Fingal County Council donate replica Sack of Balbriggan Exhibition

The official donation took place on 16 December in front of Fingal Libraries, Local Studies and Archives Service on 46 North St. Swords. In attendance were Grainne Maguire representing the Mayor of Fingal, Chief Executive of Fingal County Council Anne Marie Farrelly, Director of Services Emer O’Gorman, County Librarian Betty Boardman, Chairperson of the Balbriggan and District Historical Society and Committee member, Brian Howley with May McKeon and Jim Walsh of the Society, Local Studies Senior Librarian Catherine Keane with Brian Kavanagh.

Fingal County Librarian Betty Boardman said: “I am delighted to present a replica of the Sack of Balbriggan Exhibition to the Balbriggan and District Historical Society. The exhibition vividly illustrates the impact the Sack of Balbriggan had on the town and its residents, and the Society has been to the fore in marking the Centenary of the event this year.”

Cllr. Grainne Maguire, representing the Mayor of Fingal at the donation said: “The Balbriggan and District Historical Society has been doing excellent work on highlighting and promoting the history of Balbriggan. This exhibition shows one of the most important moments in the town’s history and everyone in Balbriggan should get the chance to view the exhibit to learn more about this history of the town.”

AnnMarie Farrelly, Chief Executive of Fingal County Council said: “Fingal County Council were delighted to present this replica exhibition that shows one of the most historic moments in Balbriggan’s and Fingal’s history. I want to commend Fingal Libraries and our County Archivist for their tremendous work in the commemorations this year.”

Fingal Libraries produced an exhibition during 2020 about the Sack of Balbriggan. The exhibition curated by Catherine Keane, Senior Librarian, Fingal Local Studies and Archives has been on display in the Atrium at County Hall, Swords since September to coincide with the anniversary of the Sack of Balbriggan. This exhibition is also available for viewing online.

Balbriggan and District Historical Society was established in 1981 with the goal to promote an interest in the local history of Balbriggan and District through lectures, publications and exhibitions and to establish a Museum in the Balbriggan District.

Chairperson of the Balbriggan and District Historical Society and Committee member, Brian Howley also presented one of their commemorative medals to the Mayor of Fingal, the Chief Executive, Director of Services Emer O’Gorman and County Librarian Betty Boardman.