Over the last 50 years, Ireland’s 2022 Heritage Hero Teddy Fennelly has written books on everything from the cooperative movement and Donaghmore Workhouse to the history of Laois GAA.
As chair and president of Laois Heritage Society, he has been responsible for publishing journals, promoting research and carrying out practical conservation projects.
But arguably his biggest contribution to Irish heritage has been his commitment to the story of Col James Fitzmaurice and the first East-West transatlantic flight, in April 1928. It’s a story of national and international importance and his book, Fitz and the Famous Flight, is the definitive work on the subject.
Teddy’s dedication to this aviation feat led locals to organise the purchase, repatriation, and restoration of the plane, which was originally built by locals, mastercraftsman John Conroy and the Aldrittt family.
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He also oversaw the naming of Fitzmaurice Place in Portlaoise, its regeneration and the installation of a sculpture commemorating the flight.
As Chair of the Col Fitzmaurice Commemoration Committee, he commissioned The Impossible Dream, original music by Martin Tourish and the Music Generation Laois Trad Orchestra, commemorating Fitzmaurice and his flight.
Just this year Fennelly instigated the Laois Festival of Flight, which saw artists, scientists, schools, poets, aviators and the public enjoy events across the county.
He collected, conserved, digitised and donated to Laois Local Studies Section an important collection of newspapers and documents relating to the flight. The Heritage Council congratulates Teddy on his hard work and dedication.
*This story was edited on December 21st, 2022