Ballyfermot Heritage Group celebrates 20 glorious years

For the Ballyfermot Heritage Group last week was a special day as they celebrated their 20th anniversary with a series of events, amidst a great turnout at Ballyfermot Library.

The event coincided with National Heritage Week.

Ken Larkin, from Ballyfermot Heritage Group, said they wished to “thank everyone that came along to celebrate our Ballyfermot Heritage Day” on Saturday, August 19.

“A special thanks to the Lord Mayor of Dublin Daithí de Róiste, Deputy Brid Smith, and Cllr Vincent Jackson and to all the people and groups that took part,” said Ken.

“All members of Ballyer Trad Hub, Rodney Oglesby, Sean Coleman from Urban Folk, Steven Barrett and Denis Skerritt, and Susanne Plummer and Tom Phelan.”

Paddy Jackson and Anne Morgan

The group also thanked numerous residents and local businesses that supported what was a “great day.”

Over the last 20 years, Ballyfermot Heritage Group has covered many parts of local heritage and history, talking to students in schools, patients in hospitals and day care units, talks in the library and churches.

Andrew Piggott, whose mother is in the photograph on the wall of the opening of Power Supermarket in 1965

Established in 2003, Ballyfermot Heritage Group includes a dedicated group of local residents, some of whom have passed away “but never forgotten.”

They also document historical pictures and stories from the 1950s onwards, many of which are enjoyed by a massive diaspora living abroad.

John and Pauline enjoying the heritage group’s 20th anniversary celebration

The group has hosted their own heritage day since 2003 and, along with music, dancing and a photo exhibition, this year’s event saw the launch of the group’s new walking trail map and guide.

Andrew and John were among those present in Ballyfermot Library

Dublin City Council and Ballyfermot Heritage Group worked together to complete the design of the heritage walking trail map, which also saw the installation of a notice board displaying the map along the main thoroughfare in Ballyfermot, and the production of a historical audit.

Pick up the latest edition of The Echo (Edition August 24th) for a two-page photograph feature from the event.