25 September-Fieldcrest Factory Kilkenny

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The Fieldcrest Factory was officially opened at the Purcellsinch industrial estate near Kilkenny City, Ireland in September 1980. The factory was established for the manufacture of luxury towels for the European market. It was established by the Fieldcrest-Cannon Corporation of Kannapolis, North Carolina USA in partnership with Carroll Industries and Bank of Ireland. The Irish Government provided grant assistance through the Industrial Development Authority (IDA)

Work on the building of 50,000m squared building was undertaken by the Mercury Company and began in 1979. It was fully completed and ready to start production by September 1980. At its peak the factory employed over 630 people. However it quickly became evident that there was not a market for the quantity of goods the Kilkenny factory was producing. By September 1981 the factory was incurring huge financial losses. The losses continued to mount up over the following months and intensive efforts were made to save the plant and make it a profitable enterprise. All efforts failed and it was decided to cease production on June 14^th 1982.

The Fieldcrest Factory in Kilkenny City, Ireland was officially opened in the year 1980 On This Day.

Photo by Internet Archive Book Images

Image from page 836 of “The Ladies’ home journal” (1889) by Internet Archive Book Images on 1889-01-01 00:00:00

21 October-Asperger Syndrome

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Hans Asperger, after whom Asperger Syndrome is named was a native of Austria. He was a medical professor, paediatrician and child psychologist who is reported to have studied more than 400 children. He published the first definition of Asperger Syndrome in 1944. Because of the children’s ability to talk in great detail about their favourite subject, Asperger referred to them as ‘little professors’.

Hans Asperger was born Johann Friedrich Karl Asperger in Vienna on February 18^th 1906. He studied medicine at the University of Vienna and was awarded a medical degree in 1931. In 1944 he published a definition of autistic psychopathy. He outlined a pattern of behaviour and abilities which included: ‘lack of empathy, little ability to form friendships, one-sided conversations, intense absorption in a special interest, and clumsy movements’. His studies did not attract worldwide attention until after his death.

Hans Asperger, after whom Asperger Syndrome is named, died aged 74 in Vienna, Austria in the year 1980 On This Day.

Photo by Beverly & Pack

Autism Awarness Ribbon

08 December-John Lennon

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John Lennon was a renowned singer-songwriter, musician and composer. He was one of the founders of the world famous rock group the Beatles. The band became one of the most commercially successful in music history.

John Winston Lennon, who was of Irish ancestry, was born in Liverpool England on October 9^th 1940. At age 15 he formed a band called the Quarrymen. Lennon met Paul McCartney at a church festival in Liverpool where they were both performing. Shortly thereafter McCartney joined Lennon’s band.

Lennon and McCartney became the band’s songwriters. Together they went on to become one of the most celebrated song-writing partnerships of the 20th century. The Quarrymen would eventually become the Beatles in August 1960 and would be joined by George Harrison, and Ringo Starr. The Beatles disbanded in 1970 and Lennon pursued a solo career.

John Lennon, renowned singer-songwriter, musician, composer and one of the founders of the Beatles, was murdered in New York, shortly after the release of the album Double Fantasy in the year 1980 On This Day.

Photo by Carmen Siles

John Lennon

17 February-Derrynaflan Chalice

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The Derrynaflan Chalice was discovered near Killenaule, Co Tipperary, Ireland. It dates from the 8^th or 9^th century and was part of what is known as the Derrynaflan Hoard which was discovered in 1980. The Hoard consists of five liturgical vessels which are now on display in the National Museum of Ireland.

Derrynaflan is an area of pastureland surrounded by bogland. It was the site of an abbey. The Hoard was probably hidden when the abbey came under attack from the Vikings. In 1980 a Mr Webb and his son discovered the Derrynaflan Hoard using a metal detector. A follow-up excavation by the National Museum discovered other objects.

The Derrynaflan Chalice was discovered near Killenaule, Co Tipperary, Ireland in the year 1980 On This Day.

National Museum of Ireland

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22 December-Noel Hickey

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Kilkenny hurler Noel Hickey is widely regarded as one of the best hurlers of his generation. A member of the Dunnamaggin Club he played for Kilkenny at minor and under-21 level. He made his debut with the senior hurling team in 2000.

Hickey went on to win 9 All-Ireland Senior Hurling medals between 2000 and 2012. He was also the winner of three All-Star awards. He announced his retirement from inter-county hurling in January 2013.

Noel Hickey was born in the year 1980 On This Day.

Kilkenny Hurling photo

Hurling Action

Photo by Florian Christoph