cathaoirleach Cllr Colm Murray. The main speaker of the event will be Kitty Hughes from the County Longford Historical Society and the driving force behind this project. Contributors on the night will also include Longford County Council Heritage Officer Máiréad Ní
Chonghaile and County Longford Historical Society Chairperson Pat Donnelly. The evening will include opportunities for questions and answers, as well as plenty of discussion.

Ahead of the launch Cathaoirleach Cllr Colm Murray said, “I am delighted that the Longford Field Names Project will help to record the unique stories behind our placenames. It will not only help us all to learn more about our county and the history of where we are from and where we live, but it will also help us to preserve these valuable insights into our local history for future generations.”

Longford County Council Chief Executive Paddy Mahon foresees the projects success, “Longford County Council, through the work of its Heritage Office, is delighted to be part of this project. It is very important for us to promote local interest in our history and heritage. This project will allow local people to better access the history of their locality and we look forward to seeing this project progress.”