Patricia Faherty (Killybegs International Carpet-Making & Fishing Centre), Pat Conaghan (local historian and author), Cllr. Frank McBrearty (Mayor of County Donegal), Mairead Gallagher (Mayor of Killybegs), Michael Conaghan T.D., Clare Tully (Killybegs International Carpet-Making & Fishing Centre) & Joseph Gallagher (Heritage Officer, Cultural Services, Donegal County Council) at the launch of the maritime heritage exhibition and boat simulator on Thursday, June 28, 2012.
The Killybegs International Carpet-Making & Fishing Centre (formerly the Maritime & Heritage Centre) launched a new exhibition on the history and heritage of fishing in County Donegal on Thursday, June 28, 2012. The exhibition was part-funded by Donegal County Council and The Heritage Council as part of the implementation of the County Donegal Heritage Plan (Actions 2.9 & 4.12).
The new exhibition highlights the history of fishing and fishing methods in the county as well as addressing our ancient maritime past. The contribution of Killybegs to the development of the fishing industry in County Donegal is outlined as well as some of the key fishermen and organisations that have shaped the industry over the years. The exhibition consists of 15 illustrated panels with themes such as the ancient maritime past; maritime heritage; heritage of fishing and fishermen; fishing methods and fishing gear; and the maritime heritage of Killybegs. There is also a small travelling exhibition on the maritime heritage of Killybegs that can be put on display at regional venues around the county. The research for the exhibition was undertaken by local historian and author Pat Conaghan, and production assisted by Patricia Faherty and Joan McDonald in association with staff from the Killybegs International Carpet-Making & Fishing Centre.
Speaking at the launch, Cllr.Frank McBrearty, Mayor of County Donegal, said “This centre now has the ability to convey important aspects of the maritime heritage of the county and to place Killybegs at the heart of that story. The hand-knotted carpets produced at this site are recognised and appreciated around the world for their quality and craftsmanship. Equally, it’s important that the development of fishing boats, the traditional and innovative fishing equipment and the pioneering fishing methods adopted here in Killybegs and in County Donegal are appropriately recognised and conveyed to visitors and residents alike.” Michael Conaghan T.D., who comes from the Killybegs area originally, congratulated the Killybegs International Carpet-Making & Fishing Centre on the maritime heritage exhibition and boat simulator. He stressed the importance of cultural tourism to County Donegal and noted that it is one of the fastest growing forms of tourism contributing over €2 billion annually to the Irish economy. He said that the initiative by the Killybegs International Carpet-Making & Fishing Centre could be a ‘stepping stone’ to a larger project such as a museum of coastal life and suggested that the place for such a museum could be in Killybegs.
Further details are available on the Killybegs International Carpet-Making & Fishing Centre website at www.visitkillybegs.com or by telephone at: (074) 974 1944.
