Navan celebrates town's industrial past

Navan and District Historical Society’s ‘Pop Up’ Museum opened in the Town Hall, Watergate Street on Monday, celebrating '200 Years of Industry in Navan 1780- 1980, From Flour to Furnishings'.

It will run for Heritage Week. Chairperson of Navan Historical Society, Paschal Marry, said that Navan was a trading town and this exhibition displayed Navan at the pinnacle of its trading over the last 200 years.  People gave of their time and their talents to make this exhibition a success. The people of the county and the people of Navan are looking for a permanent exhibition such as this and Navan as the centre of the county was the ideal location.
He thanked  Loreto Guinan, Meath County Library, council staff, the people who donated material and artefacts, Anu Design, James Carney and Richard Farrelly.
Mayor Francis Deane, officially opening the exhibition, complimented the work of the Navan and District Historical Society.

“There is a large and hard working committee with Paschal Marry as chair and Ethna Cantwell as secretary. The work of the Society is a major contribution to the town,” he said. “This pop-up museum is a new venture for the society. Perhaps it could be the start of something bigger here in Navan,”  Cllr Deane said. 
Flour mills created the power from the rivers which led to other industries, he said. Navan was the centre for furniture in Ireland. In 1977, Navan had 45 different furniture factories. A good deal of this furniture was for the export trade. Crannac co-op was the longest running workers co-op in Ireland and that is something Navan has to be proud of. Navan Carpets were known worldwide.
Heritage Officer Loreto Guinan thanked the committee for the incredible amount of work that went in to organising the exhibition.  This museum highlighted the wonderful industrial past of the town of Navan. Included in the exhibition is great social history documenting people and their stories. Navan is known throughout the country for its furniture, she said.
Over 100 people visited the exhibition on the first day.  Some visitor comments: “A Navan museum is too long awaited.” “Excellent exhibition” “Brought back memories” “Wonderful exhibition” “A treat” “Informative”.
The museum will be located in the Town Hall and will be open until Saturday 27th August from 10.30amto 5pm each day. Entry to the museum is free.

Pictured at the official opening were are committee members, front, Margaret Farrell PRO, Bernadette Murray, Cepta Dungan, Ethna Cantwell Sec, Jimmy Maher, John O'Grady, Mairead Crinion, Richard Farrelly. Back -  Vincent Mulvany, Norman Dungan, Sean Condon, Francis Deane Mayor, Pascal Marry Chairman, Bob Dier and Noel French. Photo: James Carney.