Local journal covers life in the parish
A large group of people gathered in Oylegate community centre for the official launch of the Oylegate- Glenbrien journal.
A lot of hard work and dedication has been ongoing on the publication and that was something that became immediately obvious to people as soon as they got their hands on a copy at the event.
From meticulous attention to detail to brilliant photographs, a degree of thought and commitment went into ensuring the publication was perfect. It could provide an ideal Christmas present.
However, as a document outlining a year in the history of a rural part of Co Wexford the journal will provide invaluable insight in the years ahead.
That fact was highlighted at the launch where those in attendance were told of the journal’s importance as a reflection of life in one of the busiest communities in the county.
The cover image, of a thatched cottage, harks back to a bygone era when Ireland was a much different place to what it is now and when the country was a much more laid back place.
Publications like this provide a perfect window into life in the community to which they relate while at the same time acting as a valuable resource for future generations - especially for people with a keen interest in local history.
While not officially regarded as historical documents that’s essentially what they are and the Oylegate-Glenbrien journal is exactly that.
Even though it reflects life in the community over the past 12 months and at present, in years to come, for future generations, it will offer a window into the past life of the parish and its people.
Within the journal a wide range of social and sporting activities are covered which is very fitting as this year was quite successful for Oylegate on the sporting field - especially in terms of GAA.
The journal also contains articles about people living abroad and memories of snow in 1947 and 2018 are also recalled. Artists whose work is featured include Roderic O’Connor and John Gerard Kehoe.
Another aspect of life in the community touched on in the journal is the soft fruit industry.