Today is the first day of September, which also marks the end of this years Summer Stars reading adventure in libraries around Ireland. We hope you enjoyed all of our online summer storytimes, our crafts videos, and scavenger hunts. And that you found lots of great book to read and enjoy this year. You can […]
This mini-documentary focuses on the capture of Longford revolutionary Seán Mac Eoin by British forces in Mullingar, which took place in March 1921.The capture of Mac Eoin was one of the headline events of the War of Independence in Westmeath and was a national story at the time. Seán Mac Eoin, the famed ‘Blacksmith of […]
You can now download the free Westmeath Libraries App which will allows you to search the catalogue and checkout your own books using your phone. Available on both Android and Apple devices, simply search your app/play store for Westmeath Libraries. Manage your account, search the catalogue, renew and reserve books all from your own phone […]
In this edition of the blog, we highlight a collection of documents that were recently donated to the Historian in Residence for Westmeath County Council. If you have documents and photos from 1921, you might consider sharing them with the Historian in Residence. If you followed the blog during 2020, you may remember those posts […]
In our first Westmeath County Council Decade of Centenaries podcast in April, we were joined by John Sheehan, a native of Moate and lecturer in the Department of Archaeology at University College, Cork, to explore the story of James and Joseph Tormey, officers in the Irish Republican Army’s Athlone Brigade, who died within weeks of […]
The years 1919-1921 were a dangerous time for Irish newspapers and this 20-minute film, written by Ian Kenneally, explores that history. The film gives an overview of censorship and propaganda, as well as discussing violence against newspaper offices and journalists; highlighting cases such as the destruction of the Westmeath Independent, based in Athlone. Content Last […]
Westmeath Libraries celebrates Heritage Week 2021.Starting from the 14th to 20th August with an assortment of online activities for all ages to enjoy. Videos will be available on Facebook and will cover topics such as Vikings, Astronomers and Genealogy to name a few.#librariesireland Learn all about the Stone Age The story of the Vikings Street […]
In this Westmeath County Council Decade of Centenaries video feature, Brian Maguire talks about his father, James (Seamus) Maguire (1889-1960), a native of Glenidan, Co. Westmeath who in November 1920 was appointed OC of the Irish Republican Army’s Mullingar Brigade. Brian talks about his father’s family connections and involvement in IRA operations in Westmeath. He […]
In our third Westmeath Decade of Centenaries podcast, Historian in Residence Paul Hughes speaks to Marika MacCarvill, granddaughter of Eileen MacCarvill (née McGrane). Eileen McGrane went to UCD and became a leading officer in the Dublin university’s Cumann na mBan branch, but became best known for her close working relationship with Michael Collins as his […]
Westmeath Libraries is preparing a Library Development Plan 2021 - 2026. We are looking for your feedback to help us develop our services for the next five years. Tell us what you think about your local library and let us know how the library service can be developed to meet your needs and that of […]