Old Castlebar Photography Exhibition to Open in Library

Date: 07-10-2024

The Castlebar Song Contest, St Patrick’s Day parades, old views of Ellison Street, an internal courthouse scene from 1996 – these are just some of images that will be on view in an intriguing exhibition of photographs opening in Castlebar Library this week as part of the Wild Atlantic Words Festival. The Old Castlebar exhibition comprises 55 photos of the town and its people mainly from the 1960s and 1970s. All of the photos are from the collection of renowned photographer Liam Lyons. They show the town from many angles – at work and at play and in good and bad times. Whether it’s boxing in the Town Hall, Roy Orbison in the Travellers Friend Hotel, or a Christmas tree being erected on The Mall, these photos will bring back fond memories to the people of the town.

Some of the photos capture unique moments in the town such as the demolition of a property beside Egan’s Jewellers to widen Castle Street or a plane crash at Travenol or a drag queen competition in the Traveller’s Friend Hotel. Others capture historic events such as the visits of Presidents Eamon de Valera and Erskine Childers to the town. But all human life is here from The Upper Crust bakery and Western Hats to Wynnes newsagents and D.H. Burke’s Supermarket. Austin Vaughan, County Librarian stated: “We are extremely lucky to have this wonderful collection of photos in the county thanks to the generosity of the late Liam Lyons. The photos are a unique record of the social, cultural and sporting life of the people of Mayo from the 1960s through to the 1980s.” So whether you are auld stock or new stock you cannot miss this exhibition which will be on display in Castlebar Library for the month of October.