An Choinneal illuminates past

An Choinneal illuminates past


Áine Ryan

A MILESTONE is set to be reached in Louisburgh next weekend as the 25th edition of  the local periodical An Choinneal is launched after 7.30pm Mass, in the Parish Hall. This year’s bumper issue places a prism on life in the 1950s, when the first issue of the historical journal was published.
In December 1959 Louisburgh native, Father Leo Morahan, became the journal’s first editor and, over the following half century, by all accounts has been ‘its guardian angel’.
One of the oldest journals of its type in the country, An Choinneal has become the standard reference of the history, folklore and general happenings in the parish of Kilgeever.
According to editor, John Lyons, the 25th edition is packed with the usual high-standard pieces, including a comprehensive index of all articles that have appeared since its foundation.
This edition examines the relocation of families from Cregganbawn and Falduff, through a Land Commission scheme, to counties Meath and Kildare. It also publishes excerpts from the diary of visitor Claude Wall to the area in 1926 and a history of the Louisburgh GAA, marking the recent opening of the new dressing rooms.
There is also an array of photographs, poems and reports, as well as a list of deaths of parishioners.
With the publication of this edition of An Choinneal, the problem of identifying a Christmas present for those people who have a love of history and a pride of place is resolved.
An Choinneal will be on sale in shops in Louisburgh and Westport for €10.