Folklore project brings history to life in Ballygarrett
There was a large gathering in Ballygarrett on Sunday for the launch of folklorist Michael Fortune’s latest project entitled ‘About This Place’.
The mapping/folklore project of Ballygarrett indicates sites of historical, cultural, and natural importance and it is intended to offer a wider understanding of the area.
As part of the launch of the map, Michael took people for a ramble through Ballygarrett, Killenagh, Ballingagam and Donaghmore to visit holy wells, buried treasure and historical sites. During the tour, they went to a secret Mass site that most local people do not know about. It was on the land of Jim O’Connor which was used as a site to hold Mass after Ballygarrett Church burned down in 1799.
The map was compiled by Michael as part of a research and community based project, which was conducted in the Ballygarrett area between 2016 and 2018.
The information was acquired through an open, community based process where a range of people contributed in many different ways. During this, Michael organised a series of public rambles to the sites.
Michael said this is all part of a larger umbrella project entitled ‘About This Place’ that he has been working on since 2013 in county Wexford.
‘I am indebted to everyone who contributed and assisted the project in any way,’ said Michael. ‘In particular, to my own parents who sadly passed away during the course of the project and entrusted me with a deep connection to people and place.’
About This Place, Ballygarrett, was supported by Ballygarrett Tidy Towns and Wexford County Council. The sites on the map are on private land so seek landowners permission before entering onto their land.