A topical subject even if the shot is over 100 years old. Bringing in the turf for fires was an important source of fuel for most households and here are two fine loads in the Square in Tuam, County Galway!

Somewhat ignoring the fossil fuel laden carts, today's discussion focused on the posters we see - for the Ormonde family's "Vivograph" entertainments (which we learned were a form of early cinema which visited towns around the country and indeed Scotland in the first years of the 20th century). We also got some insight into the Tuam Town Hall pictured to the rear, which was significantly remodelled in the decades immediately before this picture. We also learned about the now 900 year-old Tuam High Cross which was rebuilt and moved to the Square in the 19th century, before being moved again (out of the middle of the now roundabout) in the 1990s.

Photographer: Robert French

Collection: Lawrence Photograph Collection

Date: c.1880-1900 (likely c.1900 based on date on poster and comments below)

NLI Ref: L_ROY_06759