Mullingar, Co. Westmeath

Map extract showing rural electrification areas in County Westmeath, including Mullingar, Kilucan-Kinnegad, Milltownpass, Rochfortbridge and Dysart. Area: Mullingar
Started: December 1949
Finished: September 1950
Poles used: 706
Line used (km): 65
Premises connected: 180

The figures above were sourced from our REO News magazine. Click interactive map to find out more on what the figures mean. The map above shows the area boundary and is from a digitised version of the original map used during the scheme.

The REO News from September 1950 reports on a very successful display for Muintir na Tire week in Mullingar:

Article describing ESB's exhibition stand at Muintir na Tire Rural Week in Mullingar, including appliance displays, sales results and promotional activities.

This digital scan from the REO News displays the following text:

"Muintir na Tire Rural Week

With the possible exception of our Stands at the R.D.S., we have never had a more comprehensive display than that shown at Muintir na Tire Week in St. Finian's College, Mullingar. No sooner was the Horse Show closed down at 7 o'clock on the Saturday evening than our lorries were in to collect the principal items from our display there, including the Grain Bin, various Pumps, the Small-man's Kitchen etc. and it is a great credit to all concerned that at 7.30 on Sunday evening, all arrangements in Mullingar were complete.

Intended primarily as purely a display, it developed into quite a successful Sales Show, sales amounting to a total of £591. Among the principal items sold were 3 Grain Grinders; 4 Power Packets; 2 Deep Well Pumps; 2 Mono Pumps; 3 Washing Machines; 2 3-plate Cookers; 1 2-plate Cooker; 2 Kettles; 1 Iron; 1 Burco Boiler and 2 Toasters.

Throughout the week, we had a constant stream of visitors to our Stand, including the most distinguished visitors present at the Rural Week, Bishops, Prelates, clergy, members of the Government, of the E.C.A. Administration, and last, but by no means least, the Delegates to the Convention.

During the week also, we had four film shows, at which our films "Running Water on the Farm" and "50 Acres" were shown. Two of the shows were of a semi-private nature, one for Prof. Lyons and some of his staff from University College, Cork, and the other for the Minister for Agriculture and the E.C.A. representatives."

Photographs from an ESB demonstration which took place at St Mary’s Hall, Mullingar in May 1954:

Black-and-white photograph showing an ESB promotional van parked outside a thatched farmhouse, with two people standing in the doorway. Rural sales van with poster on front advertising a demonstration in St Mary’s Hall Mullingar in May 1954

Black-and-white photograph showing an ESB representative demonstrating electrical appliances from a promotional van to two people outside a thatched farmhouse. A salesman at work Mullingar May 1954

Black-and-white photograph showing electrical appliances and farm equipment displayed inside an ESB demonstration vehicle. Interior of rural sales van. Mullingar, May 1954

Black-and-white photograph showing a display of domestic electrical appliances, radios and household equipment at an indoor exhibition.

ESB Demonstration. St. Marys Hall, Mullingar, May 1954

Black-and-white photograph showing an exhibition stand displaying domestic electrical appliances, radios and household equipment at an indoor trade show. ESB Demonstration. St. Mary’s Hall, Mullingar, May 1954

Black-and-white photograph showing a domestic appliance exhibition stand, with a demonstrator seated among electrical appliances, lighting fixtures and household equipment.

ESB Demonstration. St. Mary’s Hall, Mullingar, May 1954

Black-and-white photograph showing a prize presentation on a stage, with a child receiving an electric toaster from a presenter. ESB Demonstration. St. Mary’s Hall, Mullingar, May 1954

Black-and-white photograph showing a panel discussion or quiz on a stage, with participants seated on either side of a table and electrical appliances displayed in the foreground. ESB Demonstration. St. Mary’s Hall, Mullingar, May 1954

Black-and-white photograph showing a stage performance or community entertainment event, with costumed participants standing among household electrical appliances displayed as prizes. ESB Demonstration. St. Mary’s Hall, Mullingar, May 1954

Black-and-white photograph showing a large audience gathered indoors for a public demonstration or community event.

ESB Demonstration. St. Mary’s Hall, Mullingar, May 1954

Black-and-white photograph showing a large audience gathered in a hall for an electricity exhibition or community event.

ESB Demonstration. St. Mary’s Hall, Mullingar, May 1954

Black-and-white group photograph showing attendees gathered inside an exhibition hall, with displays of household electrical appliances visible around them. ESB crew and local committee. St. Mary’s Hall, Mullingar, May 1954