The Irvinestown Fairs and Markets Trustees were founded by deed poll in 1908. The local landlords, the DArcy Irvines, had by this time liquidated their estate in accordance with the Wyndham Act 1903, which allowed people to acquire their tenancies.
The town traders were also anxious to continue with the monthly fair and market of corn, potatoes and pork. Fourteen traders came together and negotiated the purchase of the market rights and to register themselves as a trust.
RT Honourable John Ross, a Chancery high court hand judge acted for and on the behalf of the people of Irvinestown. He appointed fourteen trustees, seven Catholic and seven Protestant. The seven Protestants included three Church of Ireland, two Presbyterians and two Methodists. The deed specified that replacement for any of the fourteen had to be of the same denomination. The Chairman was to rotate on a Catholic and Protestant basis. One hundred years on, this arrangement has never altered.
Irvinestown was far ahead of its time in building and supporting the ethos of community. The foundation which was laid by the trustees one hundred years ago has been built upon down the years to the present day. ITEC (Irvinestown Trustee Enterprise Company) which was founded in 1992 from the Fair and Market Trustees, continues that work with a wide range of schemes which support the community and enhance the appearance of the town itself.
The trustees researched the history of the past one hundred years. The work was carried out by the Centenary Project which was based at an office in the Corn Sheds, Mill Street. Everyone including community groups, schools, traders and individuals, were invited to come on board and get involved in planning a year of celebration to mark this unique Centenary. Project organisers sought volunteers who went out and interviewed people who had stories and memories of the past in Irvinestown. Training in interview techniques and the use of recording equipment was provided. .
This Project was supported by the National Lottery, through the Heritage Lottery Fund
A record of images and stories have been collected and are available for viewing by arrangement with the ITEC office.
Many thanks to everyone who contributed time, energy and images over the course of the project, it was greatly appreciated. |
