Past Perspectives

Lorna from the Aidan Heavey Library talks to Dr. John Gibney of the R.I.A.

Lorna from the Aidan Heavey Library Athlone chats to local historian, and former librarian Gearoid O'Brien

Edel talks to Alma Clavin about her Repair Acts project and how the past can help us today. RepairActs.ie Creative Ireland The Years Between: Moate Co Westmeath 1956-2006 by Vera Hughes The Schools Collection - Dúchas Ask in your local library about the Thom's directory or Slater's Commercial directory

In this episode Lorna talks to Ian Keneally who has worked as Historian in Residence with Westmeath County Council commemorating the Decade of Centenaries. Relevant links Westmeath's Decade of Centenary blog The Revolution Papers RTE's The History Show Everest 1921 online exhibition The paper wall : newspapers and propaganda in Ireland 1919-1921 / Ian Kenneally.

In today's episode Edel Scally talks to Jason McKevitt about his love of history, and where it came from. 

In this episode Dr. John Gibney and Gearoid O'Brien discuss the Aidan Heavey Collection - one of the finest collections of rare books in Ireland. This is the collection that gives Athlone Library its name; the Aidan Heavey Library, Athlone.

In today's episode Edel talks to Gretta Connell. Gretta worked for many years with Westmeath Libraries, and since her retirement is even busier with local history queries. Her book A Guide to tracing your Westmeath ancestors is a great help for anyone interested in researching their own family history.

Lorna from the Aidan Heavey Library, Athlone talks to Eamonn Hughes about his life as a teacher, the value of primary sources, and his most recent project.

Edel chats to local historian Ruth Illingworth about her projects and research. Including some of her favourite stories from the town.

Ann McDermott chats to Lorna Farrell from Westmeath Libraries about her interest in local history, and how her work in the library brings her new questions every day.