By Dan Walsh at Wexford County Council Headquarters
The Story of Us, a touring exhibition exploring the 1926 Census, was officially opened to the public last night by Wexford County Council Cathaoirleach Cllr Lisa McDonald at a ceremony in the council’s Carricklawn headquarters.
Cllr McDonald noted that only a century—about four generations—has passed since the 1926 Census was compiled. She emphasised how its records of families, places, trades and local history continue to connect us with the past.
Zoe Reid, Keeper of Manuscripts at the National Archives, Ireland, told the meeting that the 1926 Census recorded a population of 2,971,992 people in the Irish Free State on April 18th, 1926.
This represented a decrease of 5.3% (approximately 168,000 people) from the 1911 census for the same twenty-six counties.
51% of the population were male; 29% of the population were female; 31.2% of the population were children under 16 years of age; and 18.3% of the population spoke Irish.
51.4% were agricultural workers; 14.2% were producers, makers and repairers; 9.8% domestic service; 6.5% commercial, finance and insurance; 5% transport and communications; 4.2% professionals; 3% other gainful occupations; 2.8% public administration and defence; 2% clerks and typists; 0.44% fishing; and 0/2% mining.
County Archivist Grainne Doran acted as master of ceremonies and welcomed everybody to County Hall with a special welcome for Dote O’Neill from Ballindaggin, aged 103 years who was present, and recalled the life story of Iris Dungan, aged 106 years and living at Monart, Enniscorthy, but sadly unable to attend in person.
The Story of Us exhibition is a travelling exhibition presented by the National Archives of Ireland and Wexford County Council and on display in Wexford County Council, Carricklawn, Wexford, until August 21st. Opening hours: 10am – 5pm (Monday – Friday) Please note that all events take place in Wexford County Council, Carricklawn, and are free to attend,
WexfordLocal.com 