The Connaught Street and Environs Traders and Residents Group will mark the rich history and heritage of the Connaught Street and O'Connell Street areas through a captivating array of events during Heritage Week, scheduled to take place from August 12-20.
The primary objective of this community group is to rekindle the former vitality of both bustling streets and to advocate for the interests of locals, residents, and businesses alike. The group is actively formulating a visionary outlook for the street's future, aspiring to be a resounding and clear voice for the area, articulating the concerns of its residents and businesses.
Regrettably, over the recent years, this beloved street has endured the trials of neglect and deterioration, leaving many once-thriving structures now vacant and abandoned. For numerous years, Connaught Street catered to the local communities on the Connaught side of Athlone.
The events planned for this Heritage Week are an homage to this history, aiming to commemorate, celebrate, and safeguard it while also charting a new course for the area. Starting from Saturday, August 12, a series of exhibitions will unfold on the area's buildings, unravelling the street's narratives through captivating displays of art and history.
The week will be formally inaugurated on Sunday, August 13, with a literary trail reenactment crafted by local historian Gearoid O'Brien and Athlone's Chrissie Keane. The event will also feature performances and storytelling from Athlone Little Theatre and other contributors. Additionally, there will be a reading of local poet Des Egan's work.
On Tuesday evening, at 8.30pm, Liam Kildea, a local heritage custodian, will deliver a presentation at McNeill's Bar, delving into the history of the historic Connaught Kingdom of Ui Maine. Accompanying this, artist and poet Nicola Bowes will recite her recently composed piece inspired by the street.
On Thursday, August 17, at 7.30pm, there will be a public meeting at the Shamrock Lodge Hotel, hosted by the group, where the potential future of the area will be deliberated upon, while at noon on Friday, August 18, Gearoid O'Brien will lead a guided walking tour commencing from the Battery Bridge end of the street.
Finally, on Sunday, August 20, the week's festivities will culminate in a joyful street party from 3pm to 5pm with face painting and music. All daytime events are designed to be inclusive for families and their children.
This endeavor enjoys support from Creative Ireland, Westmeath Heritage Office, and Westmeath County Council. The group is also welcoming donations via GoFundMe to bolster this project and future initiatives aimed at enhancing the area.
