Area: Woodsgift
Started: August 1958
Finished: July 1959
Poles used: 1118
Line used (km): 107
Premises connected: 320
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.
A Unique demonstration was held in Woodsgift according to The REO News from December 1958.
This digital scan from the REO News displays the following text:
"A unique demonstration was held, with considerable success, in Woodsgift Area, Portlaoise District in the first week of November.
Dick Reddy, of Waterford District, doing his second spell of relief demonstration duty this year, brought the Morris ‘Major’ Unit down for the week. Mr. Purcell, R.A.E., arranged for a series of demonstrations in the Vocational School at Johnstown, and invited members of the local rural organisations.
Miss Millar of Portlaoise District Office, gave a demonstration in the Domestic Economy classroom of the school to a capacity attendance. Afterwards a film show was given, and the large audience showed interest and appreciation.
In the woodworking classroom, Sean Hayes and Paddy Fogarty, Organisers in attendance, demonstrated power tools, while Tom Poole demonstrated the Tobin Mill, the animal food cooker, and infra‑red heating, in the piggery attached to the school.
The Morris ‘Major,’ meanwhile, attracted attention to its display, outside the school, and Dick was kept busy answering numerous enquiries. In all, about 400 people visited the various demonstrations.
Congratulations to all the staff involved in this enterprising demonstration week, and our thanks for the co‑operation of Mr. J. Walsh, the Headmaster at Johnstown."