The Annals of Westmeath is at http://archive.org/stream/annalsofwestmeat00wooduoft#page/n5/mode/2up

History project for Westmeath schools has €3500 prize fund

A history project for schools with a prize fund of €3500 could enhance the profile and identity of County Westmeath, say the organisers.Sponsored by the James Woods Memorial Committee (Ballymore) - in association with the Westmeath Examiner and Westmeath Independent - the competition is aimed at fifth, sixth and transition year students, and should be of interest to those with a love of history and English.Drawing from all the history, antiquities, people and topography of County Westmeath, the organisers wish to discuss where we have come from, where we are now and where we go in the future.They aim to have a launch on Friday November 30 in Ballymore, when they will present a more detailed brief and engage with the teams from each school. Completed projects should be ready for assessment by the judges at the end of March 2013.James Woods was a correspondent with the Westmeath Examiner and is author of the book, The Annals of Westmeath, first published in 1907 and republished in 1977. The book is also available online.The competition is confined to schools in Westmeath, and the top prize is €1,500; second prize is €1,000, third prize is €500 and fourth prize is €500.• Some schools have already registered for the project, but we would like some more to contact the newsroom at the Westmeath Examiner (Brian O'Loughlin or Eilís Ryan) in Mullingar to register their interest: editor@westmeathexaminer.ie, 04493 46700.http://archive.org/stream/annalsofwestmeat00wooduoft#page/n5/mode/2up