I'm writing the history of Castlebar Town Council and its preceding authorities spanning four centuries. The working title is 'A History of Castlebar Town Council - Its Predecessors, Personalities and Events' and it is a recording of the responsibilities of each authority, the various colourful people who sat on them and the local and national events that shaped them. The work begins in detail in the 1750s and will run up until the last local elections of 2009.

The authorities that will be focused on include Castlebar Corporation, Mayo Grand Jury, Castlebar's Poor Law Union, Town Commissioners, Urban District Council and Town Council. I'll also include to a lesser extent the High Sheriffs and Lords Lieutenant of Mayo.

For now, I'm compiling information on the main bodies that existed between 1750 and 1850 - the Corporation, Grand Jury and Poor Law Union. If, in relation to these three bodies, you have a story of interest of something you feel could be included or deserves more investigation please email me the details and I will do some research. Perhaps a relation was a member of a body or you have original documents or photos associated with them.

All stories will have to be verified to be used. Available space will also have to be taken into consideration. All emails are received in confidence. Visit castlebar.ie for updates.