In 1990 the former home of the Carrick Family next door to Flynn’s Public House in Lackagh was lying derelict and rapidly falling into decay. The building was a central point of the village and had once served as a shop.
Parish Priest Fr. Michael Lyons was concerned about the loss of the cottage and he organised a meeting of a local group of residents to discuss if it were possible to restore it.
An approach was subsequently made to the representatives of the Carrick Family and the premises were purchased.
A FAS scheme was then established to undertake the work of restoration. Members of the local community donated old house-old items, vintage farm machinery and implements.
The objective of the restoration was to provide an interest and pride in local heritage and community development.
In 1994 the beautifully restored cottage and its adjacent tea-room (in former old houses) were opened as a heritage museum in the heart of the village of Lackagh.
This work is continued today by the present committee of Lackagh Museum and Community Development Association which has worked tirelessly over the years to conserve and document our parish heritage.
The Association has also assumed a wider remit for local Community. Muddy Puddles pre-school provides and Early Years Service and the committee also opened a new Digital Hub as part of the Government’s Connected Hubs Programme to support remote working.
The Hub also hosts a number of adult education courses. In addition, the Association oversees the day-to-day operation of the Carnoneen Parish Centre and are currently upgrading the facility thanks to funding from GRETB/LEADER, Galway County Council and the Dept. of Rural and Community Development.
Their work in the upkeep of facilities and ongoing conservation work at the museum is greatly assisted by CE Scheme, TUS and RSS participants.
The Museum committee, which is entirely comprised of volunteers, now wish to celebrate thirty years of conserving local heritage and working for parshioners.
On Saturday evening, December 7, Mass will be celebrated in Lackagh Church by Parish Priest Fr. John O’Gorman in memory those members who have served the museum in the intervening years.
This will be followed by a ceremony to unveil a plaque to commemorate local men John O’Hanlon, Tom Egan and Willie Cullinane who were shot by forces of the British crown in 1920. The plaque will be unveiled by founder member Jarlath McDonagh,
A reception will follow in the Carnoneen Parish Centre at which refreshments will be served.
An open invitation is extended to everybody who might like to attend. Especially welcome will be founder members and their families and people who have been involved either as employees, member, friend or neighbour during the ensuing thirty years.
An open invitation is extended t everybody
