Local history project is launched

AN exciting new local history project has been launched in Dublin’s Docklands.  

The North Dock People’s History newsletter, a joint initiative between local history groups, schools and community organisations, is available in schools, community centres, shops and also door-to-door. 

Targeted at the East Wall, North Wall and North Strand areas, the newsletter is entitled ‘The 1916 Rising – our own story’, and further editions will appear monthly.

The cover shows an amazing photo of a prison van travelling through the area carrying rebel prisoners for deportation at North Wall after Easter Week.

Local man Joe Mooney, who is involved in the project, said: “The newsletter is a valuable resource for those interested in the revolutionary events and the Docks’ community. 

“The main feature in this edition is a list of 75 prisoners from our area sent to British jails and internment camps, including names, addresses and occupations. 

“We expect this will encourage great interest, and hopefully families will come forward to share their stories. That is our goal.”

The newsletter also features a brief piece on the Courtney family. They were evicted from their home during the 1913 Lockout, and both the father and teenage son would see action during Easter Week at separate garrisons. 

A main focus of the newsletter will be school children in the community.

Caitriona Ni Cassaithe, a local primary school teacher, said: “This year coming is set to be a very interesting one both in terms of local history and the celebration of the 1916 Rising. 

“Thanks to the Trojan work of local history groups, the children of the north inner city will have a chance to work as historians using a whole range of new primary resources. Exciting times ahead.”