'Voices of Offaly' - New oral history resource and digital archive for county launched

THIS June Offaly History launched “Voices of Offaly” – a website which serves as a digital archive dedicated to preserving and sharing the personal histories of individuals from County Offaly.

By collecting and presenting oral histories, the platform offers a window into the lives, experiences, and memories of the county’s residents.

This new resource is accessible from the main Offaly History home page www.offalyhistory.com

The primary aim of “Voices of Offaly” is to document and showcase the diverse stories of the people of Offaly. Through first-hand accounts, the website seeks to: Preserve Cultural Heritage: Capture and maintain the traditions, customs, and experiences unique to Offaly; Provide Educational Resources: Offer valuable materials for researchers, educators, and students interested in local history; Foster Community Connection: Strengthen ties within the community by highlighting shared histories and experiences.

The website is organized into several key sections:

Home: An introduction to the project’s objectives and significance.

Spotlight: Features in-depth profiles of 3 recent recordings – these were recorded in Offaly History in the last 12 months.

Recent: Showcases all newly added narratives and updates to the collection from 2024 and 2025.

Stephen McNeill: Highlights the recordings facilitated by the late Stephen McNeill in Offaly History, Bury Quay in 2010/2011.

This section features interviews with Joe Kenny, Brian Hughes, Sr. Oliver Wrafter, John Flanagan, Stephen McNeill and Dorothy Oakley.

Midlands 103: Connects the project with our local radio station, Midlands 103, and features recordings provided to Offaly History by the late Albert Fitzgerald. Included in the recordings here are interviews with Willie Loughnane, Tony Bernie, Tony Garahy, Ger Connolly, Deirdre Fox, Noel Kerrigan, Seamus O’Dea, Simon Casey, Brendan Grimes, Lt. Pauric Moran, Paul Bell, Sinead Boland, Tommy Corrigan, Paddy Heaney, Niall Sweeney, Tom McNamara, Sr. Genny Hassey and PJ Grennan.

James Kenny: Focuses on the recordings (1990-2002) of the late James Kenny, a notable figure in Offaly History’s early oral history recordings.

Recordings include Mary K Cummins, Johnny Cummins, P Nolan, Paddy Heaney, Jim McNamara, Mrs Hickey, Roly O’Neill, Dr Tim O’Neill and Terry Dolphin.

1912-23: Offaly in the Decade of Centenaries – Offaly History has six podcasts related to the Decade of Centenaries, which explores the period from 1916 to 1922 in Ireland. These podcasts offer insights into historical events and figures, particularly those connected to Offaly. The series features podcasts on topics like The History of Birr Barracks, The Grand Canal, The Tullamore Incident 1916 and individual profiles of notable figures from the period. Contributors to the podcasts: Stephen Callaghan, James Scully, Dr Paul Hughes, Michael Byrne and James P. Cullen.

Other: Access to other podcasts available online featuring voices of people from Co. Offaly. The podcasts listed here include

“Harvesting the History” –a series that explores the natural landscapes of Offaly, connecting the people, the places, and the peatlands. Presented by Garret Daly,

Irish Life and Lores ‘Capturing our Story: Kilcormac’ Oral History Project, with support from Creative Ireland, Offaly County Council Heritage Office and Kilcormac Development Association, features recordings of local residents who provided wonderful and descriptive testimonies of life down through the years,

“The GAA Oral History Project” which was commissioned by the GAA as part of its 125th anniversary celebrations in 2009 to record, collect and preserve the memories, stories and opinions of the people involved in the GAA and

The “Stories of Bord na Móna” podcast – an LOETB Community Education Production, where the stories and experiences of those who dedicated their working lives to this iconic Irish company are shared.

The collection process involves recording interviews with individuals from various backgrounds within Offaly. These oral histories are then edited and archived, ensuring that the narratives are accessible for future generations. The website’s digital format allows for easy access and sharing, broadening the reach of these personal stories.

Recording of the oral histories is done using Focusrite’s Vocaster Studio 2 equipment to ensure high quality recordings. The studio equipment includes high performance microphones and a USB audio interface connected to a laptop computer for capturing the voices.

“Voices of Offaly” encourages community participation by inviting individuals to share their own stories. This inclusive approach not only enriches the archive but also empowers residents to take an active role in preserving their heritage.

The website serves as a valuable resource for educational institutions, providing authentic materials that can enhance the learning experience. Students and educators can utilize the narratives to explore themes such as local history, cultural identity, and the evolution of communities.

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Further information is available from Shaun Wrafter and Aidan Barry, Offaly History, Bury Quay, Tullamore, Co. Offaly who conduct the interviews, edit the recordings and upload the oral histories for easy access.

Offaly History, located at Bury Quay in Tullamore, also offers a substantial

collection of oral history recordings on CD. This collection notably features numerous Offaly series recorded by the late Maurice O’Keeffe for Irish Life and

Lore. These include Offaly Series 1-6, along with the Bord na Mona, Tullamore Dew, Kilcormac, and Offaly’s Industrial collections. In total, there are over 250 recordings available at the centre

Additionally, a project focusing on the Rural Electrification scheme is available on CD. This collection comprises interviews with approximately 30 individuals who discuss their experiences and the significant changes brought about by the scheme. This project, recorded by John Gibbons, can be found in the Offaly History Archives at Axis Business Park, Tullamore.

In essence, these oral history resources are more than just an archive; they are a testament to the rich tapestry of experiences that define the Faithful County. By preserving and sharing these personal narratives, the project ensures that the voices of its people continue to resonate for generations to come.