Galway Archaeological and Historical Society Meeting

Cumann Seandálaíochta agus Staire na Gaillimhe
Galway Archaeological and Historical Society

Website: www.gahs.info

HARBOUR HOTEL, DOCK ROAD, GALWAY

Monday, 10 October 2011 @ 8PM

“West Connacht in the eyes of the Bogs engineers 1809-1813”

By Dr. Arnold Horner

All are welcome to attend.


In 1809 the British government appointed commissioners to establish information about the bogs of Ireland and to explore the potential of draining and improving them for cultivation. During the next four years the commissioners divided much of Ireland into districts for each of which an engineer produced a report. Although the bogs were the main focus, many of these reports contain much other interesting information about local conditions. Most of the reports are also accompanied by a series of maps, some of which are of great significance because they show areas thirty years before the first Ordnance Survey maps.

This presentation reviews how the western parts of Counties Mayo and Galway were portrayed in the maps and reports of the engineers working for Bogs Commissioners of 1809-13. Four engineers, Richard Griffith, William Bald, J.A. Jones and Alexander Nimmo respectively reported on districts in north-west Mayo, south and east Mayo, the area east of Lough Corrib and in Connemara. Their commentaries, together with the maps provided for each of the districts except Connemara, offer many incidental insights to local life in west Connacht in the early nineteenth century.

The presentation is given by Dr Arnold Horner who teaches geography at University College Dublin. Dr Horner is the author of several articles and book chapters on the bogs commissioners. He has written extensively on many aspects of the geography of Ireland. He has a particular interest in maps and in the history of cartography (map-making) in Ireland. He has written three books on the mapping of Irish counties, the most recent being Mapping Sligo in the early nineteenth century, an introduction to William Larkin’s 1819 map of the county. This book has just been published by Wordwell.

Kinsale Historical Society

The Kinsale Historical Society are hosting a meeting tomorrow night (Tuesday 11th October).

Michael Smith who has written extensively on the Irish in the Antarctic will speak on the lives of the McCarthys of Kinsale, Timothy who was with Shackleton and Mortimer who sailed with Scott, He will also tell of other Irish explorers from the Cork area.The lecture will take place at the Methodist Church at 8.30 p.m.

FLHS MEMBERS VISIT BANBRIDGE ON SECOND TRIP

After the very successful joint North/South visit to Banbridge in July it was decided due to popular demand to organise a second trip for those members who missed out on the earlier visit. The visiting group included five members from Naas, namely Pat Mc Glynn, Jenny Casey, Margaret Dawson , Fidelma O’Brien and Larry Breen, two from Celbridge Anne Mc Neill and Maeve O’Regan and Frank Taaffe from Athy. The day’s itinerary was basically similar to the first trip but with a few added extras. After tea/coffee and scones at the F.E Mc Williams Gallery the group had a chance to view the impressive gallery and outside gardens before setting off on a tour of the Banbridge and district. This time however the group were afforded the chance of a visit to the very impressively restored Stramore House courtesy of the present owners, the Watson Family. It was a unique opportunity to see inside the house which had been beautifully restored to much of its former glory. It was a memorable visit much enhanced by the fact that the house was also a home lived in by the owners and that made it somewhat special. This time the visitors were able to access the inside of Moyallon Quaker Meeting hall and see at first hand how the community practiced their worship. The coach tour included a visit to Gilford to see St. John’s Catholic Church and then on to Drumballyroney and the Bronte Interpretative Centre. The final port of call was the Holy Trinity Church of Ireland Church and parish hall where the visitors were given a very warm welcome and great hospitality by the local parishioners who provided a wonderful array of sandwiches, cakes tea and coffee. An added bonus was a chance to see the inside of this beautiful church with its impressive ornate alter and beautiful stain glass windows. Adrian, Chairman of the Banbridge Historical Society joined the group and welcomed the visitors to his home town on behalf of all its members. The happy wanderers left Banbridge after another memorable visit with special thanks to the organisers, Doreen Mc Bride and Jason Diamond for all their hard work, warm welcome and excellent guidance during the day.

Photographs from Banbridge Visit

LOCAL HISTORY FEDERATIONS MEET IN BANBRIDGE CO DOWN

A large group of over one hundred local historians from theFederation of Ulster Local Studies and the Federation of Local History Societies enjoyed a memorable outing to Banbridge and district including the Bronte country. This event was part of the urban-experience project involving exchange visits between the two federations north and south. Federation members from the south travelled to meet up with their colleagues in Ulster at the impressive F.E. McWilliam Gallery on the outskirts of the town. F.E. McWilliam who was a native of the town became a renowned surrealist sculptor. Adrian Howlett, Chairman of the Banbridge Historical Society and committee member Doreen McBride welcomed the visitors on their arrival and presented them with a complementary booked designed by Jason Diamond of the F.E. McWilliam Gallery which outlined the history of Banbridge and the surrounding area. After mixing together in two buses the merry band set out on the first leg of their visit with a morning tour. Jason Diamond acted as guide on one bus, and Doreen McBride on the other. Travelling through Banbridge the visitors were shown local landmarks such as the Downshire Hotel, the Market House, the Downshire Bridge, the Cut and the statue of Captain F.R.M. Crozier, the polar explorer credited with the discovery of the North-West passage. The first stop was the Moyallon Quaker Meeting House near Gilford. It proved to be a most tranquil, peaceful and quiet place, chosen originally for it's fertile surroundings and proximity to the Upper Bann. It was interesting to hear the history of Quaker families like the Christies, the Wakefields and the Richardsons and how they related to the community in which they lived. The next stop was St. John's R.C. Church in Gilford. A small but beautiful building ornately decorated inside. It had, however, a very very special features that would delight any visitor. It boasts two fine Harry Clarke windows on both side walls adjajcent to the altar. They provided a sparkling vista in the summer sunlight. During the morning journey many interesting landmarks were pointed out. There were many reminders of the industrial past associated with the are - the linen trade. By 1772 it had become the principal linen producing area in Ireland with a total of twenty-six bleaching greens along the Bann. Many fine houses were seen, all associated with the local Linen Barons of the time including Milltown House, Banford House, Mount Pleasant and Gilford Castle built for Benjamen Dickson of Gilford Mills. There are many fine mills in the area but none as impressive as Gilford Mills, still resplendint in her glory with her beautiful red brick and towering chimney. One of the largest flax spinning factories in Ireland this threadworks was once the largest undertaking on the Upper Bann.

After the morning's exertions an excellent dinner was provide at the Belmont Hotel accompanied by some excellent service. The afternoon saw the group on the road again to visit the Bronte Interprative Centre at Drumballyroney. It was quite a sight to see the church, graveyard and little school sitting so picturesquely amid the backdrop of the Mourne Mountains. Packed into the little church was a compelling presentation of the Bronte family and its Irish connections. Following this people were allowed time to wander the quaint little graveyard and the old school-house. The journey back to Banbridge was along pleasant country roads with wonderful views of the green rolling Drumlin country. This, with the Mourne Mountains in the distance, was something special for everyone.

The final call was to banbridge Town Hall where the visitors were treated to a civic reception by Cllr. Ian Burns of Banbridge Town Council at the Council Chambers. A Wonderful array of refreshments were provided and a warm welcome was extended to the group by Cllr. Burns. This was very much appreciated by the group and special thanks were extended to Cllr. Burns. Adrian Howlett of Banbridge Historical Society, Larry Breen, FLHS and Fr. Sean O'Doherty, President of the FLHS all extended a special word of thanks to the main organisers, Doreen McBride and Jason Diamond for all their hard work.

The day ended with the reading of an appropriate little poem penned on the day by Mae Leonard from Naas, County Kildare, the poem is called "Historical Friends.
Take my hand
And bide a while
And look into my Eyes
And smile
History may have
Torn us apart
But in Banbridge
Is where it brings
Us back
So together, friend
I shake your hand
And say,
May we forever
Remain this way
Friends through History.

Photographs from Kilmallock, May 2011

FEDERATION OF LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETIES A.G.M. 2011

KILMALLOCK, CO. LIMERICK

The ancient town of Kilmallock, Co. Limerick was chosen as the location for the 2011 A.G.M. of the Federation. In this the 30th anniversary of the founding of the Federation it was decided to make it a weekend event, starting on Friday evening and ending on Sunday afternoon.

The Federation Chairman Larry Breen made contact with the Deebert House Hotel and Margaret of the hotel, with the help of some Kilmallock folk, organised a series of events to complement the A.G.M. which was scheduled for Saturday morning. On Friday evening Liam Irwin, Senior Lecturer Mary Immaculate College Limerick gave a most interesting talk on the history of Kilmallock. Illustrated with a PowerPoint presentation the talk whetted our curiosity for the following day’s historical walk of Kilmallock.

On Saturday morning the official business of the A.G.M. was gone through with the usual efficiency, ending with Society Spake which gave representatives of local history societies an opportunity to bring us up to date on the activities throughout the past year. It was delightful to hear of the happenings in local societies from Cork to Mayo to Drogheda to Dublin to Athy and localities in between. The interest in local history is very much on the increase and the divergent activities to be found in local history societies speak well of the scholarly interest now being taken in the subject.

In the afternoon there was a walking tour of Kilmallock visiting the very impressive Friars Gate Theatre, the small local museum and the enormous Dominican Friary which is the pride of Kilmallock. Next door to it is the Collegiate College which was also visited, as well as the Kings Castle, while the remaining town gates were viewed from a distance.

Following the town walk we returned to Deebert House Hotel where the members of the Kilmallock re-enactment group, attired in medieval warrior costumes, put on a display of medieval weapons, shields and mailed armour worn in battle. The talk and demonstration was very impressive and showed a knowledge of medieval uniform and weaponry which was breathtaking.

Saturday evening was rounded off with an Irish night in the Deebert House Hotel. Local musicians, singers and storytellers gave us a fascinating and continuous programme of music and song to which local history society delegates Kay Lonergan, Moira Laffan and Vera Hughes contributed. It was a wonderful night of entertainment.

On Sunday morning the delegates travelled by car to Lough Gur, there to be met by retired Garda George Finch who is a member of the Lough Gur Development Co-op and one of five tour guides involved with Lough Gur. For over three hours George brought us through the Lough Gur Archaeological site with a commentary on the hidden history of the area which was fascinating in its delivery and detail. It was perhaps one of the best guided tours we were ever privileged to have on a historical site. Well done to George Finch and his team, three of whom made surprise appearances at different stages of the Lough Gur tour.

The weekend came to a close at approximately 1.45 p.m. on Sunday when the delegates left for home, departing from the Lough Gur complex. It was a wonderful enjoyable weekend made possible by the kindness, thoughtfulness and good neighbourliness of all the Kilmallock folk who were involved in entertaining us over the weekend.

The Mount Merrion estate in South County Dublin celebrates its 300th anniversary in 2011.

The following will give you some basic background. We would be delighted if your members could join us sometime during the weekend of May 28th and 29th at our exhibition and concert in the Mount Merrion Community Centre.
> in January 2010 a group of residents from the South Dublin neighbourhood of Mount Merrion gathered together for their first meeting to plan a series of events to celebrate the upcoming 300th anniversary of the founding of the estate in 1711.
> some 16 months later we have a website established (www.mountmerrion300.ie), we have a Concert and Exhibition planned for May and have written a book which will be published in November 2011.
> THE HISTORY
Richard Fitzwilliam succeeded as 5th Viscount Fitzwilliam of Merrion in 1704. The family home of Merrion Castle ( now the site of the School for the Blind on Merrion Road ) was in such a state of disrepair that he immediately set about finding a site for a new home. His agents brought him to 300 acres of nearby land which provided stunning views of Dublin Bay which he selected. He walled off the land with an 8 foot high granite wall in 1711.
The modern housing-estate of Mount Merrion which comprises of some 1000 houses was built in the 1930s and 1940s entirely within the walls of this old Fitzwilliam Estate.
Some of these original Walls are still visible today - picture 2 attached shows a surviving portion of the wall at the enterence to Deer Park on the Mount Anville Road.
The family retained their connection with Mount Merrion through the centuries, intermarried with the Pembrokes. The house was lived in by various Agents in the last years, and the estate was eventually sold for development in the 1930s.
A number of developers including Kenny and DuMoulin bought the lands in the 30s and proceeded to build Ireland's first Garden City development. The unique attributes of this garden city design is still visible today in the wide roads, green spaces (they built 6 houses per acre rather than the permitted 20) extravagant tree planting and parkland.
While lacking a village centre which would give the area a more prominent identity, the Mount Merrion estate is still clearly defined by the old boundary Walls and has a very strong community spirit.
> THE EVENTS. The MM300 Committee decided to mark the anniversary with the development of 4 specific events - a website, an exhibition, a concert and a book.
> The Website
The MM300 group have developed an exciting and detailed website which went live on Jan 1st 2011. The website features a written history of the area augmented by a comprehensive collection of maps ( the earliest dating to 1710), photos, drawings, cine film, audio recordings and will we are sure be an amazing resource and legacy for the people of the area for the future. See www.mountmerrion300.ie,
> The Exhibition
The Exhibition will take place in the Community Centre ( the old Mount Merrion house) over the weekend of May 28 and 29. The exhibition will cover the 300 years and includes memorabilia from the ages, photos, correspondence, newspaper articles, paintings, portraits, and a model of the Demesne made especially for the exhibition. Entry is free of charge.
> Concert
A wonderful concert will take place in the nearby church of St Therese on the Saturday night of the exhibition- weekend, May 28th, featuring the internationally renowned Callino Quartet with bassoonist Peter Whelan. The programme includes works by Haydn, Borodin, Mendelssohn, Gershwin, Britten, Barber, Debussy and Devienne. Tickets are €15 each.
> Book
A commemorative book will be published in November 2011 just in time for Christmas. Full of historic photos, maps, stories, histories, biographies, portraits, pictures it will be a great present. The book will be priced at €20 each.
-- Luke Brehony

Irish landed estates, c.1700-1900

The Moore Institute for Research in the Humanities & Social Studies is pleased to announce the completion and launch of the e-database of the landed estates of Munster, c.1700-1900, a research project funded under the Higher Education Authority’s Programme for Research in Third Level Institutions, Cycle 4. To mark the occasion the Institute will host a Conference on Irish landed estates, c.1700-1900 From Friday, 20 May to Saturday, 21 May, 2011 in the Moore Institute seminar room An exhibition of the photographs of Tarquin Blake, entitled Abandoned Mansions of Ireland, will be open for viewing in the James Hardiman Library, NUI, Galway, during the days of the Conference. While there will be no fee charged for attendance, to facilitate an estimate of numbers (for refreshments, seating and comfort), an indication of intention to attend would be appreciated. Please indicate your intention to attend to: mooreinstitute@nuigalway.ie Programme Friday, May 20, 2011 1-2pm Registration 2:15 Lecture: Reflections on the Irish landed estate and Irish society Speaker: Professor Joe Lee (Professor of History, New York University and Director of Irish Studies at Glucksman Ireland House, NYU) 3:30 Coffee 4:00 Panel of Young Researchers on the Irish landed estate Research in Progress: Joanne McEntee, Conor Montague, Laura Vickers (NUI, Galway) 5:30 Official launch of the Munster Landed Estates e-database Speaker: Dr Martin Mansergh A demonstration of the e-database by Brigid Clesham and Marie Boran, will be followed by a Reception. 7:15 Lecture: Irish historic gardens & demesnes: survival and revival Speaker: Finola Reid, (Author, Researcher and Member of the Heritage Council of Ireland) Saturday, May 21, 2011 9:15am Archive Forum: The archive and the research community: challenges and changing contexts Speakers: Caitríona Crowe (National Archives of Ireland), Ciara Kerrigan (National Library of Ireland), Dr. Olwen Purdue (Senior Research Fellow, Queen’s University, Belfast) 10.30 am Coffee Break 11:00am Lecture: Landlords and the estate system: catalysts for social and cultural change? Speaker: Professor William J.Smyth ( Professor Emeritus of Geography, University College Cork) 12:30pm Close of Conference

UL Oral Heritage Studies COurse

University Certificate in Oral Heritage Studies Introduction This is a one-year, part-time Certificate course, worth 24 ECTS credits, NFQ Minor Award at level 6. Oral accounts form a vital part of our heritage. Since earliest times they have formed the basis of history as well as playing a significant role in family and community memory. This Certificate in Oral Heritage Studies will examine the wealth of recorded national and local oral narrative sources in Ireland in both oral history and folklore. It will cater for the continuing education needs of those who wish to undertake study in the theory and methodology of oral history research particularly as it might be applied to an understanding of local, regional and national identity. Objectives On completion of the programme a participant will have acquired the ability to: Prepare, conduct and present oral history research, interviewing and digitisation. Locate their research within broader historical and cultural contexts. Discuss the theoretical background to the application and analysis of oral history Programme of Study The course consists of four modules of 6 credits each, which will be delivered one evening per week during the UL Autumn and Spring semesters. To facilitate students who live at a distance, the course will include blended (on-line), learning. A sympathetic academic environment will be provided by the course lecturers, who will offer guidance in appropriate research skills. Autumn Semester HI2021 Introduction to Oral History: Theory and Practice This module will introduce participants to the key concepts, theories and methodologies in oral history. It will equip students with essential skills in interviewing techniques and encourage engagement with ethical research questions. HI2041 Irish history: Sources and Methods This module will assist students in the contextualisation of their own research projects in an historical and cultural context. It will introduce documentary and other sources for the study of Irish history. Spring Semester HI2032 Oral Heritage and Memory, private and public This module will introduce participants to Irish and international folklore and heritage studies as well as exploring issues relating to public history and commemoration. HI2042 Research Seminar Module A self-directed research module providing assistance in the skills necessary for the conduct and analysis of oral history research projects. Assessment A central educational goal of the course is to promote the academic autonomy of each student. Each student will be required to complete their own oral history research project, write, present and discuss a research proposal and short papers using oral and written sources. Academic Calendar 2011-12Autumn Teaching Term Weeks 1-12 Spring Teaching Term Weeks 1-12 Entrance RequirementsApplications are invited from mature students (in general 23 years of age on 1 January of the year of registration). Each mature student is considered on an individual basis, whose academic qualifications, work experience, motivation and overall potential for the programme are evaluated.Course Fee Academic Year 2011-2012 : to be confirmed.Application Forms Ennis Regional Learning CentreCounty MuseumArthur’s RowEnnisTel: 065-6866844. Course DirectorDr. Catherine O’ ConnorDepartment of HistoryUniversity of LimerickTel: 061-213171; Email: Catherine.oconnor@ul.ie Course ArrangementsThe course will take place one night per week, 6.30-9.30 p.m.

A.G.M. - Kilmallock - 20-22 May 2011

Federation of Local History Societies A.G.M. Kilmallock, Co. Limerick Friday, May 20th — Sunday, May 22nd, 2011 This year we are hosting a weekend event, which we feel, offers our membership a unique opportunity not only to cultivate their interest in local history but also to engage socially with other group members whilst enjoying a relaxing weekend. We have chosen Kilmallock, Co. Limerick as the venue for this year’s AGM. Known as the Crossroads of Munster, Kilmallock has a colourful history dating back to its origins in the 12th century. An important Norman town, it was at the centre of Ireland’s political development from the 13th through to the 17th century. The medieval history of Kilmallock is evident in the town walls, its medieval bridge and two well preserved town gates. Its Dominican Priory, founded in 1291, is believed to be the best preserved of all the larger pre Reformation houses in Ireland. Near to the Priory are the well preserved ruins of the Collegiate Church which predates the Dominican Priory and incorporates additions made by Maurice Fitzgerald in 1820. The hinterland of Kilmallock includes the village of Bruree, boyhood home of Eamon de Valera and nearby at Bruff is the Lough Gur Stone Age Centre. PROGRAMME Friday, 20th MAY 6.00 – 8.00 Dinner 8.30 – 9.30 Talk – Introduction to Local History of the Area. — Kilmallock Historical Society. Saturday, 21st MAY 10.00 – 10.30 Registration - Tea/Coffee 10.30 – 10.45 Official Opening of A.G.M. 10.45 – 13.30 A.G.M. includes Minutes 2010 Chairman’s Report Secretary/Treasurer’s Report Election of officers, AOB Society Spake which, for this year, will be extended to allow groups more time to share their experiences 13.30 – 15.00 Lunch [the cost of lunch is not included in the A.G.M. delegate fee] 15.00 – 17.00 Guided Tour of historical Kilmallock and its medieval buildings 19.30 – 21.00 Dinner followed by entertainment [music, storytelling, etc.] Sunday, 22nd MAY 10.30 – 13.00 Visit Lough Gur. One of Ireland’s most important Archaeological Sites ranging from Neolithic to Medieval times. Sites include megalithic tombs, stone circles, hut sites, ancient fields and roads, standing stones, forts, crannogs, caves and castles. Note: Although the AGM is organised primarily around the weekend, members not wishing to attend for the weekend are welcome and encouraged to attend the AGM on Saturday. WEEKEND PACKAGE: Cost is €149 per person sharing and €169 single. This includes 2 nights B@B and 2 evening meals, entertainment etc. IMPORTANT: Those interested in the package should book directly with the hotel by contacting Margaret Atalla, Deebert House Hotel, Tel. 063 31200, e-mail Margaret@deeberthousehotel.com. Accommodation in the hotel is limited and booking will be on a first come first served basis. We advise that you book ASAP and no later than 6th May. TRANSPORT: The nearest railway station is Charleville which is 8 km from the hotel. Expressway buses also stop in Charleville every hour coming from Limerick and Cork. The hotel can organise a taxi or minibus (depending on numbers for a reasonable fee) to collect from Charleville if people wish to travel down for the weekend together or if day visitors arrive in Charleville at approx the same time. There will be a delegate fee of €10 paid directly to the Federation for those attending the A.G.M. Please bring copies of your Society’s publications as we will have facilities at the AGM for the display and sale of Local History books and booklets. REPLY SLIP Name of Society: Name of Delegate(s): Delegate fee €10 per person (tea/coffee), payable to the Federation of Local history Societies, should be sent to Dermot Ryan, Winters Hill, Kinsale, (021-4772729, 086-826765) by Friday 13th. May 2011. Delegates to make their own arrangements for lunch which can be provided by the hotel.

GEORGE SIGERSON REMEMBERED

In this the centenary year of the Sigerson Cup it is appropriate that its donor George Sigerson, Poet, Patriot, Scientist and Scholar has been remembered. A plaque to his memory was unveiled on Wednesday 3rd March at his former residence, 3 Clare Street, Dublin by the Mayor of Dublin Gerry Breen before a large crowd. Among the speakers was Gerry Cooney, President of the GAA. Afterwards a new book on his life and times was launched in the nearby National Library. The book, written by Ken McGilloway from Derry was launched by Luke Gibbons, Professor of Irish Literary and Cultural Studies at the School of Drama and Media Studies, National University of Ireland, Maynooth. The book presents a fascinating story of a man almost forgotten by history. There have been two other launches of the book, at his birthplace, Strabane, Co. Tyrone and in the Cardinal O'Fiaich Library the Armagh City the previous days.

The photo includes left to right: Joe Martin, LULS, Larry Breen, FLHS, John Dooher, FULS, and Anne Breen, FLHS at the unveiling ceremony.