Various events from around the country Appear after Notes to members
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Note to members
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It would greatly facilitate keeping the list up to date and clear of outdated notices, if contributor’s would add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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IMPORTANT MESSAGE FOR FEDERATION MEMBERS
FEDERATION MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL 2024/25
In order to control and keep our membership details up to date we had requested members to renew their 2024 membership and pay the annual fee by the end of March 2024.
This is important for a number of reasons.
It keeps us up to date with contact details thus ensuring that we can keep in touch accurately with members in offering our services.
It is also very important to us financially. We have no other source of income other than a small revenue we get from the sale of some journals.
We need the membership income to keep our heads financially above water.
There are a considerable number of societies who have yet to renew their membership.
We would ask societies who have not yet renewed if they would do so at their earliest convenience.
Any society or individual who have already renewed their membership, Thank you. please ignore this message.
Attached is a membership renewal form and we would appreciate it if you returned it with your remittance as the contact details it contains are important.
Thanks for your support, we look forward to hearing from you, so that we can continue to offer you the service you deserve.
This notice is for members or anyone who may have reason to engage in payment to the Federation by Cheque,
We are experiencing trouble with cheques that are not properly filled in and are having in instances to return cheques to the bank, this is frustrating and makes things difficult,
We would ask anyone sending cheques to the Federation to bear this in mind ,
We would appreciate it if you would adhere to the guidelines below ,
This will make it easier for everyone.
FLHS as the payee, will NOT be accepted by AIB Bank –it must be the full title –Federation of Local History Societies.
Amount must be filled in both in writing and in legible figures.
Please write clearly and legibly.
Ensure your signature does not go below the line in the cheque .
(1) Federation News – Membership Renewal
“Notice to all Societies” Time for membership renewal
It is now well into the year and there are a lot of societies who have not yet paid their membership renewal fee.
Like we have emphasised before we depend almost entirely on our membership subscriptions for our financial survival.!!! “it is as simple as that”
The only other small income we have is from our Journal sales,
We need this income to survive so we ask societies to please check if the affiliation fee has been paid as this can genuinely sometimes fall between the chairs,
We sincerely thank those societies who have already paid and would ask those who have not yet done so to check this and to please renew their membership.
It is the only way we can continue to maintain a service to you.
Stay safe and take care, Larry
(2) Federation Journal – Special Offer
We still have some of our 2024 journals left and can make you a special offer.
You can have 10 journals delivered to your doorstep for just 30 Euro which includes P&P, this is €3.00 per Journal which is a fantastic offer.
It offers societies an opportunity to share this high quality publication with their membership or individuals to share with their friends
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Events from around the country
(1) Co Kildare – Naas Local History Group – Down Memory Lane – A Night of Old Naas Pictures
A night of old pictures of Naas. Tues 2nd Dec 2025, 8.00pm town House Hotel, hosted by Naas Local History Group, all very welcome.
(4) Co Longford – Maria Edgeworth Visitor Centre – Victorian Christmas Traditions
“Tipples & Traditions” – Victorian Christmas Traditions & Wine Appreciation
Join Dr Melissa Shiels for A Toast to Christmas Past — a fascinating 90-minute journey through Victorian Christmas traditions, from decorating trees and pulling crackers to festive parlour games and dances like Sir Roger de Coverley! Then, raise a glass with Mary Gaynor, one of Ireland’s leading wine experts, at a seasonal wine tasting, featuring three reds and three whites perfectly suited to the winter season.
>>Spots are limited > https://mariaedgeworthcenter.com/victorian-christmas-and-wine-appreciation/ — don’t miss this enchanting evening of history, merriment, and festive cheer for only €25 per person.
With generous support from Duffy’s SuperValu in Edgeworthstown and Manorhill Bakery
(1) Co Cork -Kinsale Cultural & Heritage Organisation
Greetings,Irish Newspaper Archives will be running a promotion as part of Black Friday. If it hasn’t started today, it will certainly start Monday to Friday next week.
Normally, the subscription is around 140eruo but for the week that is in it they have reduced the cost to 74 euro.
The exciting news is that the Cork Constitution is being added next year.
(2) Co Galway – Warning Demon ShrimpWe have recently confirmed the presence of an invasive species known as Demon shrimp (Dikerogammarus haemobaphes) in Portumna. This species poses a serious risk to our freshwater ecosystems, and urgent action is need
To help prevent its spread, all water users and anyone carrying out works in or near water must follow strict biosecurity measures — particularly around Portumna, Lough Derg, and the Shannon waterways, but also across the county.
The best way to stop the spread is by adopting the “Check, Clean, Dry” approach:
Check all equipment and clothing for plant or animal material.
Clean thoroughly to remove any debris.
Dry everything completely before moving to another water body.
(3) Co Donegal – Talk – The murder of Mary Doherty 1844
Dear Larry,
I am contacting you on behalf of Donegal Studies, Central Library, Letterkenny.
Dr Angela Byrne, author of recently published book, Finding Mary; The Untold Story of an Inishowen Murder, 1844 will give a talk at Central Library, Letterkenny on Thursday, 27th November at 6.00 pm. The talk will examine the shocking murder of 14- year old Mary Doherty in a Culdaff farmhouse in 1844 and offer a glimpse into everyday life in rural Donegal just before the famine.
I would appreciate if you could share details of the event with your members. Event poster attached.
Just a quick reminder of some events for the rest of this month.
Connemara National Park.
Local historian Colm Wallace, will give a talk this evening at the AV Theatre at Connemara National Park, Letterfrack, starting at 7pm.
This will be on how life was lived in Connemara between 1922 and 1938. Entitled “From the Civil War to the Economic War”.
Clifden Arts Society.
Concert featuring French harpist Emmanuel Ceysson and up and coming Irish soprano Sarah Shine, takes place in the Station House Theatre at 8pm on Thursday 20th November.
Clifden Station House Theatre,
Comedian Bernard O Shea on Friday 21st at 8pm.
Connemara Astronomy Club.
Next meeting takes place on Tuesday 25th in the Forum Office, Eir Building, (behind the Garda Station) at 7.30. The main speaker will be Amy Flanahan from the Newport Astronomy Club and her topic will be how to build a Moon Garden.
Connemara Garden Club
The AGM of the club will take place on Wednesday 26th, in the Station House Hotel at 8pm. Anyone with an interest in any aspect of gardening is welcome to come along and join the club . Membership costs 30euro payable on the night.
Anyone interested in practicing their Irish are welcome to join our Ciorcal Comhra which takes place every Thursday morning in various locations around the town. Tomorrow it will happen at the Woodfield Hotel at 11am. Beidh Failte roimh.
I hope to see you at some or all of the above.
(2) Co Galway – Community Heritage & Biodiversity Grant Scheme 2026
In the early 1800s the seemingly unstoppable rise of Napoleon, and fears of a French blockade, led Britain to consider draining all of Irelands Bogs. An Act of Parliament provided for the appointment of Commissioners to establish whether these bogs could be drained and farmed. Between 1809 and 1814 the Bog Commissioners oversaw the detailed mapping of over 1 million statute acres of Irish bog. But once Napoleon was defeated interest in Ireland’s bogs waned, and these maps were filed away.
Over 100 years later Bord Na Mona made use of these maps as it began the complex work of transforming bogs across the midlands.
Richard Griffith was one of the first engineers appointed by the Bog Commissioners, and his immediate task was to map over 70,000 staute acres of the Bog of Allen in West Kildare and East Offaly. Griffith received his early education in Rathangan and is best known for his work on the valuation of land and property in Ireland – ‘Griffith’s valuations’ – which formed the basis for rates.
Join us on Saturday November 29th to discover more about these maps, and the engineers who made them.
The event will be led by Lily Toomey from the RePeat Project which has used the Bog Commissioner’s Maps to identify the full extent of the bogs lost since the early 1800s – this includes cutaway bogs, peatlands converted to grassland, and forestry on peat soils. In the longer term this data may be used to identify areas suitable for rewetting under Ireland’s Climate Action Plan.
Date Saturday November 29th from 10 am to 12 noon
Venue – Rathangan Community Library Eircode – R51 YX65
This is a free event organised by Creative Rathangan Meitheal and funded by Kildare Co Co and Creative Ireland.
Lily Toomey is an environmental historian whose research focuses on the modernising Irish state in the twentieth century. She has focused on how peatlands shaped and were themselves shaped by the politics, economy and culture of this period, and the legacies of these relationships for contemporary peatlands governance. She has worked as a research assistant on the RePEAT project which has allowed her to consider the maps and reports of the early nineteenth century Bogs Commission as both colonial objects and as a lens through which to examine the historical interdependencies between peatlands and people in Ireland. The RePEAT project is a collaboration, between Trinity College Dublin and the University of Galway, which turns the Bogs Commissioner maps against their initial purpose. Created to enable the drainage of Ireland’s peatlands, these maps can now help to model the baseline extent of peatlands in Ireland before many of them were drained to expand farming or turned into industrial peat extraction sites. The digitisation of these astonishingly accurate historical maps has been a crucial step to bring them into conversation with current land-use data which in turn allows us to identify present-day agricultural areas located on peat soils and discuss possible avenues for restoration.
(6) Co Tipperary – Lorrha & Dorrha Historical Society – Talk
Lorrha Dorrha Archaeological & Historical Society: Our next talk for our Winter Series will be presented by our own David Broderick and the title of this fascinating talk is “Ireland of a Thousand Goodbyes. Memory of Mass Emigration in the Irish Landscape.”
While numerous Irish people had been emigrating long before the Great Famine, this most devastating and dark period in Irish history triggered millions more to hastily leave the country, the majority never to return.
Although most physical traces of where these people once lived are now wiped from the landscape, there still remains numerous sites throughout the country that faintly hold onto their memory of departure in place name or folk memory.
This presentation will attempt to follow a typical Irish emigrant from their doorstep to the gangway through a series of associated sites along their heart-breaking journey.
Date: Friday November 21st @ 8pm
Venue: The Shed at The Friar’s Tavern E45 V651
Admission: €5
No booking required.
(7) Cloyne Literary & Historical Society
Hello everyone!
An important date for your diary….
Our Christmas lunch will take place in
The Rock, Cloyne
on Friday, December 12th at 12.30 pm
We will have a 3 course meal, plus tea/coffee, mince pies and mulled wine
Cost: €35 per person
Book by replying to this email or alternatively, text Mairéad at 087 225 3952 by December 4th.
Kildangan Local History Group, Co Kildare, are interested in a speaker to talk on the subject of Richard Griffith , Map Maker/Surveyor of Griffith’s Valuations fame .
Replies to Laurence Fulham, email ljfulham@gmail.com ; Tel No 045 528078 Mob 086 777 4825
The next lecture brought to you by Clontarf Historical Society will be ‘150 years under sail: the story of Clontarf Yacht and Boat Club’, by Mairead McKenna, next Monday 10th November at 7:30 p.m. in St. John’s Resource Centre on Clontarf Road. Entry is free for members or €5 for non-members.
(3) Co Galway – Jim Fahy Biography
Following the very successful launch of “The Puddler Poet”, Jim Fahy’s biography of local man, Michael McGovern on October 25 in Williamstown, there is, not surprisingly, great demand for the book, not just in the immediate locality, but also over a much wider area, as the late Jim Fahy remains a popular and highly respected broadcaster, journalist and documentarian.
The biography is currently available, at €20 from Sharkey’s Spar, SNJ Cafe, DG Roofing and the WDC office (all in Williamstown). It is also available in Books ‘n More and Pat Lane Shoes (both Tuam), Charlie Byrne’s bookshop (Galway) and Newsround (Roscommon).
It can also be purchased directly from Leo Finnegan (086 1603043) and (finneganleo100@gmail.com).
If there is postage/packaging involved, this costs €10 (Ireland), €14 (UK) and €24 (USA).
(4) Co Galway – Heritage Council Website
Hi all,
We are in the early stages of designing a new website for the Heritage Council. We have a survey up on our website, for users to fill out, which will inform the next stages for the design team.
If I can invite you to fill out the survey which is available on our site here. Please forward to any community groups or individuals who you feel use the website currently.
(3) Co Cork – Research Project – Information Request
Good morning!
My name is Nora Selnaes and I am a master student in urban design at University College Cork. I am conducting a research project on how heritage can be implemented into the development of public space in Kinsale (and other Irish towns). I was therefore wondering if it would be possible to be put in contact with some of your members for a chat, and/or participate in one of your meetings? Your insights would be invaluable.
Thank you so much in advance for your consideration. Feel free to send me a text or call me to discuss the details. My number is +4790606226.
Kind regards,
Nora Selnaes
UCC Master student
(4) Co Galway – Launch New Sort Fiction Collection
Hello everyone,
Due to circumstances beyond our control, we needed to make some changes to our planned events.
Firstly, Harty’s has ceased trading sooner than we had expected and therefore, we must move to a new meeting place.
Fortunately, the Men’s Shed group in Cloyne has offered us the use of their premises and we are very grateful to them for their assistance.
The premises is situated almost directly opposite St Colman’s church and there is a small finger-post sign indicating its location. There is a narrow lane leading to it and parking space outside it.
(9) Irish Georgian Society – Talks
Water & Ireland’s Architectural Heritagetalks series, 6pm Tuesdays from 7th Oct until Tuesday 25th November 2025.
Ireland’s rich architectural heritage has many structures which have been built in response to our relationship with the Atlantic Ocean, the Irish Sea, and our many rivers, lakes and wetlands. The Irish Georgian Society’s Conservation Education Programme autumn lecture series will examine the theme of water and architectural heritage through a series of eight talks each week focusing on a particular building typology: bridges (Rob Goodbody); Canals (Peter Clarke); Yacht Clubs (Peter Pearson); Harbours (Prof. Elizabeth Shotton); Martello towers (Dr Jason Bolton); Lighthouses (David Hare); Mills (Fred Hamond); and Breweries (Dr Livia Hurley).
The one-hour talks take place at 6pm each Tuesday evening during October & November 2025 in the City Assembly House, 58 South William Street, Dublin 2, as well as live online. Additionally, all talk subscribers will receive a recording of the talk which can be watched for a two-week period after the date of issue.
It is possible to book talks individually (€15 each) or book for the whole course for a discounted rate (€100).
Talks are approved for Continuing Professional Development by the CIF Register of Heritage Contractors, Engineers Ireland, and the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (8 points).
Just a reminder that we have Catherine Flanagan for what will be a fascinating lecture on the Famine in Kinsale.. It takes place in the Temperance Hall , Wednesday 24th (tomorrow night) at 8pm.
(1) Federation News – Annual UK Trip 2026
Federation of Local History Societies
UK Annual Historical Trip 2026
Sunday 3rd May – Thursday 7th May 2026
This year we plan to visit the North West of England , visiting centres around Liverpool. Manchester and Chester in what promises to be another interesting and exciting adventure.
(7) Co Dublin – Irish Family History Society – Course Series
The Irish Family History Society are running a course series starting on September 20th. This will comprise workshop tutorials on navigating, online Irish family history records. The course will be aimed at people new to Irish records and will be mostly focused on free records. However, reference will be made to further and paid content.
The course will be delivered on Zoom and will be free to paid up members of our society. Non-members may access €10 per module or €40 for all 5 modules. All details are on our website www.ifhs.ie
We are currently offering a half price membership promotion of €12.50 which will be valid until 31st December 2025. All payments may be made electronically via our website.
Kindest regards
Louise
(8) Co Galway – Talk – Oughterard History Group
Mairtin Mor Mc Donogh
Please join us for this talk on Friday 3rd October at 7pm in Oughterard Courthouse. Parking available.
Feel free to share with others.
(3) Co Galway – Western Family History Association
The Cancelled Books, also called the Revision Books Wednesday 10th September 2025
The Western Family History Association are delighted to welcome you to Lackagh Parish Centre, Turloughmore, Co. Galway H65 EK52 for our next presentation on Wednesday 10 September, 2025 at 8pm
The speaker for the evening is Kieran Jordan who will give a presentation on: – The Cancelled Books, also called the Revision Books
Kieran Jordan was originally from Kiltullagh, Athenry and now lives in Cork. He has maintained a local history involvement in Kiltullagh in addition to expanding his interest in family history and local history in Fermoy, Co. Cork. Kieran has been involved in authoring/editing local and family history books in Galway and Cork.
The Cancelled Books, also called the Revision Books, are a follow-up of Griffith’s Valuation from about 1860 to 1980. They give over a century of information on things like land occupation/ownership, family history, housing and townland boundaries. While not available online, they can be consulted at the Valuation Office in Abbey Street, Dublin. This lecture will give information on how to get the most from this valuable resource.
This promises to be a most interesting evening and we look forward to seeing you there. The presentation is open to members and non-members. The charge for non-members to attend is €5.
We will also be broadcasting simultaneously on line for current members who are unable to make it in person. A link for the zoom meeting will be emailed to members on the day of the event.
(4) Co Dublin – Glasnevin Cemetery – Culture Night
Open Day
at
Templetogher Heritage
Area
F45PH32
Sunday, September 7
1pm – 4pm
(Main Event – Unveiling of New Features at 2.30pm)
Several New Features
on Show
Complimentary Light
Refreshments
Ample Parking
Co Kildare – 35th Irish Conference of Historians – Reminder
Maynooth University
Theme – Inner Lives & Outer Realities
12th -13th Sept 2025
“Please note that a reduced rare is available for students /unwaged”
We would like to bring to your attention the conference programme for the 35th Irish Conference of Historians, hosted by the Irish Committee of Historical Science and the Department of History, Maynooth University which may be of interest to your members. The conference theme is ‘Inner Lives and Outer Realities’. It will be held at Maynooth University, 12-13 September and will feature papers on this topic from a range of time periods.
A full programme and registration link can be found in the attached .pdf.
(3 ) Co Kildare – Naas Local History Group – Flooding Blessington Lakes
(1) Co Kildare – Naas Local History Group – Flooding of Blessington Lakes
“Tales from a drowned valley – the flooding of the Blessington lakes” – talk and slides by Seamus Cullen. Tuesday, 2nd September, 8pm. Town House Hotel, Naas. Hosted by the Naas Local History Group. All very welcome
Walking Tours of Medieval Loughrea. Join local historian Ray Gately on Sunday, 24th August for two engaging walking tours from 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM and 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM, departing from St Brendan’s Cathedral, Barrack Street, Loughrea, Co. Galway (H62 EH63). Discover the town’s rich medieval heritage through stories and historical insights. Light refreshments will be served after each tour.
Please wear suitable clothing and footwear. For more information, contact Ray Gately at 087 2829451 or raygately@hotmail.com.
Music Generation Galway County is hosting a Taster Session at the Loughrea Hotel & Spa on Sunday, 24th August, with two time slots available: 2–3 PM and 3.30–4.30 PM. Open to young people aged 8–18 years, this engaging music experience offers a chance to explore instruments and performance in a fun, supportive environment. Free entry, but registration is advance is a must, so don’t miss out – https://form.jotform.com/221414845892360
Music Through the Ages is a free one-hour concert presented by Padraig Connaughton and Madeline Fleming as part of the Loughrea Medieval Festival. Taking place on Sunday, 24th August 2025 from 7–8 PM at the Loughrea Hotel & Spa, the performance will explore musical styles from medieval times to the modern day. Food and refreshments will be served after the event, which is proudly organised by the Loughrea Medieval Festival Committee and Galway County Council.
I am contacting you on behalf of Central Library, Letterkenny. For National Heritage Week (16th – 24th August) we are hosting a number of events (see details attached) that may be of interest to members of the Federation of Local History Societies. We would appreciate if you would share information regarding same with your members.
On Thursday 21st of Augustfrom6.30pm – 7.30pm we have a talk the Life and Legacy of Wolfe Tone with Dr Ruán O’Donnell from the University of Limerick. Dr O’Donnell is an expert on the history of Irish republicanism worldwide and has researched, written and spoken about the events of 1798 and the life of Wolfe Tone. This lecture will be of particular local interest arising from debate on the capture of Tone aboard the Hoche at Lough Swilly.
For further information and to register interest for any of the events, Central Library can be contacted at 074 9124950 or by emailing centrallibrary@donegalcoco.ie.
Join us for talks on ‘Finding Galway families in the Virtual Record Treasury’ by Dr Ciarán Wallace, Co-Director, Virtual Record Treasury of Ireland, Department of History, Trinity College, Dublin.
See: https://www.virtualtreasury.ie
The Virtual Record Treasury of Ireland (VRTI) is an all-island and international research partnership hosted by Trinity College Dublin, working to reconstruct the collections of the Public Record Office of Ireland — a magnificent archive destroyed in 1922 at the outset of the Civil War.
The VRTI team hunts for copies and transcripts made before the fire of 1922. Among these are over 60,000 names from the lost censuses before and after the Famine. This talk will introduce the VRTI’s ‘Population Portal’ – a dedicated area on the website for family historians – giving helpful tips and tricks for finding your Galway ancestors on this free public research site.
‘Digital Mapping of Galway County Graveyards’ by Marie Mannion
This will be followed by an interactive workshop on exploring your family history and genealogy. Expert genealogists and local community experts will guide you through the process of tracing your roots, finding ancestral records, and delving into fascinating family stories.
Discover Galway’s Workhouse Past A Lunchtime Talk with Historian Mary Clancy Tuesday, 19th August 1:15 PM – 2:00 PM Loughrea Library (H62 EV61)
Join Galway County Council Archives for a captivating talk that brings the history of County Galway’s Poor Law Unions to life. Historian Mary Clancy will explore the vital role these institutions played in shaping the county’s social, medical, and administrative landscape from the mid-1800s to early 1920s.
Drawing from the Loughrea Board of Guardians minutes, Mary will share:
The significance of digitised archival records
Stories of selected Guardians and workhouse staff
Insights into life within the workhouse system
This event celebrates the ongoing digitisation of the Loughrea Poor Law Union minutes (1868–1899), supported by the Heritage Council Stewardship Fund 2025.
Booking is essential – places are limited! To reserve your spot or learn more, email: archivist@galwaycoco.ie
Step into the past and uncover the stories that shaped Galway’s communities.
(6) Western Family History Association
see below
The Western Family History Association (WFHA) 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. This year for Heritage Week 2025, the WFHA will host a drop-in workshop in Galway City Library, St Augustine St., Galway (H91 R6WF} on Tuesday, the 19th August 2025 between 10:30 am and 1:30 pm. Admission is open to the public and is free of charge. You are invited to bring your genealogical research queries to experienced members of the WFHA who will be in attendance to offer one-to-one advice on sources and strategies for researching your family history.
This is a reminder that there are still some places left for our weekend event , included are the booking details etc. we would be delighted to see you ,
FEDERATION OF LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETIES
AGM 2025
Carrigaline Court Hotel, Co Cork – Frid 3rd – Sun 5th October 2025
We are holding our AGM this year in Co Cork and our hosts will be Passage West Maritime Museum & Heritage Group. We will be staying in the four-star Carrigaline Court Hotel.
It will be a weekend event starting on Friday evening and finishing on Sunday. A detailed programme will be arranged including the official AGM and walks, after-dinner talks, visits of historical interest, and all in the convivial company of fellow historians from all around the country.
It has always proved to be also a great social occasion and offers a chance to renew old acquaintances and make new ones and all in beautiful area of West Cork.
We are inviting you to book a place, come along and enjoy an interesting and relaxing weekend – see details below,
Weekend package: Two nights B&B including two evening meals in 4* Carrigaline Court Hotel, PPS € 215 Single € 359
Programme – Draft Friday: Evening, Welcome, Dinner / after-dinner talk and relax for the evening, Saturday: Morning, Official AGM, welcome by County Mayor, County Heritage Officer, AGM Business, lunch, afternoon Field Trip, evening Dinner, after-dinner talk and time to relax. Sunday: Morning, field trip to Passage West Maritime Museum, visit museum, walk and talk, The full detailed programme will follow
Booking
Those wishing to book should ring the Carrigaline Court Hotel, 021 4852100, ask for the Federation weekend package in the name of Larry Breen, date 3-5th Oct 2025, Group No 385159 which will get you the special rate.
When you book we would ask you to provide your Society Name and a contact Tel No for follow-up and for the benefit of the Federation records,
If you have any queries contact Larry Breen larrybreen8@outlook.com Tel 087 984 1551
Larry Breen PRO FLHS
1) Co Waterford – Port Law Heritage Centre – Heritage Week Events
Good afternoon
We are writing to remind you of the following IARC, university accredited courses which have previously proved popular with members of historical societies.
Hi Folks, I’m really excited about this. Vincent Hurley has kindly allowed us to show this video he made on the convent just after it closed. It is taking place in the library on Saturday, August 16th, at 2 pm. As the seating is limited, it’s ticketed. If you know anyone really interested in it, you might forward this message before it goes public
The Office of Public Works is currently recruiting for the position of Supervisor Guide for Ennis Friary and Scattery Island, two of Ireland’s most significant heritage sites. We would be grateful if you could share this opportunity with your networks, including professionals in the heritage and tourism sectors.
I am doing Spies and informers of the war of independence Saturday September 27th at Blanchardstown Library at 14.00 for Castleknock and Blanchardstown Hist soc
October 23 loughshinny and rush as informed
November 12 Old Dublin Society at Pearse St Library at 6.30 Sw Dublin in the War of Independence
11 November Tallaght Historical Society Tallaght Library Murder by the Throat 7.00
24 November Clondalkin Historical society Murder by the Throat 7.00
(7) Co Meath – St Ultan’s Historical Society – Heritage Week Events
The Dr Eamon Phoenix Foundation – Upcoming Events Two events taking place as part of this year’s Féile an Phobail in Belfast: .
1. The Inaugural Dr Eamon Phoenix History Lecture Professor Diarmaid Ferriter: “Taking the Myth out of History – the Historian and Society”
This special lecture, hosted by St Mary’s University College and the Dr Eamon Phoenix Foundation, will be delivered by renowned historian Professor Diarmaid Ferriter.. Friday, 8th August 3:00pm St Mary’s University College, Falls Road
2. Colin Heritage Project – Video Display “Explore West Belfast’s Past with Dr Éamon Phoenix”
A new video installation featuring seven short films on the history of the Colin area—Twinbrook, Poleglass, and surrounding communities—narrated by the late Dr Éamon Phoenix. Learn about local figures such as Belle Steele, Beatrice Grimshaw, and Bobby Sands.
Presented by the Dr Eamon Phoenix Foundation and Colin Neighbourhood Partnership. From Friday, 8th August Colin Connect Transport Hub and Town Square, Stewartstown Road, Dunmurry (BT17 0LE), opposite the Dairy Farm Centre
This Video display will be shown all week at the Feile in St Mary’s University College
(9) Co Dublin – Malahide Historical Society – News
Mel and myself were interviewed by Phoenix FM radio and a recording of our interview along with photos are up on our website and a recording is available on our YouTube channel. We are going to be attending The Really Useful Family History Show in Belfast on August 23rd. So if you’re in the area come along and say hello.
To celebrate our revitalised website we are currently running a reduced rate membership promotion of €12.50 which will run until November 1st. This will be valid until the end of December.
If our summer has been quiet, Autumn sees an explosion of activity. We kick off on September 20th with our very own Kieran running a series of online ‘how-to’ classes. These will run for 5 weeks on consecutive Saturdays. They are mainly focused on navigating online Irish records, mostly free records, but reference to other sites too. This course is free to members with a charge for non-members. All details on the website and to register for all or some just drop me a quick mail. As with all online events, the link will be issued 24 hours prior.
In October Brian Gurrin from The Virtual Treasury will be giving a zoom talk on the census records and what has been recovered.
Our annual conference is a little earlier this year on November 1st. We are planning a very exciting line-up and a refreshed format. It will be in person and on zoom.
Attached please find programme for the 35th La Louche Legacy Seminar – 10th Festival of History which will be held in Greystones Golf Club, Whitshed Road, Greystones, Co. Wicklow on Friday 19th and Saturday 20th September 2025.
It would be appreciated if you could please circulate this to the members of your Historical Society for their information.
If there is anything or any one you would love to see coming to Friars’ Gate please do not hesitate to let us know.
Kind Regards,
Ciara
Ciara Moloney
Manager
Friars’ Gate Theatre
Federation Journal
We are progressing well with the annual Journal and at this stage we now have enough articles for this year’s edition,
However if anyone has a article and want to send it to us we will hold it for next year ,
With regard to Society News , we need to to have this information in soon to allow us to finalise the size of the Journal ,
Therefor we would ask any societies who are interested to send on the information at their earliest convenience,
Stay safe and take care
Larry
(2) Ennis Book Club – Festival Short Story Competition 2026
Co Donegal – Donegal Historical Society – Field Day – Buncrana
The next County Donegal Historical Society Field Day will be in Buncrana on Sunday 20th July at 3PM.
Our guide will be artist and local historian John McCarron of the West Inishowen History and Heritage Society for this short walking tour in Buncrana.
Join us to discover the connection with Wolfe Tone, hear about the old salmon fishery, Buncrana Castle, O’Doherty’s Keep, Swan Park, local mills, and heritage landmarks.
Meet at Cahir O’Doherty Ave., with tea/coffee available after at the Anglers Centre.
I am visiting Ireland in August-September and available to give a talk to local history societies in Tipperary, Limerick, Cork, Dublin, Offaly and Cavan, about the recently reased book, Irish Bigamy: New insights into colonial New South Wales (Colonial Press, Goulburn, 2580) (see attachment).
This fascinating book with insights into Irish convict families has been nominated for the NSW Premier’s History Award in Australia.
Regards
Damian
Dr Damian Gleeson
PO Box 343 Goulburn
New South Wales 2583
Australia
(4) New Book – Honoured Betrayed – Behind Closed Doors by Christopher
Christopher is a survivor, a witness and a voice of truth from one of the most turbulent periods in South Africa’s history. Raised in the heart of a nation ravaged by apartheid, Christopher’s journey has taken him through the corridors of power, the shadows of secrecy, and the depths of moral ambiguity His life story is a testament to resilience, courage, and the unyielding pursuit of justice. Highly recommended
Available from Amazon and Barker & Jones Book Shop , Poplar Square, Naas, Co Kildare, Tel 045 856 130
(5) Co Dublin – Dublin Metropolitan Police – 100 years
I want to bring your attention to an exciting new heritage project happening right now in County Limerick.
Bench marks also known as Crow’s Feet, Sapper’s marks and Devil’s marks have been part of our rural and urban landscapes for almost two hundred years. These carvings, which are part of our heritage, have no legal protection and are disappearing through destruction, renovations work or being lost to nature.
We are looking for communities in both urban and rural areas to get involved recording both existing and lost bench marks. For more information on how can you and your family, community groups and clubs get involved in documenting the extant and disappeared bench marks in your locality visit Locating Benchmarks, Preserving Historywebsite
Information sessions on how to get involved will be held throughout August in libraries across Limerick.
Dates and times will be confirmed via the website and dedicated Facebook page
We are also available to meet with community groups and other organisations before then.
Media Release
1 July 2025 The Ties that Bind, Belfast to Ballydehob
Following the success of its first year, the acclaimed Shared Island cultural exchange project, “The Ties That Bind”, returns this summer with a second iteration of cross-community collaboration between Levis’ Corner House (Ballydehob, West Cork) and The Duncairn (North Belfast). The Duncairn will take over Ballydehob from the 10th to the 13th July 2025.
As part of Creative Ireland’s Creative Communities on a Shared Island initiative, two of Ireland’s best known intimate venues from opposite corners of the island have teamed up to explore their mutual creative links in a project called “The Ties that Bind”, in collaboration with Cork County Council and Belfast City Council.
Last year, local artists from each community took part in residential exchanges, swapping the rural picturesque village of Ballydehob for the inner-city hustle and bustle of North Belfast, and vice versa. The two organisations have also successfully taken over each other’s venues for weekends of music, spoken word, storytelling and community engagement.
This year’s programme begins with a four-day festival-style takeover of Levis’ Corner House by artists, creatives, volunteers and staff from the Duncairn, bringing Belfast’s diverse cultural scene to rural West Cork.
There are many highlights from the weekend. There is a showcase of four emerging artists from the Duncairn community: Rua, Sammy Copley, Polar Bolero, and a headline performance from the Joshua Burnside Trio on Friday, the 11th of July. There is an evening of multidisciplinary talent, from music and poetry to visual storytelling at the Creative Collective & Friends Showcase on Saturday, the 12th of July. On Sunday, the 13th of July, there is a joyful day of family-friendly arts and crafts, music, conversation, and food to wrap up the takeover weekend.
Mayor of Cork County, Cllr. Mary Linehan Foley says “It is wonderful to see the deepening relationships between Ballydehob and Belfast as a result of this unique project. Our two diverse artistic communities have developed cross border relationships as a result of artists residency exchanges, mentoring, and these wonderful takeover weekends. The Ties That Bind offers more than the sum of its parts — it builds lasting artistic and personal relationships. Cork County Council are very proud to continue this project as part of Creative Communities on Shared Island, supporting cross-border creative projects to inspire connections between people, communities and places.”
Across the weekend, there will be a variety of smaller events by Belfast-based artists including poetry, cinema, trad sessions, visual arts and pop-up musical performances taking place throughout Ballydehob and surrounding areas. It will be a showcase of Belfast’s creative scene in the heart of West Cork, with a large turnout expected to join in the celebrations.
Tickets are available from https://www.theduncairn.com/ ENDS (1) History Ireland – July August
IRISH KENNEDY HERITAGE GROUP ANNUAL GATHERING. 2025.
Friday July 11th (Abbey Court Hotel, Nenagh, Co Tipperary) at 6.30 pm we will gather for informal meet and greet and at 7.30 pm Professor MARK KENNEDY will give a run down on how to interpret all the information we get in D.N.A. results.
SATURDAY July 12th, Nenagh Heritage Centre, 10.30. to 12.30 to view Irish Kennedy Heritage Display, Leisure Time to visit Bunratty Folk Park and Medieval Banquet at 5.30 pm. Any or all these events are open to all who comes. You don’t have to be a member of The Irish Kennedy Group, so if you are interested come along or contact Tom at 087 6545646 or tom.irishkennedyheritagegroup@gmail.com(4) Co Dublin – Virtual Record Treasury of Ireland Thanks to the collaboration with our partner archives and libraries in Ireland, Britain and North America, the Virtual Record Treasury of Ireland is delighted to release 175,000 additional historical records to the public. Among these, I would highlight our Census Gleanings Gold Seam which contains over 60,000 names from the pre- and post-Famine censuses, transcribed by genealogists before the Four Courts blaze of 1922 – now digitized and searchable for the first time. These, and all the records, are available for free to local history researchers, family historians, school pupils, tourists – anyone with an interest in Ireland’s deep history.In total, the Virtual Treasury is now home to over 350,000 records – replacements for items lost in the destruction of the Public Record Office of Ireland in 1922. That amounts to 250 million words of searchable history from the thirteenth to the nineteenth century.Have a look at our updated home page: https://www.virtualtreasury.ie/
Our 2025 Showcase page lists the newly available materials: https://www.virtualtreasury.ie/2025-new-releases
Helpful new pathways and tools to guide users through seven centuries of collections:
● Population Portal: genealogical riches include 60,000 names from the 19th-century census destroyed in 1922.
● The Age of Revolution Portal: documents illustrate the drama of the 1798 Rebellion and Ireland’s links to the American Revolution.
● The Age of Conquest Portal: five million words of Anglo-Norman (1170-1500) Irish history translated into English.
● State Papers Ireland: (1660–1720) over 10 million words on governing Ireland in the dramatic years following Cromwell’s death.
● Knowledge Graph Explorer: a powerful new tool for identifying people and places, and the links between them, in the records.
We hope that members of your society, and audiences attending your events, find this free state-funded resource both interesting and useful.
Please feel free to spread the word!
We have been taking a small break, but I can assure you we have not gone away.
Fergal Browne is delivering a lecture in the Tracton Arts and Community Centre as part of Tracton’s Arts Week. The lecture takes place on July 5th at 11.30am, tickets are available online (Tracton.org) or at the door. It promises to be a superb lecture on the history of Gortigrenane House, overlooking Ringabelle Creek.
(4) Co Galway – Ballinasloe and District Heritage Society
Forged in Fire community heritage project is holding a photography competition for the summer.
The public has been asked to take a photo of something that relates to the history and heritage of iron and metalwork in Ballinasloe.
To be in with a chance to win, you must post it on your Facebook or Instagram and tag @ballinasloeheritagesociety
The best examples will be shared on their socials during National Heritage Week and the winner will receive a €200 ShopBallinasloe.ie vouc
Please find attached documents for the Society’s AGM
AGM Agenda Saturday 5th July 2025 at 11.00 a.m. at United Arts Club
1. Welcome from the Chair
2. Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on Saturday 13th July 2024
3. Secretary’s Report
4. Treasurer’s Report
5. Election of Officers and Committee for the year 2025/2026
6. Motions to be considered by AGM
7. Any other business
Membership to be paid:
All existing members to renew their membership at cost of €20 for 1 year or €100 for 5yrs which can be done be making a credit transfer to:
Account Name AE George Russell Society
Account Number 23459682
IBAN: IE14 BOFI 9014 9023 4596 82
Swift/BIC Code: BOFIIE2D
OAPs & Students pay €10
Please write membership and your name in the narrative for credit transfer. This is essential otherwise we have no way of knowing who the payment is from.
Please consider demonstrating your support for and confidence in the future of the AE George Russell Society by taking a five year membership for €100.
Sonas ort,
Réamonn
AE George Russell Society
(2) Co Galway – Painting Exhibition
You are cordially invited to the official launch of WELL – an exhibition of paintings by award-winning artist Mary Fahy at OPW Portumna Castle Gallery, Galway
Official Launch with artist talk 2pm Sat 5th July.
All welcome. H53 N7D0. (Free entry via the Priory/Tea Rooms entrance only)
Opening hours: daily 10am-6pm. Show runs until 31 July.
The exhibition is accompanied by a specially commissioned critical essay by Cristín Leach, see attached, and supported by the Arts Council Agility Award.
(3) Co Galway – Joyce Country Western Parks Geopark
The Irish Family History Society will have a stand at The Flavours of Fingal Donabate Dublin on 5th & 6th of July and The Really Useful Family History Show Belfast on August 23rd. Drop in and say hello, we love meeting our members.
We also want to announce our newly revamped website, do have a look. The Members Area of the website has had a total makeover. and is now a place for Irish Family History Research.
Kindest regards Louise
Louise Maher
Treasurer/Secretary
(6) Co Galway – Galway’s Recordings of Memory
FINDING COUNTY GALWAY’S RECORDINGS OF MEMORY
Since 2023, we have identified over 4,000 recordings of memory in Irish and English. Now we want to find the rest!
Do you know of oral heritage recordings made about people, places or topics in or about County Galway?
From catalogued archives to shoeboxes of tapes, all recordings are important.
ALL FORMATS: Reels, Cassette Tapes, Mini disks, VHS and born digital records.
Contact Mac Conmara Heritage at macconmaraheritage@gmail.com
or +353 (0)87 9160373
or visit: www.heritage.galwaycommunityheritage.org
(1) Co Cork – Carrigtwohill – 150th Anniversary of the coming of the Poor Servants of the Mother of God Sisters to Carrigtwohill – 21st -22nd June 2025
Poor Servants of the Mother of God Sisters (PSMG).
The history of Carrigtwohill and the PSMG Sisters, is closely interwoven over the last 150 years. Venerable Magdalen Taylor started her Carrigtwohill community in 1875, in response to an appeal from Father Seymour, the Parish Priest. The people were extremely poor, due to the impact of a great agricultural depression and Landlords refusing to reduce rents.
Since their arrival the Sisters, have supported and continue to support those in need in a discreet and respectful manner, giving lifelines to many people. The causes of poverty may be different today, but the support of the Sisters is consistent. The Convent door is always open.
The Convent has been a haven during challenging times in our country. The Sisters gave the people refuge during the Black and Tan and RIC raids, guerilla warfare, and the War of Independence. Women and Children went directly to the Convent for protection. During the Troubles in the Northern, the Sisters provided Refugee Respite, and more recently have assisted refugees and asylum seekers from around the world. The Sisters are embedded in the history of the village. They shared the good times and not so good times with the residents of Carrigtwohill and quickly became know as and remain “the Carrig Nuns.”
The Kings of the Road knew there was always a welcome and healthy food for them when they came to Carrig. At the turn of the 20th century the Carrigtwohill GAA jerseys were knitted by the Sisters.
When the Sisters were asked to take on the role of educating the girls of the village, the seeds for Scoil Chlochair Mhuire and St. Aloysuis College were planted. This was the beginning of major change for the girls of Carrigtwohill. They now had access to an education, a passport to a better life for them and their families. Generations have benefited from and passed on their knowledge locally, nationally, and internationally.
Carrigtwohill educated women have been heavily involved in passing the seed sown in Carrigtwohill to Africa. The Carrig Nuns have established communities in Kenya and Tanzania. Two teachers, one from Scoil Chlochair Mhuire and one from St. Aloysuis College were redeployed to help establish the schools there while the teachers at home covered their absence. The pupils of the Carrigtwohill Schools contribute to educating and improving the lives of the people of Kenya and Tanzania supported by the SMG order. St. Aloysuis College pupils and teachers have sent €250,000 from fundraising in the last 30 years.
In East Africa, fifty of these educated women have requested to join the SMG order.
We a group of past pupils and parishioners are eager to share the history of our village and our Convent and so invite you to join us in celebrating 150 years of ministry of the PSMG Sisters to the people of Carrigtwohill.
On 21st June at 12 md, at the Old Railway Station there will be a re-enactment of the welcome Venerable Magdalen Taylor, Sisters Mary Agnes and Mary Francis received from the people of Carrigtwohill. 21st June 2pm to 5.30 pm: Exhibition in Carrigtwohill Community Centre exploring the intwined history of a village and its convent through the last century and a half. 21st June 6pm Mass of Thanksgiving for the Sisters Presence in the Parish, in St. Mary’s Church, Carrigtwohill. 22nd June 2.30pmto 6.30 pm: The Exhibition continues in the Carrigtwohill Community Centre.
There will have an opportunity to share stories and experiences over light refreshments over the two days.
(2) Co Offaly – Offaly History – Newsletter 6 June 2025
(1) Co Kildare – Naas Local History Group – Summer Programme
13th June, Friday, 2.30pm, History Walk: See where St Brigid meets Fionn Mac Cumhaill, meet Kerdiffstown Park, Naas, near the Johnstown Garden Centre. W91 PK7R
17th July, Thursday, 7pm: History Walk: Ramble the Rathasker Road and see contrasts of Naas old and new. Meet at the Osprey Hotel. W91 X40K
21st August, Thursday, 7pm: Indoor talk – “120 years of the public library in Naas”, Naas Town Hall Library and Cultural Centre, a Heritage Week event. W91 E1RT
For more information contact Liam Kenny 087 2872704.
(2) Co Galway – Turloughs of Oyster Country
We are back in Clarinbridge Parish Hall next Tuesday, the 17th of June, at 7:30 pm, for a very interesting talk about Turloughs by Micheline Sheehy Skeffington.
Turloughs are a feature almost unique to Ireland and are an interesting part of our landscape. They are principally associated with limestone areas and occur widely in the western counties including Roscommon, Galway, Mayo and Clare.
Join us to explore what we know about the Turloughs in our local area.
(1) Co Tipperary – Lorrha & Dorrha Historical Society
Medieval Conference
Lorrha & Dorrha Medieval Conference No.4 takes place on Saturday, July 19th at the Friar’s Tavern, Lorrha, Co. Tipperary E45 V651. Registration is at 9:30 am
We have a great line-up of speakers:
Br. Colman O Clabaigh OSB – “Devoted People: Religion and Society in Medieval Lorrha”
Dr. Tracy Collins – “Women religious in Co. Tipperary and environs: An archaeological perspective”
Dr. Niamh Wycherley – “The Irish church in the 9th and 10th centuries: power, patronage and Vikings”
Timothy O’Neill – “Tipperary Manuscripts Ancient and Modern – some practical aspects of production”
Laura Fitzarchery B.A., M.A. – “En vogue: Fashionable Irish women from the 15th to the 17th century”
The Conference will conclude with a ‘Walk & Talk’ on the historical aspects of Lorrha Monastic Village
Refreshments and dinner are included in the day’s conference. Duration of Conference: 9.30 am – 4.30 pm.
Admission: €35
Please note that booking and advance payment are required. Bank transfer, Revolut, and SumUp options are available.
For booking options, email lorrhadorrhahis@gmail.com
(2) OHNI – Annual Meeting
Good afternoon,
We would like to share details of the Oral History Network of Ireland’s (OHNI) Annual Meeting, “What we say and how we say it: exploring words, languages and silences in oral history,” taking place on Friday 13th and Saturday 14th June at the Absolute Hotel in Limerick City. The cost for tickets ranges from €45-€90, with further information on our website.
This two-day event is a wonderful opportunity to delve into the vital role oral history plays in illuminating our past and understanding diverse voices, ensuring that important stories are preserved for future generations.
We’ve designed this meeting to be a welcoming occasion for everyone with an interest in history, memory, and storytelling.
In addition to a comprehensive program of presentations and discussions over both days, we are pleased to announce our final session will feature the Limerick Oral History Archive. This particular event is free of charge to anyone across the wider community who would like to attend, although registration is required via the Eventbrite link.
Included with this email, you will find:
Our official press release
The program of events
An event flyer
We believe this meeting will offer valuable insights and foster engaging conversations. We would be incredibly grateful if you could share it with any colleagues, peers or friends who might find it beneficial or be interested. Thank you.
We look forward to Limerick for what promises to be an enriching and inspiring event.
Warm regards,
The Oral History Network of Ireland (OHNI) Róisín Jones Administrator Oral History Network Ireland E: rjones@oralhistorynetworkireland.ie
RE: Ar mhaith leat tuilleadh eolais a fháil faoi Thoibreacha Beannaithe/ Would you like to know more about the holy wells of South Conemara?
Bígí linn in Ionad Oidreachta Leitir Mealláin Dé Céadaoin 11 Meitheamh @7 i.n.
Beidh muid ag roinnt scéalta agus cuimhní cinn faoin gcuid uathúil seo dár n-oidhreacht áitiúil.
Join us and learn more at Ionad Oidreachta Leitir Mealláin Wednesday June 11th @7pm
As we share stories and memories about this unique part of our local heritage.
Bígí linn in Áras na hOllscoile, Roisín Na Mainiach, Carna Dé Déardaoin 12 Meitheamh @ 10.30am go 12.30pm
Beidh muid ag roinnt scéalta agus cuimhní cinn faoin gcuid uathúil seo dár n-oidhreacht áitiúil.
Join us and learn more at Áras na hOllscoile, Roisín Na Mainiach, Carna Thursday June 12th @ 10.30am to 12.30pm
As we share stories and memories about this unique part of our local heritage.
Marie Mannion
(4) Co Dublin – Irish Family History Association A Beginner’s Guide to DNA
June 17th @ 19.30 – 20.30
This talk will cover the basics of D NA testing – what tests are available what they can tell you and why you should be using DNA as an important tool in your genealogy toolbox. the talk will be presented by Martin McDowell the chair person of the North of Ireland Family History Society a member of the executive committee of the Family History Federation , an administrator of the North of Ireland DNA project. the talk will be presented by zoom and members are requested to register by e-mail request to info@ifhs.ie . Zoom link will issue 24 – 48nhrs before the talk. Non members must register via our shop and pay €5 to attend.
(1) Co Dublin – Kilmacud Stillorgan Local History Society
Genealogy Day
Sorry folks but the date of the event was omitted from the notice
Date Saturday 14th June 11.00 -4.00
Battle of Aughrim 1691 Interpretative Centre Season 2025 – Local History Socities.Dear Local History Societies of Ireland,
The Battle of Aughrim 1691 interpretative Centre is now open for the season from this month 22nd May 2025 – 28th September 2025.
The Battle of Aughrim happened on the 12th July 1691. At this interpretive centre visitors can discover the story of three rival kings (King James II; William of Orange and King Louis XIV) took hold of Ireland for their struggle for power.
With over 45000 soldiers gathering at Aughrim proved to be the defining
Battle of the Williamite War on Ireland.
The Centre features Diorama Display of the Battlefield; audio-visual; interpretive panels; artefacts; from the Martin Joyce Collection; self guided maps of the battle site; costumes; photo stand in; and uniformed mannequins.
Opening hours
Tuesday to Saturday 10.30am – 4.30pm
Sundays 2pm to 5pm.
Admission fees: €5 for Adult €4 student/OAP €2 per child €12 Family Ticket (Two Adults and Two Children under 12 years old)
Phone: 0909673939/0876844253 Visitors are welcome to the centre.
(1) Federation UK Trip – Bristol, Bath, Wells & Glastonbury
We have just returned from a wonderful trip to the UK where we enjoyed the most glorious weather imaginable , with our great friend , Ian Jelf, guiding us it was a memorable experience. We stayed in a lovely hotel, the Bristol Holiday Inn in Filton and were rewarded with some excellent staff, comfortable rooms and excellent food. We experienced Bath in the beautiful sunshine including a visit to the famous Roman Baths, a cruise across Bristol Harbour and a visit to Brunel’s SS Great Britain. Wells Cathedral beckoned in all its glory and we followed the trail of St Brigid at Glastonbury Abbey. A coach trip took us through the Mendip Hills and into Cheddar Gorge and some awe inspiring countryside. It was truly a trip to remember.
(2) Federation AGM – Carrigaline Co Cork – Oct 3th – 5th 2025
FEDERATION OF LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETIES
AGM 2025
We are holding our AGM this year in Co Cork and our hosts will be Passage West Maritime Museum & Heritage Group. We will be staying in the four-star Carrigaline Court Hotel.
It will be a weekend event starting on Friday evening and finishing on Sunday. A detailed programme will be arranged including the official AGM and walks, after-dinner talks, visits of historical interest, and all in the convivial company of fellow historians from all around the country.
It has always proved to be also a great social occasion and offers a chance to renew old acquaintances and make new ones and all in beautiful area of West Cork.
We are inviting you to book a place, come along and enjoy an interesting and relaxing weekend – see details below,
Weekend package: Two nights B&B including two evening meals in 4* Carrigaline Court Hotel, PPS € 215 Single € 359
Programme – Draft Friday: Evening, Welcome, Dinner / after-dinner talk and relax for the evening, Saturday: Morning, Official AGM, welcome by County Mayor, County Heritage Officer, AGM Business, lunch, afternoon Field Trip, evening Dinner, after-dinner talk and time to relax. Sunday: Morning, field trip to Passage West Maritime Museum, visit museum, walk and talk, The full detailed programme will follow
Booking
Those wishing to book should ring the Carrigaline Court Hotel, 021 4852100, ask for the Federation weekend package in the name of Larry Breen, date 3-5th Oct 2025, Group No 385159 which will get you the special rate.
When you book we would ask you to provide your Society Name and a contact Tel No for follow-up and for the benefit of the Federation records,
If you have any queries contact Larry Breen larrybreen8@outlook.com Tel 087 984 1551
Larry Breen PRO FLHS
(3) Federation Journal 2025
We are inviting articles for this year’s journal and would appreciate contributions. Guide lines: Any subject of historical interest, local or national, max 4000 words , in word document and accompanied by photos in uncompressed jpeg format. Articles to be sent to Larry Breen larrybreen8@outlook.com Tel No 087 984 1551
(4) 2024 Federation Journal – Special Offer
We are offering 10 journals delivered to your doorstep which includes P&P for €30 , it is a great opportunity for Societies to distribute to their members.
We are looking forward to welcoming Dr Steven High, Professor of History at Concordia University in Canada, as our keynote speaker. Dr High will speak on the topic ‘Oral History as a Community of Practice: Creative Approaches to Interviewing and Interpretation’, and will also facilitate a workshop.
Early Bird registration is available up to 30 May 2025
Full Member: €60
Full Member reduced*: €45
Non-Member: €90
Non-Member reduced*: €60
* reduced rates are for students, seniors, and unwaged individuals only.
Please note there is no day rate available.
(8) Co Galway – Western Family History Association
The Western Family History Association (WFHA) 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 talk takes place on Wednesday, 14th May at 8.00 pm. It will be presented by Monica Hynes, who is the Manager of the East Galway Family History Society based at the Woodford Heritage Centre which provides a professional family history service for East and North Galway parishes. Monica holds a Masters in History of the Family from the University of Limerick and has undertaken in-depth research into various aspects of family and social history matters. Her presentation for the night is entitled ‘Using School Roll Books and Registers as a Family History Source’. She will give a brief background to education in the 19th Century in Ireland and provide some samples of historical school roll books and registers. She will then discuss the use of roll books as a family history and social history source and show a selection of old school photographs and newspaper clippings.
(9) Co Roscommon – Local History Seminar – Augusta Crofton – Through Her Lens
Hi there, I write to ask if you might consider helping me to publicize a new project of mine to your members, ‘Latin Inscriptions of Ireland’. It invites people around the country to take a picture of some Latin in their local area and send it in for inclusion in an online gallery. I’d be very grateful for any help you might be able to give, and include a link to the website here: https://latin-inscriptions-ireland.squarespace.com/
see below
As a Latin teacher I’m always interested to come across bits of Latin on streets and facades, in churches and buildings. It strikes me that there must be a considerable number of ‘Latin inscriptions’ across the island of Ireland, ranging from the permanent and well-known (like Swift’s epitaph in St. Patrick’s Cathedral) to the temporary and transient (slogans, graffiti, and the like). My project invites members of the public to send in photos of bits of Latin they may come across in their local areas, and so to help compile a free, online database called ‘Latin Inscriptions of Ireland’. The project has just started, and I would very much appreciate if you could have a look at the website, spread the word, and perhaps consider submitting a photo.
Thank you. Charlie Kerrigan, Assistant Professor in Latin, TCD.
Yours sincerely,
Charlie Kerrigan
Assistant Professor in Latin
Trinity College, Dublin
—
(1) Co Dublin – Roger Casement Commemoration 1916 -1921 CLUB The 1916–1921 Club invites you to a special commemoration of Roger
Casement on Sunday, August 31st, at 2:00 PM at Glasnevin Cemetery,
Dublin. The event will include a wreath-laying ceremony at Casement’s grave,
followed by a talk on his legacy at the Glasnevin Cemetery Museum. “Roger Casement – the real and the fabricated” By Jack LaneJoin us as we reflect on Casement’s pivotal role in Irish history.
All are welcome to attend and participate.
Le Meas
Barry Lyons
1916 – 1921 Club Secretary(2) Merrion Press – New Publicationsee link belowhttps://mcusercontent.com/e5e3dfd4c12216d7e548edf06/files/6ab8500c-cd11-f6cf-f7fb-72f306ab4d80/Merrion_Press_Accident.pdf(3) Purcell Auctioneers – Book Salesee link belowhttps://www.purcellauctioneers.ie/catalogue/lot/e7a4b99e8869fb041abbb6a639c294a0/81b29ab6fa187a02a829c1899b734425/two-day-sale-of-the-library-of-the-late-tommy-smith-gr-lot-134/(4) Co Dublin – Foxrock History Clubsee link belowhttps://mcusercontent.com/e5e3dfd4c12216d7e548edf06/files/240aa991-6420-eec4-95e6-b06a16be32e8/Foxrock_Events.pdf(5) Galway Courses
We have three upcoming courses with some places still available. Booking details for each event on the attached brochures.Kind regards,Sarah Jane26-27 September – Westport Mayo – USE OF TRADITIONAL LIME MORTARS (PLASTERS & RENDERS) with the Building Limes Forum Ireland (BLFI)Date: Friday 26 and Saturday 27 September (Participants must be available to attend both days)Time: 9.30am to 4.30pmLocation: Westport House, Westport, Co. MayoPrice: €140Use of traditional lime mortars for plasters and renders on solid masonry walls with the Building Limes Forum Ireland. A 2-day course, led by experienced practitioners and specifiers. The workshop’s main focus will be on preparing and applying traditional mortars, delivered through presentations, demonstrations and practical ‘hands-on’ learning. The course is aimed at experienced plasterers and practitioners looking to upskill and apprentices looking to gain experience in using traditional lime mortars for the plastering & rendering of solid masonry walls.27-28 September – Cape Clear Island Cork – TAKING ON A TRADITIONAL HOUSE: The Repair and Reuse of Vacant Traditional BuildingsDate: Saturday 27 September & Sunday 28 SeptemberTime: 11.30am to 4pm. Registration at 11.30am sharpVenue: Comharchumann Chléire Teoranta/Cape Clear Co-op, Oileán Chléire/Cape Clear Island, CorkPrice: Free
Do you have a traditional (vernacular) structure and want to learn how to repair, upgrade and maintain it? Or are you considering buying a vacant traditional building to restore? If so, the National Built Heritage Service (NBHS) invite you to take part in their upcoming one-day course: Taking on a Traditional House: The Repair and Reuse of your Vacant Traditional Building. The aim of the weekend is to raise awareness in traditional skills, to promote the sensitive reuse of vernacular buildings using appropriate materials, and to pass knowledge of traditional repairs.
The Saturday course will include the following:
· What is a traditional building?
· Available funding streams
· Best practice energy upgrades for traditional buildings
· Advice from Cork County Council, National Built Heritage Staff, a Grade 1 Conservation Architect and an experienced Conservation Contractor.
· Case Studies showcasing the reuse of traditional buildings on islands.
The Sunday includes the following:
· A Conservation Clinic with 5 consultations (45 minutes) available with a Grade 1 Conservation Architect
· A lime mortar workshop (1 place left)
· A drystone wall workshop (I place left)
27-28 September – Pallasgreen Limerick – Two Day Workshop on the Repair of Traditional Mud Walled Houses: The Use of Traditional Earth Mortars &
Hot Lime
Date: Saturday 27 & Sunday 28 September
Time: 9.40am to 5pm
Location: Pallasgreen, Co. Limerick (exact location provided upon confirmation of place)
Price: €140
Do you have a vernacular mud walled structure (sometimes referred to as cob) and want to learn how to repair, upgrade and maintain it? Or are you an architect, engineer, surveyor or heritage professional who wants to understand best practice in the repair of our vernacular mud walled buildings, the use of earth based mortars and traditional hot limes?
If so, the National Built Heritage Service (NBHS) invite you to take part in a one day, hands on work-shop at a mud walled house near Pallasgreen, Co. Limerick. The workshop will be hosted by Dr. Barry O’Reilly of the NBHS in partnership with Tom Pollard, who specialises in repair to vernacular structures using lime and earthen based mortars and plasters and Noel O’Shaughnessy, stone mason. ajk
The aim of the two days is to raise awareness in traditional skills, to promote the sensitive reuse of mud walled buildings using appropriate materials, and to pass knowledge of earth mortars and hot lime mortars to building owners. It will also address: how to source and use materials to keep their buildings in better shape; assessing damage and suitable repair; creating and applying suitable repair mortars and binders; aftercare of repairs leading to finishes of plasters and renders.
West Wicklow Historical Society
Autumn-Winter 2025 Lecture Series
Topic: ‘Glen of Imaal 100: sheep farmers and soldiers’ – marking 100 years of the
Irish Army’s presence in the Glen of Imaal.
Speaker: Liam Kenny
Date and time: 8pm, Tuesday 2 September 2025
Venue: Lalor Centre, Baltinglass, W91 XW57
The Irish Army’s presence in the Glen of Imaal
This year, the start of September marks the centenary of the first Irish Army shoot at the
Glen of Imaal artillery range. This lecture by Liam Kenny commemorates 100 years of the
Irish Army’s presence in the Glen. Liam has researched some very useful detail about the
origins of Glen of Imaal artillery range in the Irish military archives and most recently in
the National Archives in Kew. This lecture might be considered a follow-on from a
previous talk provided to us by Liam on Thursday 23 May 2024 when more than forty
people gathered in the Officers Mess at Coolmoney camp to mark the 125 th anniversary
of the firing of the first artillery shell by the British Army at the brand new Glen of Imaal
artillery range on 23 May 1899.
(2) Co Kildare – Cill Dara Historical Society
Wednesday, 3 September, 8pm
“Broken wings – 20th century aviation stories from Co Kildare” public presentation by Liam Kenny with the Cill Dara Historical Society In memoriam of Major T. J. Maloney, Irish Air Corps, who died in an air crash near Kildare town, 23 Sept. 1925 Kildare Education Support Centre Friary Road ,Kildare R51 KN66
Liam Kenny is well known in local history circles having presented a range of talks on railways, Kildare Co. Council and the Boer War just to mention a few. He has discovered some largely forgotten episodes relating to early Irish aviation history including a fatal crash which happened at Cherryville, just outside Kildare Town.
Tuesday, 19th August
1:15 PM – 2:00 PM
Loughrea Library (H62 EV61)
3:00pm
