They gathered at Stormont, travelling from far and wide, from Aghagogan, from Lisdrumliska, from Boviel, from Skegonneill.

They meant business too, warning government bodies that it’s time they began promoting townland names properly.

At an event to raise awareness of a perceived threat to townland names, members of the Assembly’s committee for Culture, Arts and Leisure, led by chairman Barry McElduff, spoke about their townlands of origin.

Government and postal agencies are reluctant to accept townland names as the most fundamental element of an address, insisting that road names and house numbers must instead be used.

This trend has raised fears that the traditional Irish addressing system could disappear.

As part of yesterday’s seminar, the Armagh Rhymers celebrated townlands through verse, while women’s groups from Dromore and Termonmaguire in Co Tyrone told stories from their communities with a dazzling display of traditional patchwork quilts.

A celebration of Northern Ireland's townland names

Mr McElduff said: “This seminar is an important initiative aimed at highlighting the significance of townland names and also at encouraging government departments to promote townland names.

“They are a hugely important part of our heritage. People are massively interested in place, where they are from and their local identity.

“It is important not only to preserve townland names but to actively promote them. Townland names are in the common ownership of the entire community and all traditions. Everyone shares a great passion for them and they are an important part of our shared heritage.

“Many of our primary schools do excellent work in this area, as do sports clubs and community groups. District c ouncils play a significant role too in promoting their usage.”