Genealogy and Heritage

The Genealogy and Heritage Group plays a vital role in preserving and promoting the rich cultural history of the area. Through a series of engaging activities, the group has brought local history to life while fostering a strong sense of community connection.

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Our collaboration with Mayo Sligo Leitrim Education Training Board (MSLETB) allowed us to run a popular genealogy programme in coordination with Mayo Genealogy Group, giving locals the knowledge and know-how to research their family trees. This programme also featured guest lectures by historians as well as presentations of films on Irish history and heritage.

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• Family History Research: Members share discoveries and success stories, helping others trace their ancestry and connect with Ballyhaunis roots worldwide.

• Workshops & Lectures: Regular sessions cover genealogy tools, historical records, and preserving old photos/documents.

• Heritage Week and Events: Activities during Heritage Week (August) such as walking tours, bat walks, wooly crafts, high nelly bikes, farm gates exhibitions bring history to life while strengthening local connections.

• Film Nights: See heroes like John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara on the big screen in the hall. Together with Ballyhaunis Film Club, we screen Hollywood classics, documentaries, film shorts and archival footage from the Irish Film Institute.

• Annagh Magazine Archive: Annagh Magazine Society keeps its magazine archive on the premises of the Community Hall.

 

Overall, the group continues to promote a strong sense of identity and heritage through education, preservation, and community involvement.

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The group meets Tuesday evenings in the Community Hall. For more information, email us on ballyhauniscommunitycouncil@gmail.com. Follow the Ballyhaunis Community Council Facebook page for regular updates.