Pictured at the launch of ‘A View of Courtown’ at the Gorey Library are Declan Dunbar, Cllr Malcolm Byrne and Laura Ni Fhlaibhin. Pic: Christy Farrell
A new book called ‘A View of Courtown’ has been launched in Gorey Library and Chairman of Gorey Municipal District, Cllr Malcolm Byrne, who was honoured at launching the work, said it was a wonderful recording of the history of Courtown.
Linking the old with the modern, Cllr Byrne stated that “Courtown is a vibrant community. Its community spirit continues to grow” and he felt that this publication “captures that community spirit.”
Cllr Byrne complimented everyone associated with the booklet and stated that he looked forward to further volumes. Declan Dunbar said he always had the urge to write a short story on place names in the parish, names that have died or are dying and while these names may not mean anything to visitors, they are important to Courtown residents, and he mentioned a few interesting and unusual local places such as ‘poverty park’ and ‘the tinker’s bed’.
Laura Ni Fhlaibhin, Visual Artist and Facilitator, said the project was interested in exploring ways of looking and responding to a series of views of Courtown.
“Members of Courtown Community Council, along with local historians and interested residents were keen to explore and document the social history of Courtown, as seen through a range of images,” she told the attendance at the launch.
Hazel Percival, Executive Librarian, welcomed everybody to Gorey Library on behalf of Wexford County Council and said that everyone had memories of Courtown which had seen many changes over the past 80 years or more.
This fine publication is a project funded by the ‘Artist in the Community Scheme’ – a Wexford County Council Arts Department/Arts Council Programme.
“A View of Courtown” – a participatory visual art and social history project – led by Declan Dunbar, Chairperson Courtown Community Council, facilitated by Laura Ni Fhlaibhin (visual artist), supported by Wexford County Council Artist in the Community Scheme, 38 pages, brilliantly illustrated in colour and monochrome, on sale at Zozimus, The Book Café, Main Street, Gorey, and Courtown Post Office. Retail price is €8. All proceeds to Courtown Community Council.
Full report in this week’s edition of THE GOREY ECHO.
