​Moore Celebrate Heritage Week

Relatives of cross country runner John Flannery Back row, from left: Evelyn Donellan, Kathleen Glynn Fallon, Adam Flannery, Anna Flannery, Sean Flannery, Patricia Giles Page, Andrew Page and Patricia Williams. Front row, from left: Caedan Downes O’Brien, Oliver Donellan, Angela O’Brien, Arianne Flannery, Karen Flannery, Frieda Flannery, Peter Flannery, Nigel Williams and Sean Downes O’Brien.

Information banners and historic displays decorated Moore Community Hall during their Heritage Night, depicting the community’s history and offering attendees a glimpse of their shared past.

Organiser Xandra Kilduff opened the proceedings introducing Father Michael Molloy, parish priest.  Fr Michael launched the Heritage Map Board for public display, designed by graphic artist and historian Padraic Kilduff.

What ensued was a day of events for families and visitors alike. Those attending were treated to banners depicting historical places in the parish, a display of the Peter Naughton Collection of vintage farm implements, unusual bottles containing carved images of master craftsman Eddie Henderick, and a painting of Saint Caireac Dergain of Clonburren by Padraic Kilduff.

Nollaig Feeney, Heritage Officer from Roscommon, paid a visit, as well as some companions from the Ballydangan Grouse Project .

Moore sportsman John Flannery was honoured with a presentation dedicated to his longstanding running career and influence in the community. His niece Patricia Williams showcased some of his many medals spanning his years, now on loan to the hall. Also contributed were a display of books and photographs of his sporting achievements by Nigel Williams.

Frank Greally, a friend of Flannery and retired editor of the Irish Runner Magazine, spoke of his era and the wonderful friendships he built in the field of track and race . He later presented Patricia with a Memorial candle, inscribed in her uncle's memory.  Also in attendance were some past friends, including Padraig Killeen and Martin Mulvey.
 
A short film of John practising with the Moore Athletics (a club he helped re-organise) was shown alongside an audio recording with James Dockery some years ago. The framed presentation on the sports superstar will remain on exhibit at the Community Hall, inspiring young athletes to match his accomplishments.

Padraic Killian, fellow runner of John, and Padraic Kilduff with the Flannery Medals now on loan to Moore Hall

Before closing out, a DVD was shown documenting a significant day on the community’s calendar. Made some years ago by former Moore Community Chairman Padraig Egan, the video explored the gathering of cars, tractors, ponies, and bicycles to wonder at the arrival of a heavy threshing machine.

Within the frames - women were featured baking bread outdoors over open fire, and faces of many locals were shown who have since passed.
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Many dozen attendees returned home with a greater insight of their parish’s story. The gathering was considered a success by organiser Xandra Kilduff, who you can only assume is already gearing up for next year’s event.​

Nollaig Feeney, Heritage Officer Roscommon, and Padraic Kilduff Graphic Artist of the Historical map of Moore

Thanks to Sarah Moore for the photos