Macardles Historical Society in Dundalk launches membership scheme

The Macardles Historical Society (MHS), custodian of the archive of Dundalk's former Macardle Moore brewery, has launched a new paid membership scheme “Macardles Friends” inviting the public to directly support the preservation of the town's brewing heritage.

Founded in 1863 by E.H. Macardle and Andrew T. Moore, Macardle Moore once employed over 350 people in Dundalk before its closure by Diageo in 2001.

Since then, the Society, founded by former employee Jason McGee, has worked to catalogue and preserve hundreds of documents, photographs and advertising materials connected to the brewery's history.

Macardles Friends members receive access to a members-only online archive, a free Society T-shirt, the Society's newsletter, and invitations to reunion events.

Annual membership is designed to give ongoing supporters a direct role in sustaining the Society's work for the years ahead.

“We've had a wonderful response since launching Macardles Friends, and it's brilliant to already be welcoming our first members,” said Jason McGee, PRO, Macardles Historical Society.

“This scheme lets people who care about Dundalk's brewing history play an active part in preserving it, and in return, they get closer access to the archive and to each other as a community of Macardles enthusiasts.

“I'd encourage anyone with a connection to Macardle Moore, however small, to consider joining us.”

Anyone interested in joining Macardles Friends, or with memorabilia to contribute to the archive, can find full details at www.macardles.ie/macardles-friend.