Irish Eyes

By Mattie Lennon

Hi Readers,

Once again I am giving you a break from my rambling but don’t worry you won’t escape for very long; I’ll be back next month.

This week I’m “giving up my seat” for a friend of mine Jim Rees who is compiling a dictionary.

I’ll let him tell you himself.

Mattie Lennon.

Many people are familiar with A Dictionary of Irish Biography edited by Henry Boylan. It is a wonderful resource, briefly outlining the lives of people who have distinguished themselves in many areas of human endeavour - and not always for the right reasons. The entrants are mostly Irish born, but many are people who came to live in Ireland and contributed to the many facets that go to make up Irish life.

Several counties have used this model to celebrate the good and sometimes not-so-good of their own county. I am in the process of compiling such a dictionary for County Wicklow.

To tie in with the forthcoming Wicklow 400, I hope to have 200-300 word biographies on 400 Wicklow people, to be published in 2006, possibly towards the end of the year.

Such an undertaking is beyond the reach of one person, or even a small group of people, so I am appealing to everyone to help me compile this record. I am looking for sports people from all disciplines; clergy; writers; painters; local and national politicians; revolutionaries; explorers; scientists; inventors. The list is endless. The only criterion being the nominee must be no longer living. There are good reasons for this rule, believe me.

At present, I have 273 names for inclusion, so there is quite a way to go. A list of these names is available should you wish to see who has been omitted.

IF YOU CAN SUGGEST ANYONE YOU FEEL DESERVES TO BE INCLUDED IN THIS BOOK, PLEASE CONTACT

or e-mail: jrees@eircom.net