Search Results for 'Linen Hall'

Castlebar got a new Town Hall on 6 June 1894. The Linen Hall, built in 1790, was given a new purpose. In 1986, the Education Centre in John Wesley's Methodist Church on the Green relocated to the Town Hall. When the Arts Council came on board in 1990, the Linen Hall Arts Centre was born, and the 'Linen Hall' had a new purpose.

Professional boxer Kid Johnson, an American light-weight champion, was touring Ireland in 1902. In January, while at the Town Hall in Castlebar, he sparred with Darkie Barton. The Boxing World & Mirror of Life announced that Barton, an 'old man' in boxing circles, held his own, and afterwards, the pair agreed to a formal match. In September 1901, Barton had been knocked out in one minute and five seconds by Henry Brown, Liverpool's 'coloured champion'. Browne had also disposed of Johnson in four rounds.

The street names of Castlebar are each a chapter heading in the long and fascinating history of the town. The origin of some of the street names leaves little room for debate.

The Mayo Flax Growers List 1796 is an important genealogical source for those searching for their Mayo ancestry. It is, however, much more than that. Published by the Irish Linen Board, the long list of names demonstrates the degree to which people from Killala to Cong and Kilmovee to Kilmeena became involved in the growing of flax for linen production.

Young writers, sport, history, poetry, long-due recognition and song are all part of Castlebar's first literary festival which takes place this weekend.