Autograph Book - 1927.

Kathleen “Katie” Higgins was born 20th February 1908 Lakeview Moylough Co. Galway to parents Martin Higgins and Bridget Stephens. Katie married Martin Costelloe on the 20th February 1939 in Mountbellew Church and they had two daughters Bridie & Maureen.

This autograph book belonged to Katie and was gifted to her by Binetta Carr, from the prominent Carr family of Lakeview House Moylough. It contains lots of heartfelt rhymes and notes from her friends and growing up in a new and free Ireland. It has references to our national flag, the Irish language and camogie just to name a few. Katie had it with her when she attended one of the Gaeltacht educational initiatives that was being set up at the time in Spiddal. Katie is pictured here in an image standing at the back and taken at the Spiddal Gaeltacht.

Katie’s daughter Bridie Scanlon (nee Costello) has kindly donated this beautiful autograph book to the National Folklore Collection in UCD for future generations to enjoy.

A scanned copy of the autograph book can be viewed here just click the link.

Spiddal Irish College 1927

Courtesy of Bridie Scanlon

Autograph Book

Courtesy of Bridie Scanlon

Autograph book inside page

Courtesy of Bridie Scanlon