Memorial bench unveiled at Mayo park in honour of Christy Lawless
Tribute recognises local historian whose vision helped bring the Museum of Country Life to Mayo
A memorial bench has been unveiled at the National Museum of Ireland at Turlough Park in Castlebar, in memory of local historian and archaeology researcher Christy Lawless.
The bench was officially unveiled on Saturday, November 7, in recognition of Mr Lawless’s contribution to the development of Turlough Park as a heritage centre and museum.
Christy Lawless, who died in 2022, first recognised the potential of the historic estate as a location for a museum dedicated to Ireland’s rural heritage. He formally presented his proposal to Mayo County Council in April 1991.
Together with his wife Mary and their family, he subsequently cared for Turlough Park House and its grounds for eight years, until development work on the museum began in 1999.
His vision became a reality when the Museum of Country Life officially opened in September 2001, becoming the first branch of the National Museum of Ireland to be established outside Dublin.
Located in the grounds of Turlough Park, the memorial bench features images of three things particularly close to Mr Lawless’s heart: Turlough Round Tower, his camera and Turlough Park House.
The Lawless family and the Christy Lawless Memorial Group have expressed their sincere thanks to the local community and everyone who contributed to the memorial.
They also acknowledged the support of the National Museum of Ireland in Castlebar, Clodagh Doyle and the Turlough Park gardening team in helping bring the tribute to completion.
The bench will provide a lasting reminder of Mr Lawless and his foresight, determination and commitment to local history and heritage, which helped shape Turlough Park into the important cultural and educational resource it is today.