Field names to be recorded under new project

By KAYLEY HARDIMAN

Field names in Westmeath are to be recorded under a new project. The project has been undertaken by Glasson native Aengus Finnegan who is a place names expert. Mr. Finnegan is working closely with Justin Ó Gliasáin trying to compile and organise the names recorded. The names will be documented in a booklet and will be posted on the following website https://meitheal.logainm.ie/en/

Heritage Officer Melanie McQuade has said “this is a really worthwhile project because the names of fields are a valuable part of our local heritage...Our field names are being lost as land changes ownership and as members of the older generations pass on, so it is important to record as many as we can now.”

The pilot project began in a number of parishes earlier this year and it is hoped that it will be extended to other areas in the near future. With it running until November. The project is also being promoted by the Heritage Council and Westmeath County Council. The work by a group of volunteers will be presented in an exhibition at Clonkill GAA Club during Heritage Week on Tuesday, August 21. Mr. Finnegan will give a presentation on the progress of the project.