Young people sought for canal project

St Mary’s Youth Centre in Tullamore is looking for up to 30 nine to twelve year olds to get involved in producing a publication on the Grand Canal in the Tullamore area over a free two day workshop.

The upcoming project will focus on the Grand Canal, its history, its association with Tullamore and Offaly and the tales and stories of people who had an association with the canal and its associated industries.

It will be a lead in element of the Grand Canal Offaly Floating Festival (Grand COFF), which will take place in September.

A publication of what will be researched at the workshops will be launched during that festival.

Workshop participants are expected to do some homework before two days of learning about the canal and its history from a Tullamore perspective on July 15 and 16 from 10am until 3pm.

Anyone who is interested in taking part can contact St Mary’s Youth Centre on 057 9322963 or call Bill on 086 1505822.

In the event of over-subscription 30 names will be drawn from those interested.

This is a collaborative project between the Offaly branch of the Inland Waterways Association of Ireland and St Mary’s Youth and Community Centre.

The September Grand COFF festival is a Gathering event with a special focus on the trading families of the Grand Canal. Anyone with such an association can contact johndolan@iwai.ie with contact details.