February 2018

All lectures commence at 8 p.m. at Offaly History Centre, Bury Quay, Tullamore
(unless otherwise stated)
Adm: members €2, non-members €5
Includes tea and biscuits

29 January AGM of Offaly Historical and Archaeological Society (founded 1969), 7.30-8.30 p.m. Followed by lecture by Suzanne Behan, The 50 Francis St Photographer, 8.30 p.m., immediately after AGM.

22 February, Thursday, 8pm Matthew Stout on Early Medieval Ireland and a Tullamore, Offaly launch of his new book. Refreshments post launch. A chance to get a signed copy at a discounted price. This book is the first narrative history of early medieval Ireland in a single volume. It takes the reader from the foundations of a Celtic culture on the island of Ireland to the arrival of Christianity prior to 431, and on to the uneven conquest of that culture by the Anglo-Normans in 1169. Designed to provide an entry-level narrative to this formative period in Irish history, it also contextualises the artistic, literary and architectural achievements of the age. The book is profusely illustrated with over 100 maps, photographs and diagrams, along with extensive extracts from primary source material. As such, it provides a ‘one-stop shop’ for the history of early medieval Ireland for students and the general reader.

26 February, Monday, 8 p.m. Film Screening: The Minnits of Anabeg which is also based on a true story, featuring Patrick Bergin. In 1850s Ireland, a land owner has to disinherit his only son because he marries a local Catholic girl. The Minnitts of Anabeg tells the true story of the Minnitt family and the generations that lived in Anabeg house near Nenagh, from the arrival of Cromwell in Ireland to the early 1900s. Enjoy the benefits of our projector, sound and screen with this 95 minute film. Admission to this film is €8 for non-members and €5 for members.

26 March, Monday, 8 p.m.    George Cunningham  on Round Towers with particular reference to Offaly and the midlands followed by a presentation by the Society of  honorary life membership.

23 April, Monday, 8 p.m.    Bernie Moran on River Systems - Super-highways of Early Christian Ireland.

31 May, Thursday, Helen Bracken, The heritage of Durrow: progress to date and what is to come, an illustrated presentation in the days before the annual pattern of 9 June.

30 June, Saturday, from Tullamore Railway Station and then by shared taxis, Dublin outing: Marsh’s Library, National Print Museum, Little Museum of Dublin, the new headquarters of the Irish Georgian Society, optional walking tour

8 July, Sunday, to meet in grounds of Catholic church at 3 pm (ample parking) The historic sites of  Kilcormac and Ballyboy to include the Catholic church, the parochial grounds, the Mercy Convent, Bord na Mona housing and on to Ballyboy, the village, church, cemetery and old hall concluding with refreshments in Dan and Molly’s celebrated historic pub.

19 August, Sunday, Heritage Week, Heritage Week tour – railway (Charlie Finlay), Salts (Pat Doheny and Paddy Cleary), Kilcruttin Cemetery (MB). Meet at Town Park car park at 2.30 p.m

25 August, Saturday, Heritage Week, Tour of the Monastic Site at Durrow and the Catholic Church and cemetery, Helen Bracken, 2 30 p.m. Helen will meet callers to the old church from that time for a talk and tour of the site including the church, cemetery, High Cross and Holy Well.

26 August, Sunday, Heritage Week tour of Sites of old industries of Tullamore from malting, distilling to silk and glass, Michael Byrne and Maurice Egan,  2 30 p.m. from O’Connor Square. This will include the old distillery, the brewery of P. & H. Egan, the tobacco factory of Goodbody, the tanneries, maltings and bacon curing in Tanyard Lane, the coach factory in High Street.

27 August, Monday 8 p.m. Lisa Shortall – Raw Materials of History, an illustrated lecture on Offaly archival collections with special reference to Offaly industries and services. This will be held at the Offaly History Centre, Bury Quay, Tullamore.

24 September, Monday, 8 p.m.  Film screening, Ladies of Science, Mary Rosse and Mary Ward and exhibition of archival holdings of OH re Mary Ward.

22 October, Monday, 8 p.m. Joachim Fischer on German visitors to Ireland the Irish Midlands from 1750. Dr Joachim Fischer is Senior Lecturer in German and Joint Director of the Centre for Irish-German Studies at the University of Limerick.

26 November, Monday, 8 p.m. Michael Byrne on The old industries of Tullamore, an illustrated lecture.

13 December, Thursday, 8 p.m.  Christmas Meeting with an illustrated talk by Ciarán Reilly on The history of Capard House in Slieve Bloom. Followed by Christmas refreshments.