Historian's collected newspaper writings in book form

A second volume of the writings of Meath historian Margaret Conway is to be launched tonight (Wednesday) in County Library Headquarters, Navan. 'Meath - Towards a History', published by History Press Ireland, brings together the collected newspaper writings on Meath history by the late Mrs Conway, a former national school teacher of Moattown, Kildalkey, and former secretary of Meath Archaeological & Historical Society. The book collects Mrs Conway's 'Parish History of Meath', the first instalment of which appeared in the Meath Chronicle on 15th December 1956, and the series which followed it, 'Towards a Parish History'. The first article was accompanied by the introduction: "Mrs Maighread Uí Chonmhidhe, NT, Moattown, Kildalkey (secretary of Meath Archaeological & Historical Society), has very kindly prepared a series of articles on Meath History which will appear week by week. She is a very modest lady and we claim for her what she deprecates - the scholarship and assiduity which goes with it, on this subject, wide as it is…" The contribution of Margaret Conway to the recording of the history and heritage of County Meath is one that can only be classed as invaluable, and anybody who has ever delved into the past history of the county will undoubtedly have come across her work. The work of the local historian, lecturer and writer comprises articles contributed over many years to the Meath Chronicle, together with lectures given under various auspices - Macra na Tuaithe, the Irish Countrywomen's Association, the Meath Archaeological and Historical Society, the Boyne Festival, the O'Growney Memorial lecture, and those given to students in schools and farm schools. They date from a 1939 lecture on Oliver Goldsmith to a public lecture on Francis Ledwidge on the occasion of the launch of Alice Curtayne's biography in 1973, the year of Mrs Conway's death. Mrs Conway completed her teacher training during the War of Independence, and taught in Kings Inns primary school up to 1923, and in Coolronan, Ballivor, from 1923 until her retirement in 1956. She was secretary of the Meath Archaeological and Historical Society, and was first editor of its journal, 'Riocht na Midhe' from 1955 until 1967. Last year saw the publication of 'Seanchas Na Midhe', a selection of her works edited by her daughters, Meadhbh and the late Maire, which included pieces on Kildalkey, Tlachtgha (the Hill of Ward), Goldsmith, Ledwidge and Fr Eoghan O'Growney. The bilingual publication also included a tribute to Mrs Conway first published on the 50th anniversary of 'Riocht na Midhe'. Anyone with an interest in the history of Meath is welcome to tonight's book launch in Meath County Council's library headquarters in Navan at 7.30pm.