Construction work on Claregalway Museum was completed at the end of February and the building was handed over to the Claregalway Historical & Cultural Society by the builders Cloherty Construction, Cloon. The building is located in Rooaunmore, adjacent to the old forge which was restored by the Historical & Cultural Society a few years ago. The total cost of construction is approximately €130,000, which has been part-funded by a grant from Comhar na nOileáin, with the remainder to be raised through fundraising efforts. The site was given free of charge by the Smyth and Glynn families, Rooaunmore.
The building was open to the public on Sunday March 2nd and visitors were extremely impressed by the completed structure. A caretaker has been sanctioned under the Tús programme and will be in attendance every second week. The museum is currently being fitted out with display cabinets.
The Historical & Cultural Society is extremely grateful to many local businesses and individuals who have already made donations to the building fund. Further donations will be very welcome and the Society will be embarking on fundraising activities at a later stage to make up the shortfall in building costs after the final grants have been received from Comhar na nOileáin.
It is planned to have the official opening of the museum later in the year. People who have old artefacts which they would like to donate to the museum can contact the caretaker or any member of the Cultural and Historical Society.
The Society has recently been working in cooperation with staff and students from the Geography Department at NUIG on a project based on Claregalway parish and community. Students conducted interviews and surveys during the past few weeks and expect to have the project completed in the coming weeks.
