Media Release 29 August 2005: Launch of Ask About Ireland

Place: Local Studies Department, Central Library. Date: September 9th. Time: 6.30 p.m. Cost: Free. All welcome

Come and view a showcase of the wonderful images of our Irish heritage from the collections of local libraries, museums and archives countrywide all on one website! You can view these vibrant images at www.askaboutireland.ie

On September 9^th at 6.30 p.m. Waterford City Council Library Service will launch the website which showcases Irish life through the past using unique records from our own history. This launch takes place as part of our celebrations for Heritage Week (4^th to 11^th September).

Local historian, Jack O’Neill will launch the website, and will present a talk on Waterford history. Library staff will be available to present the website to attendees. A wine reception will be held after the launch.

The Ask About Ireland website www.askaboutireland.ie makes local treasures available to those who would not otherwise have the time or opportunity to access them. www.askaboutireland.ie provides a new means of access to Irish culture and cultural heritage material in museums, libraries and archives and includes key national institutions such as the National Museum. It provides answers to questions about Irish society, Irish sports, natural habitats, famous people and places, our heritage and the way we live – and have lived – on this island. It makes national treasures available online across the country and worldwide. As well as accessing national history, visitors to the site can browse through the Waterford Bridges and Shipyards, travel back to the Waterford and Tramore Railways and listen to excerpts of works by Sean Dunne.

Waterford City Council Library Service has been involved in this national project and has contributed web pages on transport, sport and writers. The main source of information was the library’s books, records and newspaper microfilms. Over 200 photographs and images are featured.

Many people, including local historians and writers gave assistance and advice. Jack O’ Neill, Bill Irish and Anthony Brophy, kindly contributed to audios, each regarded as an expert in their chosen area. An audio excerpt from WLR’s production of “In my father’s house” is also featured.

Topics relating to Waterford covered in the website include Bianconi, W.F. Peare Ltd. Ireland’s first garage which opened in 1900 and John Treacy - World Cross Country Championship 1978/79 & Olympics silver 1984. Pages on the Waterford Bridges, ports, shipyards and railways are included as are pages on Waterford Boat club. Waterford’s famous poet, Sean Dunne (1956 – 1995) also has a presence on the website.

The launch is open to the public and all are welcome.

For further information phone Central Library at 051 849975 or contact kcollins@waterfordcity.ie Central Library is located in the city centre on Lady Lane.

ENDS

Note to editors:

AskAboutIreland and the Cultural Heritage Project is an initiative of public libraries together with local museums and archives in the digitisation and online publication of the original, the unusual and the unique material from their local studies' collections to create a national Internet resource for culture. For more information in relation to any other details contact