Scairbh

Na

gCaorach

EMYVALE

Townlands of Tydavnet

In 1991 Tydavnet Community Council was set up. Fr. Jackie Gilsenan PP was one of the founding members. The Council began producing a quarterly Newsletter to stimulate interest in the community and inform people of the Council’s activities. Fr. Gilsenan decided to include a history of Townlands of the Parish in each issue. He began researching his information and travelling about the parish, very often on bicycle, he collected folklore, field names, names of previous residents, old customs and sayings, items of local history, and lots of general information – all of which would have been lost in time were it not for his work. He was also a great lover of nature and wildlife and was passionate about the need to preserve it, which he tried to encourage in his writings, and through his example he inspired others to appreciate their beautiful surroundings.

Unfortunately in the year 2000 his health began to fail and during the final year of his life he continued as best he could to complete his history of the Townlands. Prior to his death in May 2001 he asked Eileen McKenna to put all his information into booklet form. He had stated himself that his work was by no mean comprehensive and Eileen, with the help of others, filled in some additional information which had been discovered in the meantime. The culmination of that work was launched by Grace Maloney at a function in the Sliabh Beagh Hotel on Thursday, October 7th. Grace, with her extensive knowledge and expertise, had assisted with the compilation and typesetting and was delighted to officially launch the book. Rev Joseph Duffy, Bishop Emeritus, was a guest speaker. Chairman of Knockatallon Development Committee, of which Fr. Gilsenan was also a founding member, congratulated Eileen on her achievement and praised the work and vision of Fr. Gilsenan. Also present was John Toland, Development Officer with Cavan Monaghan Leader, who assisted with funding. Members of the Gilsenan family were also present and it must have been very gratifying and emotional for them to see their brother’s work launched. There was also a big crowd of interested people from a wide area at the launch.

This is a book which is like a piece of gold – its value will increase with every passing year and it is a marvellous piece of work to leave for future generations. Locals will enjoy the information and the stories as they will be able to identify with the Townlands and especially to locals who now live abroad. Even those from outside the Parish of Tydavnet will have wonderful hours of reading through this insight into our history.

John Toland, Grace Maloney, Eileen McKenna, Bishop Duffy, and Owen McKenna

Members of the Gilsenan family with Eileen McKenna and Bishop Duffy.