In April, Thomas Carolan was appointed as the new Heritage Officer for Laois County Council replacing Catherine Casey who played such a significant role in helping to protect and promote Laois heritage while in the role for almost 20 years.
With a background in history and environmental management studies, Thomas brings a variety of experience to the role – having worked as an archaeologist, in environmental education, and most recently as a Community Water Officer with LAWPRO – the Local Authority Waters Programme.
According to Thomas: “A diverse range of experience is ideal for the broad remit and responsibilities of a Heritage Officer – from natural to built and cultural heritage, the scope of the role covers a lot of areas and that’s what makes it so interesting.”
The role of the Heritage Officer is both to promote and document heritage in the county from a strategic perspective, but also very much to engage on a community level – either by supporting groups and individuals to access grants to restore significant heritage sites and buildings or organising heritage awareness events throughout the year.
A big focus of the year is always National Heritage Week, which celebrates Ireland’s cultural, built and natural heritage. It brings together volunteers, community groups and heritage enthusiasts to share their experience, knowledge culture and practices.
This year’s theme is ‘Living Heritage’ and invites people to explore the traditions and practices, knowledge and skills passed down through generations. Heritage Week 2023 takes place from 12th to the 20th August.
People can register events though the Heritage Week website Home | National Heritage Week 12 – 20 August 2023 or contact Thomas as their local Heritage Officer for more information.
“I love the ‘Living Heritage’ theme of Heritage Week this year, and really want to encourage people to use this opportunity to hold an event highlighting some aspect of our traditions, practices, knowledge, and skills,” Thomas said.
“That could be anything from the historic use of medicinal herbs, regional crafts, or a deep understanding of a specific area or townland of Laois.”
National Biodiversity Week, which took place from the 19th to the 28th of May, is also a big date on the heritage calendar. This year Laois Heritage Office was able to support a number of events for Biodiversity Week as well as helping to highlight other events happening around the county.
There was a dusk chorus at Abbeyleix Bog hosted by the Laois branch of Birdwatch Ireland, as well as Nature Photography Display showcasing images of the stunning biodiversity of Abbeyleix Bog running throughout the week in Abbeyleix Library.
Abbeyleix Library also held a Biodiversity -themed family craft event, making ‘bug collage’.
In Camross, the Heritage Officer in partnership with LAWPRO – the Local Authority Waters Programme held an event to highlight the pristine water of the little Delour river, showing people the rich biodiversity present in the river which indicates is used as an indicator of a healthy habitat.
Thomas added: “there is such rich heritage in Laois in terms of its history, significant events, important sites, and wildlife. People in the county might be aware of it, but I’m determined to do my utmost to spread the word about Laois heritage to the rest of the country and beyond.
For further information, contact Thomas Carolan, Laois Heritage Officer, Laois County Council, Aras an Chontae, Portlaoise. Phone 087-6624865, e-mail tcarolan@laoiscoco.ie
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