Area: Knockananna
Started: July 1957
Finished: April 1958
Poles used: 1014
Line used (km): 99
Premises connected: 260
Apparently the switch on in Knockananna was memorable according to The REO News from October 1958
This digital scan from the REO News displays the following text:
"KNOCKANANNA: The bleakness of the terrain was matched only by the enthusiasm with which the people greeted electricity – an enthusiasm which culminated in a memorable switch‑on…. practically every house was supplied – including a few near the top of Lugnaquilla. As the L.T. was patrolled with same care as for H.T., the standard of work is good – Sales good at £1,177, and Salesvan prospects fair. To all involved, our congrats, on good work."
Knockananna also had the rare distinction of having a poem written about it and the rural scheme as seen in The REO News from December 1958
This digital scan from the REO News displays the following text:
"Knockananna Impressions
Against the shallow, sodden sky,
Whispering lines across the hills,
Poles like sentries, standing high,
On guard in Knockananna.
These the mellow fruits of toil,
Bent backs, the foreman’s shout,
Opening the ancient soil
To light old Knockananna.
Up the mountainside hares race,
To ’scape the thunderous clamour:
Old pains, old memories awake—
Dynamite in Knockananna.
Lugnaquilla’s brooding brow
Over the ant‑like workers,
Clouds like a menace hanging low:
Rain in Knockananna.
Over the village, on a mound
A pole stands like a cross.
In the evening the Angelus’ sound
From the Church in Knockananna.
By the fire when it’s cold out there,
Tales once told by candlelight,
Will be spun in the sudden glare—
Neon light in Knockananna!
A faint ring of the late Robert Service about that one, don’t you think? Thanks to the anonymous Portlaoise Poet who let us have it."