History Books of Drogheda
Richard Gerrard, Author & Historian, Drogheda
Richard Gerrard was born & reared in Sunnyside Cottages, The Mount, Drogheda, in the parish of St. Mary’s. He is a retired Primary teacher. His first teaching post was in Castlebar, County Mayo. From there he returned to teach in his Alma Mater, St. Mary’s B.N.S. Congress Avenue, Drogheda. He remained there until his retirement from teaching in 2006.
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He always had an interest in history especially local history. His first publication was launched in 2000 as a Millennium project. It was the history of St. Mary’s Boys School dating back to 1865, called “The Annals of St. Mary’s Boys’ School….1865-2000”. It was a 3 Volume set finished in a presentation box. He was greatly assisted by the entire school staff with this project.
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He next published in 2003 “The Story of Newtownstalaban”….a townland just outside Drogheda where he presently lives.
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In 2004 he published “The Naomh Mhuire Story” which tells the story of a G.A.A. team from St. Mary’s Parish that won every honour in County Louth Football during their short lifetime…..1946-1994.
Next was his own family history “The Gerrard Family Story” published in 2005.
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“The Marsh Road / Scotch Hall Story” was next in 2009. This was a 2 Volume set telling the story of Industrial Drogheda on the south side of the River Boyne.
In 2012 he published “A History of St. Peter’s National School, Bolton Street, Drogheda, Including the wider Church of Ireland Community”. This book tells the story of the Church of Ireland Community using their National School as a base.
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His next publication was launched on 1st December 2013 and is titled : “The Mill, a History of Usher’s Linen Mill, Greenhills, Drogheda & the People who Worked there 1836-1993”. This is the story of a linen manufacturing factory told mainly from memories of ordinary people who worked there until it closed in 1993.
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His next publication was launched in December 2015…. “Personalities….Characters….Sporting Greats and Politicians of all kinds from old & not-so-old Drogheda”.
In December 2018 Richard published “Industries & Places of Employment of Old & Not-So-Old Drogheda”. There are 3 Volumes in this project. There is a summary of most of the places where people from the wider Drogheda area got a job……mainly in factories because Drogheda was an important manufacturing town.
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In May 2021 Richard launched his latest publication called “Amateur Drama from Drogheda & District". In this project a summary of most of the Drama Groups from Drogheda & District that have entertained Drogheda audiences for many years is included.
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During Covid I compiled "Poems, Prayers & Tales from the Far Side" from pupils who attended any school, primary or secondary, boys or girls or mixed situated in St. Mary’s Parish, Drogheda. Some of the poets are still attending school, others are adults & others have passed on to their eternal reward! There was no special launch for this publication and is available from the author & the usual smaller local shops.
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“The Boyne Yacht Club” based in Mornington since 1954. It tells the story of the ups and downs of a young club through interviews with former members, family memories, photographs etc. It was published in September 2023.
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Book launches