Historic Mayo feature fully restored

COMMUNITY NOTES: ERRIS - WESTERN PEOPLE (SEPTEMBER 24 EDITION)

83 look-out posts were built around the coast of Ireland during World War II for the Coast Watching Service by the Office of Public Works. Nearby, in most cases, the word EIRE and the number of the station were outlined on the ground in quartz stone. This was visible to pilots flying overhead, a symbol of Ireland’s neutrality. Comhar Dún Chaocháin Teo has worked closely with photographer Amelia Stein to tell the story of one of these look-out posts, known locally as Teachaín a’ Watch – LOP 63. It was situated in isolation on the edge of a precipitous headland overlooking Portacloy Bay. During a severe storm in October 2014, the entire Teachaín a’ Watch was damaged. Thanks to the efforts of the local community, particularly the Cill Chomáin Rural Social Scheme, and various agencies including the Irish Air Corps, which airlifted the building materials to the site, this important link to World War 2 has now been fully restored Supported by Ealaín na Gaeltechta Teo, a dedicated website has been developed which highlights the role played by LOP 63 during World War 2.

Documents, maps, photographs and details from the logbooks from Military Archives, Cathal Brugha Barracks, combined with oral histories tell the story of Teachaín a’ Watch LOP 63 A Scéal. The visual art response consists of works from Pat Harris, Selma Makela, Mick O’Dea, Noah Rose, Linda Ruttelynck and Amelia Stein, all of whom have interpreted this story with poignancy, consideration and great visual impact to celebrate the completion of the project. A 2-day programme of events was organised including a group exhibition at Custom House Studios, Westport, back in August of this year consisting of the artists’ works and exhibits from Military Archives, Comhar Dún Chaocháin Teo, Pádraig Ó Dochartaigh, Helen Keogh and Treasa Ní Ghearraigh with opening remarks from Dr. Michael Kennedy. Back in August two information signs were launched near Portacloy Pier by Dr Michael Kennedy, followed by a visit to the newly-restored Teachaín a’ Watch building.