The Last County - Foreward

It gives me great pleasure to introduce this publication, which is the first general history of County Wicklow to be published. The book gives an insight into the growth and development of the county, from when it was first shired in 1606 until the Great Famine of the 1840s.

The book grew out of public reaction to an exhibition on the same theme presented last year by trainees involved in the County Wicklow Heritage Project. Interest was such that it was decided to produce an extended version in book form.

The County Wicklow Heritage Project was established in 1987 by Wicklow County Council in conjunction with FAS, the national training and employment authority. The Council had recognised the need for a genealogical research centre to fulfill a dual function; catering for the growing demand for such a service from people of County Wicklow origin and helping tourism and employment in the county. I would like to acknowledge the continued involvement of FAS and extend this Council’s gratitude for their ongoing support of the Project.

The Project also fulfills a training role, offering young people the opportunity to acquire such skills as computer experience, job search, interview preparation, life skills and research, under the aegis of FAS.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Chairman and members of Wicklow County Council and Mr. Tom Broderick, the County Development Officer, for their on-going support. In addition, I must commend the contribution made by the members of the County Wicklow Heritage Society.

Finally, I would like to acknowledge and applaud the work of the present group of trainees in researching and writing the material for this publication and to wish them every success in their future careers.

Blaise Treacy,

Wicklow County Manager.
May 1993.

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