10 out of 10 for Blackwater Journal

THERE was a wonderful confluence of past and present at Blackwater Lodge as the local community gathered for the launch of the tenth Blackwater Journal. A milestone for the publication, it was important for the hard-working and dedicated committee to ensure that this one was among the best and the consensus on the night was that they had achieved this aim.

An impressive undertaking, the journal features a wealth of fascinating stories stemming from Blackwater, including an exploration of the area’s maritime history by John Breen; a look back at the success of the 1957 Junior Hurling Champions by Senan Lillis with exclusive interviews with members of the team; an article by Declan O’Leary on a Blackwater man who found himself at the heart of the ‘fight for Texas’ in the American Civil War and the last in a series looking at locals who fought in World War I.

Committee member and editor Rita Carroll said that they were delighted with how the finished product turned out and with the enthusiasm for it shown at the official launch. MC on the night was local councillor Oliver Walsh and he handed over to renowned historian Ernie Shepherd to do the honours. Also speaking on the night were contributor and history teacher of 37 years, Senan Lillis, who spoke of the importance of history and it’s preservation for future generations, along with fellow contributors Dr Aoife Whelan from UCD and John Breen.

Copies of the Blackwater Journal are now available to purchase locally in the village, at The Book Centre in Wexford town and at The Trading Post at the Un Yoke and is set to be a hit with any fans of local history.

Marion Murphy, Siobhan Carroll, Oonagh Rowe and Raymond Carroll at the launch. Patrick O’Connor, Lar Lacey, Karen O’Connor and Kathleen Whelan.

Liam and Catherine Buttle. Miike Carroll, Jimmy Whelan, Tom Carroll and Larry Whelan. Dan and Margo Walsh.

At the launch of the latest edition of the Blackwater Journal (from left) back, Ian Lawlor, John Breen, Cllr. Oliver Walsh, Senan Lillis and Margaret Mythen; front, Rita Carroll, Dr. Aoife Whelan, Ernie Sheppard and Kathleen O’Brien.