Leas Cathaoirleach Cllr. Thomas Walsh welcomed CE of Sligo County Council, Martin Lydon, President of the Sligo Field Club, Wendy Lyons, Dympna Mannion, Ross Mannion, Dr Fióna Gallagher, and members of the public to Sligo Central Library for a Heritage Week event celebrating the Sligo Field Club Journal and the life and work of local historian Aidan Mannion.
Heritage Week Event - Sligo Field Club and Aidan Mannion
The event also highlighted Mannion's extensive collection of local history and heritage material, which represents a valuable record of County Sligo's rich cultural past.
Editor Dr Fióna Gallagher provided an overview of the history of the Sligo Field Club Journal, which has been published annually for the past ten years. She also previewed a selection of articles scheduled for inclusion in the 11th volume, due for publication in December. Topics include the mystery Hazelwood tree, seabirds and wildlife in Donegal, Keash Hill Fort, the disenfranchisement of Sligo Borough in 1970, and many other subjects of historical and environmental interest.
Ross Mannion presented a selection of items from his father Aidan Mannion's collection, offering attendees a glimpse into the remarkable breadth and depth of the archive. The display featured photographs and documents relating to the history of Sligo Rovers, material connected to Markree House, maps of the Sligo-Leitrim railway, articles and photographs concerning the Wynne family of Hazelwood House, and records relating to the Civil War, among many other topics.
Concluding the event, County Librarian Donal Tinney shared personal memories of Aidan Mannion and reflected on his significant contribution to preserving Sligo's heritage. He emphasised the importance of the collection as a resource for future generations and expressed his commitment to working with the Mannion family to ensure its continued preservation and accessibility for the people of Sligo.
