Title: Humble works for a humble people :
Authors: Wilkins, Noel P.,
Date: 2017
Publisher: Irish Academic Press,
Physical description: xiii, 377 pages : illustrations, maps ; 25 cm
Language: English
LC classification: T
Abstract: This book explores the history of the fishery piers and harbours of Galway and north Clare. A testament to these structures as feats of engineering, it is also a riveting account of the human aspect that shadowed their construction; a beautiful rendering of the maritime activities that gave life to the wild Atlantic Way, kelp-making, fishing, turf distribution, and sea-borne trade. This book also nurtures the retelling of human stories surrounding the piers, giving voice to the unacknowledged legacy of the lives that were their making. This is a vital contribution to the maritime history of Galway, Clare, and of Ireland in general, an overlooked but culturally rich facet of Irish history. -- Publisher description.
Contents: Introduction: Setting the scene and previewing the way ahead -- A beginning in a forgotten famine, 1800-1830 -- Enter the OPW: we remain, as a Fishery Board, totally inoperative -- A new beginning in a never-to-be-forgotten famine, 845-1856 -- From a species of delusion to a new fishery inspectorate, 1857-1879 -- The kindness of strangers and the relief of distress, 1879-1884 -- Fisheries to the fore: the Sea Fisheries (Ireland) Act and fund, 1883-1889 -- More distress and another Colonel: the Piers and Road Commission -- Retrospective on troubled waters: an award and delicate position -- the abundance of small piers and quays: humble works, indeed, for humble people -- The Congested Districts Board, 1891-1922 -- Yet another new beginning: not so little..but a little too late.
Subject headings (LCSH): Clare (Ireland)--History.; Clare (Ireland)--Social life and customs.; Fishing--Ireland--Galway (County)--History.; Fishing--Ireland--History.; Galway (Ireland : County)--History.; Galway (Ireland : County)--Social life and customs.; Piers--Ireland--Clare--History.; Piers--Ireland--Galway (County)--History.