200 people gather for new Rahugh photo

'A Place Called Rahugh' by Vincent Abbott was published in 1986, and now Louise Abbott and Shane Kelly are preparing an updated and revised edition of the local history of Rahugh.

Shane Kelly is a grandson of Vincent Abbott and has close family ties to Rahugh. Shane grew up in Dublin and studied history in Maynooth University.

Part of the task so far has been to work with the pupils of Rahugh NS. Shane and Louise assisted the pupils with their interviews of neighbours and family, and those stories of school days are collected now and will be included in the new revised edition of A Place Called Rahugh.

In 1953 a new bell was donated to Rahugh church by the Claffey family. It was cast in Byrne's Dublin foundry and was hauled up the hill overlooking Rahugh church. It has stood there for 73 years and a black and white photograph captured the moment upwards of 150 people chatted outside the church on October 11, 1953 after the ceremony to bless the bell.

James Crombie is a Rahugh native and kindly offered to take a large group photo similar to the one taken in 1953. This new photo, taken on Friday July 24, will also be included in the revised history book of Rahugh.

By 6.30pm on July 24, more than 200 people had gathered in the yard of St Hugh's Church for what was a happy and momentous occasion. People came from Dublin, Killarney, Waterford and everywhere in between.

The youngest participant was six-week-old Senan, a great grandson of Vincent Abbott. Three generations of some families made sure to attend. The oldest was 93 years of age. In fact some remember being there in 1953. There was great excitement in the air.

Louise and Shane wish to thank all the volunteers who helped make the evening so special. Rahugh Social Services provided refreshments in Rahugh Hall after the photo shoot.

If anyone has any suggestions or old photos from bygone years, please feel free to email to rahughhistory@gmail.com.