It would greatly facilitate keeping the list up to date and clear of outdated notices, if contributor’s would add
a ‘valid until date’
at the end of their title rather than inside their hyperlinks
As usual any information you wish to have displayed here should be sent to Larry Breen PRO Federation of Local History Societies. email larrybreen8@outlook.com
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(1) Co Dublin – AE Russell Summer School 2026 Final
see links below
(3) Co Cork – Cloyne Literary & Historical Society
Tony wants to let us know that Whitegate Historical Society will be visiting 3 local churches on Saturday next – June 6th – and we are invited to attend.
The first church is in East Ferry where at 2.30 pm, Dr Joan Rockely will conduct a tour.
The next church is at Corkbeg and James Tait will show the visitors around.
Finally, there will be a visit to Aghada Presbyterian Church.
Queries to John Jeffrey – 086 855 8303 – who is organising the event.
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Our own annual outing will take place on Saturday, June 13th in Youghal.
We will gather at the Clock Tower at 10.45 a.m,
A guided tour of the Clock Tower will be available – tickets €5
Please note that the tower is only capable of catering for small groups – 4 or 5 people at a time – and the stairs is narrow and steep so not suitable for everyone.
We will then visit the Museum of Photography and following that, we will gather for lunch at the Red Store.
Each person will be responsible for their own bill.
After the meal, we will visit the Lace Museum.
There is no charge for the outing apart from €5 entrance to the Clock Tower. However, a small donation would be appreciated in the museums.
Friends and visitors are welcome at a fee of €5 for temporary membership, which includes insurance.
Please book by responding to this email, by text to 087 7545335 or 087 2969382 by Wednesday, June 10th
(4) Co Roscommon – Lughnasadh – Gathering the Work Exhibition
(1) Co Cork – Camden Fort Meagher Reopens for 2026 Season
Camden Fort Meagher to Reopen for the 2026 Season
Cork County Council is delighted to announce that Camden Fort Meagher will reopen its historic gates to the public on Wednesday, 20th May for the 2026 season.
Located in the beautiful seaside town of Crosshaven, Camden Fort Meagher is a unique military fortification steeped in centuries of history and was built primarily to defend the coastline and protect the prosperous harbour.
A large percentage of the Fort is located underground, while the Fort also has an extensive range of historic buildings and defence works, which will impress visitors and stimulate their desire to learn more about the site, its history and the people who lived and worked there over the years. It is a fascinating tourist attraction with something for everyone to enjoy, from the underground tunnels to the spectacular panoramic vistas.
The Fort offers an unparalleled visitor experience which celebrates Cork’s coastal heritage and community spirit and will be open to the public until 1st of November 2026.
Opening hours for Camden Fort Meagher are:
May and June: Wednesday – Sunday, 10am-4pm (last entry)
July and August: Monday – Sunday, 10am-4pm (last entry)
September and October: Wednesday – Sunday, 10am-4pm (last entry)
Tickets are priced at €8 for adults, with concession tickets charged at €5.
The Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Mary Linehan Foley welcomed the news, saying, “The start of a new tourist season at Camden Fort Meagher is always a moment to celebrate. I encourage everyone, both local and international, to discover all that Camden Fort Meagher has to offer and to enjoy the rich heritage and stunning views that make this place truly special.”
This sentiment was echoed by the Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Moira Murrell, who commented, “As we launch a new tourist season at Camden Fort Meagher, we are excited to welcome visitors to one of Cork’s most unique and historically significant sites. Each season brings new opportunities to showcase the fort’s rich heritage, enhance the visitor experience, and contribute to the local tourism economy.”
We look forward to welcoming visitors back to Camden Fort Meagher this summer. Further information about Camden Fort Meagher can be found at corkcoco.ie.
ENDS
(2) Co Cork – Kinsale Cultural & Heritage Sooiety
see link below
We are coming up to our Summer break and our last 3rd Tuesday talk (before we resume in September) will be given by Cathy Scuffil. Cathy is an amazing speaker and a brilliant historian and her talk will give us a different perspective on Family History Research . She has taken a photograph and researched it! This might give us some ideas for our own stashes of photos!
IFHS Talk: One Photograph, Many Stories June 16 @ 19:30 – 20:30
Speaker: Cathy Scuffil
Dublin born and reared, Cathy’s interest in local history started at an early age. She holds an honours Business and Management degree and a Masters in Local History from Maynooth University. An abridged version of her master’s thesis was awarded the silver medal by the Old Dublin Society (2018). Cathy was involved in a range of community events during the 1916 Rising centenary commemorations and recently
retired as Historian in Residence in Dublin City Council’s South Central Areas. She is currently a tutor in local studies and a consultant historian for a range of projects working to promote the use of archives and other resources.
Our history often hides in plain sight. We travel roads, pass laneways and street-signs without appreciating the events that may have happened here in the past. A photograph found in an archive illustrated just this, as Local Historian, Cathy Scuffil investigated the background to the image, taken in the Dolphin’s Barn area of Dublin just over a century ago using a range of archival and family history sources. Join Cathy as she explains her findings and reveals the fascinating story behind the image and the links to local, national and international events.
We also have our second “Virtual Meet-Up’ of the year. This is where we sit down with a cuppa on Zoom and discuss our genealogical issues! While we don’t claim to solve all issues, we seldom leave you without some avenue to explore. Our members (You Lot) are amazing, We have all levels of expertise and even the most novice family historian has local knowledge. This was very evident when Des Murtagh gave his talk last month!
We repeat this event twice on the day to cover a variety of time zones. You can register for either or both. This event Will Not be recorded. I always leave these ‘Meet-Ups’ having learned something new. If you are dealing with an issue that you would like help with, drop me a mail beforehand, outline the issue and we will have a look before we throw it out to the meeting.
IFHS Members’ Interests Meet-Ups Jun 20 all-day
There will be 2 sessions during the day to try and suit as many of of members as possible re time zones.
Session 1: 10am Dublin time
Session 2: 4pm Dublin time
The purpose of the meet ups is to discuss members’ queries regarding their research so do please send in any queries in advance so we can prep some answers to help get the discussion started.
(1) Co Dublin – Dun Laoghaire Borough Historical Society – Lecture
(5) Co Dublin – Sinking of the RMS Leinster – 108 th Anniversary
Hi Larry,
Hoping all is well with you and the rest of the committee.
Richard Cruise, Philip Lecane and myself have been working closely with Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council with a programme of events for the 10th of October with the main focus being the unveiling of a new memorial to all those who tragically lost their lives with the sinking of the RMS Leinster, 108 years ago this year. We have started circulating a communication out through our network of contacts which will afford relatives of those who were aboard the ship the opportunity to keep the 10th of October free and to join us on the day to mark this year’s anniversary in a fitting manner.
We are aware that the Federation of Local History Societies has its own mailing list of contacts and we were wondering whether the Federation might be agreeable to circulate a notice across its member societies based on the detail attached. There might be members of these societies who are descendants themselves or just might know persons who have a connection with the ship and the tragedy.
It is our hope to try to reach out to as many descendants as possible so that they are aware of what is being planned. Hoping that both you and the Federation might look favourably upon our request. Any assistance provided would be gratefully appreciated by us all.
David Cotter (086-4089611)
RMS Leinster Memorial Committee(1) Co Dublin – Irish Family History Society – Talk
(2) Co Galway – Community Workshop – Climate change
I hope you are well. I’m writing to follow up on our previous email exchange about my research.
I would like to invite you to a community workshop on climate change and cultural landscapes in Connemara, taking place on 6 May at 6pm in Diamond Hill Community Centre.
The workshop will share insights from my PhD research at University College Dublin, which explores how climate change is affecting cultural landscapes and local traditions in the region. Over the past year, I’ve spoken with members of the community including farmers, fishermen, archaeologists, and biodiversity officers.
This event is an opportunity to present some of those findings and, importantly, to open up a discussion around them. A key aim is to return this knowledge to the community and create space for feedback.
Everyone with an interest in these topics is very welcome to attend. Tea, coffee, and biscuits will be provided.
I’ve attached a poster and included an Eventbrite link here for registration (mainly to help estimate numbers).
If you feel this might be of interest to others, I would greatly appreciate you sharing it within your networks.
Many thanks for your time, and I hope to see you there.
Best wishes,
Samantha
Cork County Council Invites Expressions of Interest EOI) for Room/Space Hire within Camden Fort Meagher
The Fort is available to host exhibitions, performances, workshops, community initiatives, cultural events and more
Cork County Council is inviting creative practitioners, educators, community groups and enterprises to submit Expressions of Interest (EOI) for room and space hire within Camden Fort Meagher for innovative projects, events and programmes.
This new EOI initiative seeks collaborators who can contribute to Camden Fort Meagher’s mission of heritage preservation, cultural engagement and community enrichment, while respecting and enhancing the fort’s unique historical significance.
Located at the mouth of Cork Harbour, Camden Fort Meagher boasts more than 400 years of military history. The site includes underground magazines, artillery batteries and expansive views across the harbour, offering a distinctive and atmospheric setting for creative, cultural and educational activity. Open to the public during the tourist season, the fort is now seeking to expand its offering through new partnerships.
Eligible activities include, but are not limited to: art exhibitions, performance arts, educational workshops, historical interpretation projects, community initiatives, film and media production, and cultural events. All proposed activities must be compatible with the conservation and protection of the historic site and must enhance the visitor experience.
The Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Mary Linehan Foley welcomed the news, saying, “It is very encouraging to see one of Cork County Council’s key attractions, Camden Fort Meagher, opening a call for expressions of interest for room and space hire within the fort. Camden Fort Meagher is a site steeped in military history, and this new initiative will help make it even more accessible to the community while also enhancing what the fort has to offer commercially.”
The EOI opens on 15th April 2026, with a submission deadline of 13th May 2026,and applications can be made online at www.corkcoco.ie. This EOI does not constitute a commitment to enter into any agreement, and Cork County Council reserves the right to accept or reject any submission.
Successful applicants will be required to provide proof of public liability insurance which indemnifies Cork County Council. Commercial terms will be negotiated separately with shortlisted applicants.
I’m reaching out about an upcoming festival event we have around a gripping Irish history book that is just about to be published, A Rebel and a Traitor by author and journalist Rory Carroll. The event takes place Monday 23 March at 6pm in dlr LexIcon, Dun Laoghaire. Below is a brief overview of the book and event, along with the booking link for tickets. If you feel this event would be of interest to your members, we would be delighted if you could help us to spread the word.
Please don’t hesitate if I can send any further information or imagery, and we hope to see some of you there.
Best wishes,
Róisín
In A
“Federation Annual Historical Trip to the UK 2026
North West England – Chester, Liverpool and Manchester “Hi folks,
We are looking forward to this years trip which promises as always to be something special
We still have a few vacancies for Double/Twin rooms on the trip ,
Anyone interested should contact Larry Breen , larrybreen8@outlook.com Tel 087 984 1551see links below for Trip details , booking etc.https://mcusercontent.com/e5e3dfd4c12216d7e548edf06/files/cc263ab5-9d89-2607-36f7-a7a49189d716/UK_Trip_2026.docxhttps://mcusercontent.com/e5e3dfd4c12216d7e548edf06/files/154fd6f1-0e64-f15e-6a78-c73910c54c1a/BOOKING.docx(2) Co Tipperary – Lorrha & Dorrha Arch. & Historical Society – TalkLorrha Dorrha Archaeological & Historical Society: The next talk of our 2026 series is on Friday, March 6th, at 8pm.
“Sean Gaynor: Life in Revolution and Beyond” will be given by well-known Nenagh historian John Flannery.
This presentation will examine how Gaynor rose to prominence within the North Tipperary Brigade of the IRA during the War of Independence. It will examine his leadership role during the period and events he was involved in – the Coolboreen and Modreeny Ambushes.
It will also look at his involvement in the Truce period and the descent into Civil War. The capture of Crinkle Barracks by the Tipperary IRA, and the part played by them in events in Mullingar. Gaynor’s involvement on the Anti-Treaty side and his rise to Divisional Commander of the 3rd Southern Division. Events at Dolla and Foilduff, his capture in 1923, along with Stack and Todd Andrews, while attempting to meet up with members of the IRA Executive for discussions on ending the Civil War.
The talk will also look at Gaynor’s life following the Civil War, his role during the Emergency 1939-45, and his efforts to settle into civilian life and raise his family. Also, his time in local politics as a Fianna Fáil member of the North Tipperary County Council
This comprehensive examination of Sean Gaynor’s life is a talk not to be missed.
Date: Friday, 6 March 20226
Time: 8pm
Venue: The Shed at The Friar’s Tavern, Lorrha E45 V651
Entry: €5
No booking requiredJames Heenan
Lorrhalore – Historian, Researcher & Guide(3) AE Russell Society – On line -PresentationÆ George Russell Society Education Programme for Membership Engagement Online presentation: “Æ’s Poetry” Presented by: Michael McKernan of the AE George Russell Society of Lurgan and North Armagh and editor of The Poetry of George Russell (Æ):
A Modern Selected Anthology Date: Monday, 9 March 2026 Time: 8pm (Irish time); 2pm U.S. (CST) time Free, one-hour online talk and discussion Everyone is welcome! No prior knowledge neededOn Zoom – the event will be recorded.Zoom link:
Time: Mar 9, 2026 8pm (Irish time), 2pm Central Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fminnstate.zoom.us%2Fj%2F95436501088&data=05%7C02%7C%7C496c0df05efc4748f20f08de78658492%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639080574584193652%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=IL%2BvWWS8R28U5vBkcGjjeujsDY8UASiLKhOWmgXeiqI%3D&reserved=0Meeting ID: 954 3650 1088
Passcode: 812633(4) Co Galway – Western Family History Association The Western Family History Association (Cumann Stair Teaghlaigh an Iarthair) is a genealogy group based in County Galway. They are a self-help group for members and organise regular talks, workshops and other events on genealogy and family history. Meetings/talks are held on the second Wednesday of every second month in Lackagh Parish Centre (H65 EK52).The next meeting and talk of the WFHA takes place on Wednesday 11th March 2026 at 8:00pm at Lackagh Parish Centre. The speaker on the evening is Patrick O’Looney, local historian, author and former teacher, who will give a presentation on his family history research journey, titled “Roots and Branches”.The presentation is open to members and non-members. The charge for non-members to attend is €5. Looking forward to seeing you there.(5) Co Clare – Ennis Book Club Festivalsee link belowhttps://mcusercontent.com/e5e3dfd4c12216d7e548edf06/files/91d3b304-aae2-13a6-b3ac-063d4677e782/Ennis_Book_Club_Festival_US.pdf
A reminder that the Annual General Meeting of Dúchas Clonakilty Heritage will take place on Mon March 2nd at 8pm in O’Donovan’s Hotel. All are welcome to attend, both members and non-members. We would very much like to see more people becoming more actively involved in our committees, so please do come along to the AGM and share your ideas and opinions.
Hope to see you there.
(4) Irish Family History Society – St Patrick’s Weekend – Event
(5) Co Cork – Cloyne Literary & Historical Society – AGM
Our AGM will take place on Tuesday, March 10th, in The Rock, Cloyne at 8.00pm (tea/coffee – €3)
Please come along and share your thoughts and ideas about speakers and outings during the coming 12 months and also, very importantly, contribute to the selection of our committee.
Maybe you would like to contribute at committee level??
We are always happy to see new faces and hear new thoughts, suggestions and ideas.
Reminder – Membership fees are due from the AGM – €30 (concession rate – €25) (1) Public Appeal – Information – Irish Red Cross – St Lo Normandy – 1945-47
(2) Co Kildare – Naas Local History Group – Illustrated Talk – Robert Barton
Naas Local History Group: Tuesday, 3rd March, 8pm, Town House Hotel.
An illustrated talk on “Robert Barton – the forgotten signatory” by Dr Chris Lawlor
will present the story of Robert Barton who co-signed the Treaty in December
1921 only to repudiate it some months later. Chris Lawlor retired as Head of
History Teaching at Naas CBS. All very welcome.
(1) NI – Dromore Diocesan Historical Society – Zoom Lecture
DROMORE DIOCESAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Monday 9th MARCH 2026: @7:30PM
The Society will host an online lecture by Geoff Cobb entitled Celtic Park, New York and Irish American Olympians
We are delighted to welcome back our New York contributor, Geoff Cobb.
Geoff, the author of four books on Brooklyn history, and a 2021 publicationentitled, “The Irish in New York: Profiles of New Yorkers who have Shaped theEmpire State”, is vice president for local history for the New York Irish History Round Table and a regular contributor to Irish America magazine.
The ZOOM room will open at 7:15pm. The talk will start at 7:30PM sharp.
A link to the talk can be obtained by e-mailing the Hon Secretary goss.jjm@gmail.com and will be forwarded on Monday MARCH 9TH .
(3) Kinsale Cultural & Heritage Society Kinsale Cultural and Heritage Society Presents: Town Walls of Kinsale
The Kinsale Cultural and Heritage Society will host an evening exploring the town’s historic walls with the presentation “Town Walls of Kinsale: A Historical and Visual Journey”. The event will take place on Wednesday, 11th March at 8pm.
Nial Stewart will discuss the history of Kinsale’s town walls, sharing insights into their significance and role in the town’s past. Meanwhile, Cian Walsh will provide a visual reconstruction, showing how the walls may have appeared in 1601.
This promises to be a fascinating evening for anyone interested in Kinsale’s history, heritage, and visual storytelling. All are welcome to attend and learn more about this unique aspect of the town’s cultural legacy.
(6) Co Dublin – Ballsbridge, Donnybrook and Sandymount HistoricalSociety Spring / Summer 2026 Talks are Free to Members: €5 for non-members
Talks are held at The Hive, Herbert Park, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4
March 12th, 7pm – in The Hive, Herbert Park – Catherine O’Flaherty ‘Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty‘
April 9th, 7pm – in The Hive , Herbert Park- Dr Susan Mullaney ‘A Forgotten Dublin Hospital: The Pidgeon House Hospital’.‘
Thursday May 14th, 7pm, The Hive, Herbert Park: Professor Robert Dudley Edwards: the historian from Donnybrook who transformed the study of Irish History Talk by his granddaughter and biographer Neasa MacErlean, author of Telling the Truth is Dangerous
(1) CO Galway – Hand to Hand -Crafts
Hand to Hand is a national gathering of practitioners who teach, practise and sustain traditional, heritage and cultural skills in Ireland. The weekend will bring together builders, makers, craftspeople, storytellers and educators for talks, panel discussions and practical demonstrations exploring how skills are learned through doing, passed on through community, and rooted in place. Speakers include traditional builder Harrison Gardner, furniture historian Dr Claudia Kinmonth, and storyteller and musician Aindrias de Staic. The programme also features panels on sustaining traditional skills as livelihoods, intergenerational learning, and skillsharing in the digital age, alongside demonstrations in blacksmithing, woodworking, bog iron smelting, willow weaving, stonework and textile traditions.
asdMore information is available here: https://www.ourcommonknowledge.org/events/handtohandskillsharersgathering
Free Lecture: St Columbanus Lecture – Columbanus, The Irish, and Rome on Tuesday 3rd of March 2026 at 6.30pm
Dr Damian Bracken, U.C.C., will deliver a lecture on ‘Columbanus, The Irish, And Rome’, on Tuesday 3rd of March 2026 at 6.30pm in Carlow College – St Patrick’s College, College Street, Carlow Town, R93 A003. The lecture is presented by Carlow College and Carlow County Museum, which is operated by Carlow County Council. This concludes the Ireland and the Birth of Europe Exhibition that is currently on display in the Museum in partnership with The Irish Department of Foreign Affairs. All are welcome to attend the lecture, and admission is free.
St Columbanus was a very important European saint who was born in the shadow of Mount Leinster, near the village of Myshall, County Carlow. Local tradition holds that Columbanus was advised by St. Croine Bheag, a recluse of Carlow Town, to leave home to follow his monastic education. His journey took him from the south to the north of Ireland and eventually to Bangor in Co. Down. After many years of study and living in the monastery of Bangor Columbanus set off on his great missionary journey to the continent in 590AD. He founded many monasteries including Luxeuil in France and Bobbio in Italy. Columbanus was described by the late Cardinal Tomás Ó Fiaich as ‘Ireland’s first European, a poet, scholar, abbot, preacher and teacher’. Columbanus founded monasteries, associated with kings, and corresponded with popes. Many of Columbanus’ writings survive and they consistently inspire and encourage.
Dr Damian Bracken, from the School of History in U.C.C., Cork, will deliver the lecture ‘Columbanus, The Irish, And Rome’. Dr Bracken’s research includes a focus on Hiberno-Latin literature, especially on the works of St Columbanus, the earliest Irish writer to leave an important body of writings, and the first to explore Irish identity. He is currently working on a book on Columbanus’s and a project on manuscripts associated with his continental foundations.
In the Summer of 2025 County Carlow successfully hosted the International Columbanus Day 2025, the first time this celebration was hosted in the Republic of Ireland. Speaking about St Columbanus, Bishop Nulty said “Why Columbanus, why bother ourselves with a seventh century Irish monk, thirteen hundred years later? In 2024, as part of the International Columban Day, we had the signing of the Columban Charter of Partnership, a public declaration to promote pilgrimage, cultural and scientific activities relating to St. Columbanus and to his travels. This partnership now includes Ireland, Britain, France, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Liechtenstein and Italy. Myshall holds a central place in the Charter, in the Columban Way and most importantly in the story of Columbanus himself”.
The Columban Way walk, developed in recent years, in County Carlow gives visitors the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of this inspirational sixth century monk. The walk starts at the Nine Stones on Mount Leinster, through Myshall and along the Barrow Way. The Carlow walk joins the finished route at Bangor, County Down as part of a wider national and European Columban Way.
Regards,
Dermot Mulligan, Diarmuid Ó Maologain Museum Curator, Coimeádaí Músaeim, Carlow County Museum, Iarsmallan Chontae Cheatharlach College Street, Sráid an Choláiste, Carlow Town, Ceatharlach, Republic of Ireland Eire R93 E3T2
(4) Co Cork – Kinsale Cultural & Heritage Society – 2026 Programme
We would be grateful if you could share notice of these schemes widely within your networks.
(3) Irish Ancestry Research Centre – Diploma in Genealogy
Good afternoon
We are the Irish Ancestry Research Centre and we are a leading provider of services designed to help people understand their past and save it for future generations. With this in mind, we offer the Diploma in Genealogy (NFQ 7), which is available by distance learning online through Adult Continuing Education, UCC, Cork. The Diploma is a two year course and lectures occur on a Thursday evening, with additional field trips which usually take place on a Saturday. All lectures are recorded and are available for playback at the time of a student’s choosing. Previous experience has indicated that this course is popular with members of Family History Societies and we would be most grateful if you could circulate details.
Hi All,
The National Office of Community Safety has launched a public survey to inform the development of Ireland’s new National Strategy for Improving Community Safety. This survey is an important opportunity for communities across the country—including here in Galway County —to shape future priorities and actions in this area.
We are asking all staff to take a few minutes to complete the survey at the link below: https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-justice-home-affairs-and-migration/consultations/national-strategy-for-improving-community-safety-online-survey/
We also encourage you to share this link widely through your networks, community contacts, and any platforms where you feel it may reach individuals or groups with valuable insights. Broad participation is essential to ensure that the strategy genuinely reflects the needs and lived experiences of people across Ireland.
The information gathered will feed into the strategy at a national level as well as being an important contribution to Galway County Community Safety Plan.
Your support in completing and circulating the survey is greatly appreciated.
Kind regards, Galway County Local Community Safety Partnership
The Annual General Meeting of Dúchas Clonakilty Heritage will take place on Mon March 2nd at 8pm in O’Donovan’s Hotel. All are welcome to attend, both members and non-members. We would very much like to see more people becoming more actively involved in our committees, so please do come along to the AGM and share your ideas and opinions.
If you wish to propose a motion or to send in nominations for any of the various roles on the committee (Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, PRO and Assistant PRO), please email duchaslecturesandfieldtrips@gmail.com by February 27th.
Please note that you must be a member in order to vote at the AGM. If you haven’t got around to sending in your membership fee yet for 2026, please see attachment for methods of payment.
Agenda:
1. Apologies for absences
2. Chairperson’s Address
3. Minutes of 2025 AGM and matters arising
4. Treasurer’s Report
5. PRO Report
6. Reports from Subcommittees
7. Motions
8. Election of Officers
9. AOB
(2) AE George Russell Society
Dear members and friends,
Here are some upcoming dates for your attention:
4 March, 7pm, United Arts Club: Centenary commemoration of Susan Mitchell (1866-1926), poet, mystic of the Irish Cultural Renaissance, colleague of AE and one of the first professional female journalists in Ireland.
9 March, 8pm, Online presentation on “AE’s Poetry” by Michael McKernan of the AE George Russell Society of Lurgan and North Armagh and editor of The Poetry of George Russell (AE): A Modern Selected Anthology
10-11 April, Aonach Mhacha, Armagh: Spring School
1-5 July, Dublin Gael Linn, United Arts Club and other venues: Summer School
July, launch of Journal of AE Studies – First drafts of proposed articles must be sent to the editor by 31st March at this email address: patrick.o’donnell@normandale.edu
(3) Co Donegal – 2026 Micheal O Cleirigh Summer School
Co Donegal – The 2026 Mícheál Ó Cléirigh Summer School8th to 10th May 2026
Friday 8th May – Cultural programme Saturday 9th May – Academic programme Sunday 10th May – History tour to local area of interest.
Please let us know if you wish to have your details removed from our mailing list.
Mícheál Ó Cléirigh Summer School 8th to 10th May 2026 Friary Hall, Rossnowlagh, Co. Donegal
(4) Request for Speakers
We are looking for possible speakers on the topics of historical emigration
Anyone interested should contact
Larry Breen, e-mail : larrybreen8@gmail.com
(1) Co Longford Historical Society – New BooksNew Books from County Longford Historical Society
County Longford Historical Society recently co-published, with Geography Publications, County Longford Explored by Dr Fergus O’Ferrall. The book has Dr O’Ferrall’s collected essays on many aspects of Longford’s history since 1978, including: land and society in Moydow barony; the campaign for Catholic Emancipation; agrarian strife; and essays on Oliver Goldsmith and Maria Edgeworth, two of Longford’s great writers. Copies are €40 each, directly from the society.
The society also produced its annual journal, Teathbha, edited by Martin Morris. It has contributions covering a wide range of subjects. Terry Connell has an article about the county’s archaeological sites. Ros McAdden assesses the famous Black Pig’s Dyke or Duncla, in light of recent excavations. Helen Meehan considers references to Teathbha in the Annals of Ulster. Ciaran O’Hanlon gives a possible origin of the name of Longford town. Martin Morris writes about Rev. John Ker, Church of Ireland Dean of Ardagh. Tom Greene, writes about shootings in Gelsha in the 1820s. Edward Walsh extracts mentions of Longford natives from an Argentine newspaper. Roger Timlin outlines mining in Cleenrath, Enaghan and Keel. Seán Ó Súilleabháin uncovers a Rathcline All-Ireland winning hurler, Tom Belton. Neil Moxham highlights the extraordinary photographs taken by his grandaunt, Louise, a nurse in the First World War. Fergus O’Ferrall describes an initiative by Longford’s ‘Patriotic Protestants’ in 1920. Cormac Duignan writes about his grandfather, Peter Duignan, Ballinamuck, a great local historian. Paddy Egan explains the ‘Jewel in the Crown’ in his area. David Leahy provides a fascinating guide to church records and census fragments. And more! Copies are €15 each.
To order either book, please go to County Longford Historical Society’s website – longfordhistory.ie.
Online presentation: “Æ’s Poetry”
Presented by: Michael McKernan of the AE George Russell Society of Lurgan and North Armagh and editor of The Poetry of George Russell (Æ):
Date: Monday, 9 March 2026
Time: 8pm (Irish time); 2pm U.S. (CST) time
Free, one-hour online talk and discussion
Everyone is welcome! No prior knowledge neededOn Zoom – the event will be recorded.Zoom link: