Ballyhaunis scenes brought to life with new postcards

PHOTOGRAPHS of elephants on the streets of Ballyhaunis in the 1930’s, Larganboy’s Branges Hall, and Fair Day in the town around 1900 have all been brought to life with a series of new postcards, writes Marian Harrison.

According to the CEO of the local chamber of commerce Anne Cunnane, the yesteryear pictures are an innovative way to raise funds for the town’s summer festival through postcard printing.

“There was a shortfall of funding for this year’s festival and we didn’t want to go back to businesses looking for more money. We had taken a lot of pictures of festivals over the years and the Annagh Magazine Committee were good enough to allow us to use their pictures too and print postcards,” she said.

The black and white postcards, dating back to the turn of the 20th century, are proving extremely popular.

“The postcards are flying off the shelves. A lot of people who are home on holidays are buying numerous packets. Ballyhaunis never had its own post card printing before and people seem to love the idea,” said Ms Cunnane.

The postcards are available to purchase in local outlets and local printing companies – €1 each or €5 for pack of six.