Area: Moygownagh
Started: September 1955
Finished: August 1956
Poles used: 1897
Line used (km): 168
Premises connected: 178
The figures above were sourced from our REO News magazine, to learn more about what these figures mean, visit our interactive map. The map above shows the area boundary and is from a digitised version of the original map used during the scheme.
An abundance of water was the biggest problem in Moygownagh according to The REO News from October 1956
This digital scan from the REO News displays the following text:
"Moygownagh Rural Area, Co. Mayo:
We feel that Mr. McHale got a lot of fun out of the difficulties of construction in Moygownagh. Most of this trouble was that holes waterlogged rather rapidly and caved in. This meant that the digging crew could only be allowed a very short‑head start on the poling crew, and rivalry got very keen as to which crew would reach the end of the line first. The poling crew were prepared to do both digging and erection if they could beat their pals. The poor man operating the Tractor water pump became the target for a considerable amount of criticism when it broke down, and indeed Mr. McHale records that to keep everybody happy, he himself repaired the pump after working hours. The good‑natured rivalry did not allow the men of the crew to lose sight of good workmanship, and the District Patrol Report at the end of construction did not criticise the standards produced. When we tell you that the area return improved from 4.27% to 4.5% we think all readers will agree that compliments are in order.
The area had no less than three organisers, commencing with Mr. T. Daly, then followed Mr. O’Neill who was called up to Head Office for training, and finally finished with Mr. E. O’Doherty at the helm. The changes did not have any adverse effect on sales which reached the very respectable total of £1,541. All three men contributed their share to this total, and we applaud their combined efforts."