A number of community groups from Gort have won national praise after coming together for a project to keep the ancient name of their town alive.

The project entitled “Gort Inse Guaire – What’s in a name?” focused on raising awareness of the full name of the town. It was a project carried out as part of the Heritage Keepers programme for community groups and primary schools.

The Gort project was spearheaded by a number of local community groups, including Gort Tidy Towns, Gort Arts, Gort River Walk and Burren Lowlands.

As part of the project, the community groups came together to research and publish a pamphlet documenting the history and heritage of the name ‘Gort Inse Guaire’, understanding that many people were not aware of the full name and its origins.

They enlisted the help of a local historian and a local archaeologist and illustrator to tell the story through words and original artwork.

The pamphlet was launched at a storytelling and information night, which was attended by more than 100 people, and at which they gathered the names of those interested in forming a local Heritage Group.

The Gort project was one of many celebrated at a special gathering in Rathcroghan Visitor Centre in Tulsk, Co. Roscommon, last weekend. Attendees included community groups from all over the country who participated in Heritage Keepers projects.

Heritage Keepers is a free programme for community groups and primary schools that helps participants to delve into their built, cultural and natural heritage, providing funding to allow them take positive local action.

Heritage Keepers – an initiative of the local Burrenbeo Trust – recently celebrated the end of the fourth year of the programme, helping community groups and primary schools protect and celebrate their local heritage.

This year’s Heritage Keepers programme will have an increased number of places for both community groups and schools.

Last year, 75 groups took part in the programme, with more than 200 groups having participated since its started in 2022.

The closing date for applications is September 30 with the latest round of the programme starting in the autumn and running until the spring. Applications can be made online at www.heritagekeepers.ie.

Pictured: Members of the Gort Project at the launch of the pamphlet (from left) Gabrielle Bolster, John Murphy (illustrator of pamphlet). Anna Swisher (project organiser), Rory O’Shaughnessy (local historian), Pamela Ward, Jim Ricks, Aisling O’Leary and Fiona McDonagh.