Schools Competition
Dear Teacher
Another school year begins and I hope everyone had a good summer break. I am sending out the information as early as possible to give you more time to prepare. The competition will finish this year on May 16th, 2012, with our usual ‘exhibition night’. It would be great if you could be involved or pass it on to another teacher who might be interested this year.
There is an entry form attached and if you are interested return it to me before Friday, December 16th, at the address given. This is just to get an idea of those who are interested and if it does not come to fruition on this occasion, there will be other opportunities.
This year there are 4 topics to choose from and I hope there is one that will suit what you are planning to do.
Changes in shopping/trading in my area over the past 100 years (1912-2012)
1911 Census and what we can learn about our family, townland, county, etc.
Schooldays before 1960
Famous personalities in my area before 1960
There are 3 elements to the competition:
- A folder of information, which is sent to be judged in or around Friday May 4th, 2012.
- A display stand on the judging/presentation night …. May 16th 2012. Try to limit each group to one table and the wall space behind it. If you have a very enthusiastic class you could divide them into two groups and work on two of the options.
- The judges will chat to each group for about 10-15 minutes, also on that night…. May 16th 2012.
Dates to Remember:
December 16th 2011 – Try to return entry forms by then if you are interested in taking part
as this will allow us to get some idea of numbers.
Friday May 4th, 2012 – I need the completed Folders by this date in order to allow the
Judges time to examine them.
Wed. May 16th 2012 – Presentation Night in Jackson’s Hotel, Ballybofey. Judging of
Exhibition stands could begin anytime from 1 o’ clock on,
depending on the number of entries and presentation of prizes
usually begins around 7pm.
To download an entry form click here
Schools Competition Results,
Results and pictures for the 2009 Schools Competition can be found here
Results and pictures for the 2010 Schools Competition can be found here
Results and pictures for the 2011 Schools Competition can be found here
Resources
Local Libraries across Donegal can be a valuable source of information and guidance. Staff are knowledgeable and helpful and some libraries have an excellent local studies section.
Central Library, Letterkenny
- Una Mathewson is in charge of the 'Local Studies' section which is an invaluable
collection of pamphlets, offprints, newspapers, photographs, microfilms, cds, etc.
dealing with the history of Donegal.
- Donegal Democrat on microfilm
- Complete set of Donegal Annuals
Buncrana Library
- Derry Journal on microfilm
- Copies of Donegal Annuals
- Local studies materials relevant to Inishowen
Donegal Town Library
- Local Studies section focusing on the south of the county
Leabharlann Phobail Ghaoith Dobhair
- Local Studies section concentrating on the Gaeltacht area and Gaelic culture.
County Archives
The county archives in Lifford contains a wide range of material relevant to the history of the County. It is run by Niamh Brennan, County Archivist and appointments are necessary to view materials. Some examples of the type of materials available are: Oral history tapes, postcards, Valuation Registers, Roll books, photographs, maps, District Inspector's reports, Local election registers, Local ballads, Labourers' cottages, Workhouse registers, School records, County Council and UDC minutes as well as rural district Councils 1898-1925.
Baptisimal Records
Ulster American Folk Park
Good information on emigration from this area and some of this material is available online.
Public Record Office of Northern Ireland
National Library of Ireland
Online Resources
Irish Ancestors website has links to records, books, census and valuation returns connected to Donegal.
Donegal Studies website gives details of Facilities in Donegal libraries.
Irish Lights website is an excellent one giving the history of Irish Lights as well as excellent summaries on all lighthouses around the coast, including those in the Donegal region such as Inishowen, Dunree, Inishtrahull, Buncrana (recently refurbished), Fanad Head, Tory Island, Arranmore and Ballagh Rocks.
ESB website has a brief history of the process of rural electrification from 1947 to 1979 when it was virtually completed.
All of the topics encompass more recent times and oral history could be very important. Many older people in the vicinity of your school may have worked in factories or on the rural electrification scheme, while some may have served their time as lighthouse keepers.
Contact me if you have any queries:
Pat Shallow, Royal and Prior School, Raphoe, Co. Donegal
Work: (074)9145389 - Home: (074)9368133 - Mobile: (087)7712087
Email: shallow.pat@gmail.com