A community group from Gort, Co. Galway, has been praised for its project on keeping the name of their town alive.
The project entitled “Gort Inse Guaire – What’s in a name?” focused on raising awareness of the full name of the town. It was a project carried out as part of the Heritage Keepers programme for community groups and primary schools.
The Gort project was spearheaded by a number of local community groups, including Gort Tidy Towns, Gort Arts, Gort River Walk and Burren Lowlands.
As part of the project, the community groups came together to research and publish a pamphlet documenting the history and heritage of the name ‘Gort Inse Guaire’, understanding that many people were not aware of the full name and its origins.
They enlisted the help of a local historian and a local archaeologist and illustrator to tell the story through words and original artwork.
The pamphlet was launched at a storytelling and information night, which was attended by more than 100 people, and at which they gathered the names of those interested in forming a local Heritage Group.
The Gort project was one of many celebrated at a special gathering in Rathcroghan Visitor Centre in Tulsk, Co. Roscommon, last weekend. Attendees included community groups from all over the country who participated in Heritage Keepers projects.
Heritage Keepers is a free programme for community groups and primary schools that helps participants to delve into their built, cultural and natural heritage, providing funding to allow them to take positive local action.
Heritage Keepers recently celebrated the end of the fourth year of the programme, which helps community groups and primary schools protect and celebrate their local heritage.
It is now looking for new applications for the fifth year of the programme, with the closing date September 30th.
It is open to community groups and primary schools across Ireland in both urban and rural locations. Applications can be made online at www.heritagekeepers.ie
Anna Swisher, Project Organiser, said, “I wasn’t particularly interested in history when we started this project; I was more interested in the nature piece. But at some point during the project research I realised I was totally hooked on these stories!”
“It was fascinating to recognise how much humanity has taken place in these buildings we see and streets we walk down, nearly every day. Actually feeling the heritage around you is amazing.”
“What Heritage Keepers is doing is so important: Getting people to fall in love with their local place. It’s the only way we’ll ever stand up and protect it. Whether we’re talking about nature, culture, or built heritage.”
“It’s so important to take the time to get to know your place, so that you love it enough to protect it for future generations.”
This year’s Heritage Keepers programme will have an increased number of places for both community groups and schools. Last year, 75 groups took part in the programme, with more than 200 groups having participated since it started in 2022.
