Frank Taaffe's huge contribution to Athy recognised
Aoife Breslin with Frank Taaffe
IN AN intimate and ceremony last Friday (18 July) in Athy the Municipal District presented local solicitor and historian Frank Taaffe with a Certificate of Recognition for his tireless work for the town over the last 44 years.
Appropriately, the ceremony was held in the Shackleton Experience in Emily Square, a resource that Frank himself was enormously influential in getting developed for the town.
The certificate was presented by the outgoing Cathaoirleach Cllr Aoife Breslin on what was to be her second last official duty in the Chain of Office.
“It was an honour and a pleasure to reflect on the contributions of a man whose name has become synonymous with heritage, history, and civic pride in Athy,” she said.
“For more than four decades, Frank has played a defining role in shaping not only how we remember our past, but how we understand our place within it.
“As a founding member of the Athy Museum Society, he was instrumental in securing Heritage Town status for Athy.
"This is an achievement that laid the foundation for many of the cultural and educational initiatives we value today.
His work as a historian is perhaps most visible through his column ‘Eye on the Past’ which has appeared weekly in the Kildare Nationalist for over 32 years.
“With nearly 1,700 editions, this column has become a living archive of Athy’s social, architectural, and cultural history.
"Through meticulous research and vivid storytelling, Frank has brought to life the people, places, and events that have shaped our community.
“His writing has done more than preserve memory—it has forged a collective identity.
“Yet Frank’s legacy reaches far beyond the printed page.
"His vision led to the creation of the Shackleton Autumn School, a cultural event of international significance that celebrates the life and leadership of the polar explorer, placing Athy firmly on the global heritage map.
“That such a far-reaching initiative grew from Frank’s deep understanding of both local roots and global relevance speaks volumes about his insight and dedication”.
