The long-held dream of a few that Dunmanway should have it’s history preserved in photographic as well as in the evidence of the written word has become a reality with the formation of The Dunmanway Historical Association (Cumann Seanchais Dúnmaonmhuí).

At its first meeting, the Historical Association elected Pat Mc Carthy as its ad-hoc chairman, with Mrs. Maisie Culbert, Kilbarry Road as temporary hon. Secretary. Their mission, and that of the first member to attend, was basically to create and generate an interest in an historical association and this was accomplished with such success that the second meeting was properly constituted and resulted in a board of officers being elected for the coming year.

Barry Collins, Woodbrook, was elected chairman and Finbarr Mannix, Coach Road, as vice-chairman, with Maisie Culbert continuing as secretary, Pat Mc Carthy, Yew Tree Bar, was appointed treasurer, with Derry Farr, Prospect Lawn, filling the position of PRO. So the wheels were set in motion for a third meeting where plans for the year were discussed and here the large number of members present were extremely forthcoming in their willingness to contribute to the various projects outlined.

With a view to having a pictorial journal published, a section of the association’s members volunteered to scour the countryside for photos of historical interest and compile them in booklet form. Anybody with old photos in their possession is asked to contact the association members who will return same in the condition received.

Another segment of committee members volunteered to work on producing a street map of Dunmanway in the 1920’s, while shop names and traders involved in the commercial trade would also be included.

The history of some of the local schools, businesses and townlands, as well as individuals recalling some of their own memories of the town, were other matters taken under the wing of a very committed and willing association.

Dunmanway has a rich and varied history, so the association continues to record the past in an area now assured that its heritage will be documented in a proper manner.