New publication lovingly details Tang parish history

The was plenty of reminscing and stories of days gone by to be heard at the official launch of a new History of the Parish of Tang/Noughaval on Friday last in The Three Jolly Pigeons. A large crowd turned out for the occasion of the launch by Westmeath County Librarian, Mary Farrell of the new 72-page publication, compiled by local woman Vonnie Fallon in association with the Tang Golden Years club over the last two years. It traces the history of the parish stretching back to its original foundations as Noughaval right up to the present day with some interesting old photos of areas of note, as well as examining the local townslands, farmlife, schools and the GAA in the locality. Interesting historical events like the Coolvin Evictions, the Auburn Ambush and political meetings at the famed Hawthorn Tree which is mentioned in the poetry of Oliver Goldsmith are also recalled in the new book, along with the work of more recent groups like Tang Muintir, Tang ICA and Tang Golden Years Club. Among the speakers at the launch were Nuala O"Brien from Westmeath VEC, contributor to the book Sean McCormack of The Three Jolly Pigeons, John Burke on behalf of Tang NS and Helen Salmon from Tang Muintir Council. All were fulsome in their praise of the project, the first of its kind undertaken in the Tang area to record the history of the parish. In the preface of the book Vonnie Fallon described researching past events in Tang as an interesting and exciting experience - 'a labour of love', adding that history was important as links us to our forbears and keeps before our eyes characters and events of the past. A quote from Arthur Griffith sums up the importance of local history books or projects like this one in simple terms 'He who knows not the past cannot understand the present or work for the future.' She thanked Project Manager Tom Trayer, the brainchild of the entire project and everyone who donated photos and precious memories for the book as well as Seamus and Imelda Mc Cormack of The Three Jolly Pigeons who hosted last Friday"s successful event. The History of the Parish of Tang/Noughaval would certainly make a great Christmas present for Tang natives at home and abroad and is on sale in local shops in Glasson, Tubberclair and Ballymahon and costs just €10.