Wednesday, 5 December, at 8.15pm in the Sheraton Hotel, Athlone Talk by Dr David Doolin Summary This talk will focus on the 1866 Fenian Brotherhood’s incursions into British North America. It will show that this relatively little known and often derided episode is of greater importance … Continue reading
Wednesday, 14 November, at 8pm in Athlone Public Library Talk by Prof John Horgan and Presentation by Sr Anne Kilroy Summary Prof Horgan will discuss the life and career of Peter Kilroy, an Athlone journalist. Kilroy was a journalist for nearly fifty years, beginning in 1923 until … Continue reading
The Society’s lecture programme for 2018-2019 is as follows. Please note that, unless otherwise stated, lectures start at 8.15pm. Venues for some lectures will be decided at a later date: October, Tuesday 9th (8.15pm) ‘The Burning of the Custom House, 1921’ … Continue reading
Tuesday, 30 October, at 8.15pm in the Sheraton Hotel, Athlone Talk by Dr Margaret Murphy Summary This talk will examine the variety of sources that can be used to reconstruct diet and farming practices in Ireland. Dr Murphy will explore patterns of food production and consumption in … Continue reading
Tuesday, 9 October, at 8.15pm in the Officers’ Mess, Custume Barracks Talk by Liz Gillis Summary On 25 May 1921, the IRA launched one of its largest and most audacious operations when it attacked Dublin’s Custom House, the heart of the British administration in Ireland. Many still view … Continue reading
Wednesday, 25 April, at 8.30pm in the Wineport Lodge Talk by David McCullagh Summary How did Éamon de Valera emerge from obscurity to become the undisputed leader of Irish nationalism during the War of Independence? How did his background shape him and forge the character that … Continue reading
Tuesday, 20 March at 8.15pm in Lough Ree Yacht Club Talk by Conor Newman Summary This lecture will examine the nature and purpose of the earliest chapters of kingship at Tara, when kingship was a religious rather than a monarchical institution. … Continue reading
