Diocesan News
"Register of the parish of St. Nicholas', Galway 1792-1840" launched
"REGISTER OF THE PARISH OF ST NICHOLAS, GALWAY
1792-1840"
Launched in St Nicholas? Church, Galway
Sunday 05 December 2004
The close links that have long existed between the Church of Ireland parish of St Nicholas with the city of Galway and its port, were marked last Sunday with the launch of the first published edition of the parish?s earliest register of baptisms, marriages and burials. A large congregation of parishioners, community members, academics from NUI Galway, local historians and members of the Galway Archaeological Society, attended the special patronal service to celebrate St Nicholas?s day and the launch of the book.
Located in the heart of the city, St Nicholas? has long been associated with the local community, and this volume contains some 1,360 entries recording the lives of members of over 1,000 families, who were parishioners in Galway and baptized, married or buried between 1792 and 1840. The register includes entries for members of old Galway tribe and gentry families such as the Blakes, Lamberts and Brownes. It also reflects the cosmopolitan and international character of the city with many entries concerning persons from places as diverse as Trinidad, New England, Bordeaux and Stockholm, as well as various parts of England, Scotland and Wales.
Marking these global connections, the congregation on Sunday?s launch included Mr Brian Sheridan, Galway Harbour Master and Dr Constantina Katsari, Greek Government Fellow at NUI Galway. The editor of the volume is Brigid Clesham, is formerly a librarian at the James Hardiman Library, and the book was officially launched by Mrs Mary Thomson, who is Chairperson of the Library and Archives Committee of the Church of Ireland. This committee manages the Representative Church Body, that published the book. The Rt. Revd Michael Mayes, Bishop of Limerick, was special preacher at the service, and the Very Revd Patrick Towers, Rector of Galway, was celebrant.
The volume is available in local bookshops and at only Euro 12.50 is an ideal Christmas present for anyone interested in local history and genealogy.
Brigid Clesham, editor of the Register of St Nicholas's Galway; Brian Sheridan, Galway Harbour Master; Very Revd Patrick Towers, Rector of Galway.
Brigid Clesham; Brian Sheridan; Dr Lionel Pilkington, St Nicholas' parish and NUI Galway; Very Revd Patrick Towers.
THE DIOCESAN COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER
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Skreen
Co. Sligo
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DCO: The Revd Aean Ferguson