Addergoole People and Culture - A Testament

“Addergoole People and Culture - a Testament” is written by Peter McLoughlin and details the stories of the families of north Mayo’s Addergoole from the 1850s to the present day.

This is the latest in a collection of titles published by author and genealogist Peter McLoughlin, a native of Westport, who is living in Ballina for many years. Just three years ago, he launched “Drummin Families of Oughaval, Co. Mayo”, about the people and places of his father’s homeplace. This followed his 2019 offering centred on his Ballina home “The People of Rathkip/Shanaghy, Ballina – 1855 and Beyond” and marking the silver anniversary of the Rathkip/Shanaghy Residents Association. Prior to this, in 2016, following years of intense research and inspired by the stories of his mother’s homeplace, he published “Partry People of Co. Mayo: Family Histories 1856 and Beyond”. Now, this latest title sees the spotlight placed on the civil parish of Addergoole in the baronies of Tirawley. The impressive book boasts over 700 pages of photographs, documents and newspaper snippets details over 170 years of local history. Like the

author’s previous focus areas, the north Mayo parish has close personal links and is inspired by his father-in-law, the late Martin Syron.

The book is a fascinating account of the rich history of the Lahardane area and its environs. Detailing such high profile events as the 1912 sinking of the Titanic and its strong links with Lahardane right through to the Great Depression and even the naming of MacHale Park in Castlebar. The book also features references to UFOs and even the lesser known Meejum of Guinness! History is told through photograph and file, newspaper and local knowledge, as the steps of the Addergoole people are retraced forever.

“Compiling genealogical histories like this one is really a labour of love. The core concept is really to retain and celebrate our sense of place and our social history, as well as reminding people of the importance of their roots. There has been a huge increase in genealogy in recent years and people really appreciate the value of legacy and of the stories that span together to create our rich history. Mayo, in particular, is a county with so many stories to tell and I hope this book helps record some of those fascinating times,” said the author.