By Dan Walsh at Blackwater
A capacity crowd packed into the Heritage Room at Blackwater Community Hall last night (Saturday) for the launch of the 11th Blackwater Parish Journal and the first one post-Covid edition and it was warmly welcomed.
The privilege of launching the Journal was afforded to David Keating who made the long trek from Downpatrick, Co. Down, who reminisced passionately about the place from where his ancestors lived and he spent so many memorable holidays there.
He recalled his grandmother referred to by older members of the community as Mrs Keating of the Sea and recalled the legacy of his aunt Mrs Joanna Keating who lived at Ballyconnigar and facilitated farmhouse holidays.
Very Rev. Brendan Nolan, parish priest, paid tribute to those who have produced so many journals over the years and he outlined the importance of keeping history and heritage alive through its pages. He made particular reference to St. Brigid’s Church and the masterful ceiling created by James Shipley.
Cllr Oliver Walsh complimented the team behind the Blackwater Parish Journal, explained how he was eagerly looking forward to reading the latest edition and recounted its importance in the preservation of the history and heritage found in the beautiful coastal parish of Blackwater.
Editor Rita Carroll thanked the contributors and the Historical committee, especially Margaret Mythen and Kathlyn O’Brien, urged everyone to get their 2023 copy of the Blackwater Parish Journal which will be available in the local shops from Sunday morning!
John Breen acted as master of ceremonies and thanked everybody who attended the launch and stated that their support was much appreciated and he hoped they enjoy the contents.
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