Mayo through Jack Leonard’s lens
Fri, May 19, 2017
'The Men of the West', that iconic photograph of Michael Kilroy's flying column taken with only the aid of natural light on the southern slopes of Nephin at 11.45pm on the longest day of the year in 1921, is known to us all. It hangs in numerous Mayo pubs and homes and thanks to the quality of the conditions and the skill of the photographer, we can clearly see the resolute expressions of the young men, we know their names and know their stories. But what of the photographer himself? What of the man who captured this first ever photo of an IRA unit on active service in Ireland? Jack Leonard did not just happen upon Kilroy and his men that bright June night. He was no amateur photographer, and neither was he a bystander during his country's fight for freedom. With a keen sense of duty, Leonard used his talent to capture all aspects of Mayo life in the early twentieth century. Jack 'JJ' Leonard was born in 1882 in Crossmolina and as a young man he trained in journalism and photography in London. He returned to Ireland in 1906 to set up his photography business at a time when the country was in political flux. Emotions and anger remained after the Land War in Mayo, a period of civil unrest and violence in the late 1800s, and the methods of parliamentary nationalists were now being challenged by physical force republicans.
Read more ...Street protest to secure the future of Mayo GMIT
Fri, May 19, 2017
Member of the Mayo GMIT action group have announced a street protest at 3pm on Saturday, May 27, in Market Square, Castlebar. The protest is in reaction to the recent announcement of cuts to the Mayo campus.
According to the committee: "15 staff members are been forced out of their positions in the college and five courses in the campus are been axed. The protest has the backing of opposition political parties, staff members in the college, and the public. The Mayo GMIT action group ask you to pencil in the date in your calendar and turn up on the day to show your support for the Mayo campus and more importantly show the Government that we the people of Mayo won’t accept any downgrading of our campus."
Read more ...'I'd have the gun', says councillor over Hardy Bucks graveyard filming
Fri, May 19, 2017
The fallout from the controversy over the filming of part of the new season of the Hardy Bucks TV show in Toomore graveyard continued this week, with one county councillor saying that he'd have shot at them if it had been done in his area, and another saying that he would have physically prevented them filming if he was in the area at the time.
Read more ...Centenary commemoration for Irish American hero Claremorris native Michael Conroy
Fri, May 19, 2017
Friday, June 9 marks the centenary of the tragic death of Claremorris native, Michael Conroy in the Granite Mountain Speculation Mine Disaster in Butte, Montana, USA. Michael, born in Murneen South, Barnacarroll along with Louth man Peter Sheridan undertook a heroic act in attempting to rescue fellow miners that were trapped deep into the expansive copper mine of the North Butte Mining Company.
Read more ...Over €30k up for grabs in Breaffy GAA Monster Auction
Fri, May 19, 2017
Breaffy GAA is hosting a Monster Auction later this month which will see goods and services worth in excess of €30,000 up for grabs. The innovative fundraiser will take place in Breaffy GAA Clubhouse on Saturday, May 27, getting underway at 6.30pm.
Read more ...Three in a row for Mayo digital school of distinction
Fri, May 19, 2017
Last Monday saw a third Eir Junior Spider win for a small digital school of distinction on the Galway/Mayo border. Cloghans Hill NS has 15 pupils and boasted an impressive four finalists projects in this year's Eir Junior Spider Awards for web based projects.
Read more ...Mayo through Jack Leonard’s lense
Fri, May 19, 2017
'The Men of the West', that iconic photograph of Michael Kilroy's flying column taken with only the aid of natural light on the southern slopes of Nephin at 11.45pm on the longest day of the year in 1921, is known to us all. It hangs in numerous Mayo pubs and homes and thanks to the quality of the conditions and the skill of the photographer, we can clearly see the resolute expressions of the young men, we know their names and know their stories. But what of the photographer himself? What of the man who captured this first ever photo of an IRA unit on active service in Ireland? Jack Leonard did not just happen upon Kilroy and his men that bright June night. He was no amateur photographer, and neither was he a bystander during his country's fight for freedom. With a keen sense of duty, Leonard used his talent to capture all aspects of Mayo life in the early twentieth century. Jack 'JJ' Leonard was born in 1882 in Crossmolina and as a young man he trained in journalism and photography in London. He returned to Ireland in 1906 to set up his photography business at a time when the country was in political flux. Emotions and anger remained after the Land War in Mayo, a period of civil unrest and violence in the late 1800s, and the methods of parliamentary nationalists were now being challenged by physical force republicans.
Read more ...Thousands headed to Westport yesterday for the Westport Airshow
Mon, May 15, 2017
As the sun shone down upwards of 15,000 lined Westport Quay to witness 12 acts performing in the skyline above the Mayo town yesterday afternoon. The Catalina Flying Boat, Irish Historic Flight Foundation, a flying dentist and farmer were among the aerobatic attractions.
Read more ...Mayo remains a rural heartland
Fri, May 12, 2017
More than 70 per cent of the population of Mayo live in rural areas, according to the latest data released by the Central Statistics Office following the Census which was taken last year. The CSO has reported that, of the total population of 130,507 recorded in the county, 37,276 (28.6 per cent) live in urban areas, with 99,231 (71.4 per cent) living in rural areas.
Read more ...Mayo farmer recognised for dairy farming excellence
Fri, May 12, 2017
The 10th annual Aurivo Milk Quality Awards recognised the standard of excellence in dairy farming by Aurivo suppliers in the region. The Awards highlight the dedication and commitment of Aurivo milk suppliers for their milk production in 2016.
Read more ...Achill Community Futures host community day
Fri, May 12, 2017
Achill Community Futures are holding a community day on Sunday, May 28, in Óstán Oileán Acla starting at 4pm. On this day, the results of the recent surveys will be displayed and the people of the parish of Achill are invited to vote for the projects they feel are most important to them.
Read more ...Mayo remains a rural heartland
Fri, May 12, 2017
More than 70 per cent of the population of Mayo live in rural areas, according to the latest data released by the Central Statistics Office following the Census which was taken last year.
Read more ...