Offaly Historical & Archaeological Society - Articles -

Offaly Historical & Archaeological Society Newsletter - October 2008

no@spam.com (OHAS ) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 20:14:50 IST

OFFALY HISTORICAL & ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY
Bury Quay, Tullamore, Co. Offaly
Web site: www.offalyhistory.com Email: ohas@iol.ie Telephone: 057-93214
NEWSLETTER October 2008

Monday 13th October Michael Byrne will give a lecture on the history of the legal profession and the courthouses in County Offaly. This will be of interest to all those who want to know more about the court buildings, the history of the local solicitors, barristers, the courts and the changes in court administration since the 1800s. The speaker has completed two years of research on the topic for a publication later this year.

Monday 15th September 2008 The lecture on recent archaeological and historical discoveries along the route of the N52 Tullamore Bye Pass had to be postponed and is now being rescheduled to a new date early next year.

13th October 2008 AGM

The thirty-eight annual general meeting of the Society will be held at 7.30 p.m. on Monday the 13th of October before the lecture. The agenda is as follows:-
(a)Receive the report of the chairman
(b) the Secretary
(c) the treasurer and to consider the expenditure and income.
(d) to appoint the auditors
(e) to transact any other business.

Set out below are the names of the committee and we would very much welcome the continuance of the membership in participating in the committee and taking on projects that they have an interest in and that advance the work of the society. The Society will be celebrating its seventieth anniversary with its original founding back in 1938 and re establishment in 1969. We look forward to a full attendance at the meeting.
The outgoing officers and committee are:

Chairman: Steve McNeill
Secretary: Michael Byrne
Treasurer: Peter Burke

Committee Members: Ms. Marie Neville, Dr. Mary Jane Fox, Mr. John Kearney, Mr. Henry Edgill, Ms. Dorothy Bibby, Mrs. Helen Bracken, Mr. Noel Guerin, Ms. B. Hoey, Mr. James Matthews, Ms. Kitty O’Neill, Mr. Brendan Clarke, Mr Shaun Wrafter, Dr. Rory Masterson, Mr John Hume, Mr. Matt Mooney, Mr. & Mrs. Fred Geoghegan, Mrs. Ann Horan, Mr. James Kenny and Mr. Darrell Hooper.

As special incentive to members attending on time we are giving a copy of the ordnance survey letters for County Offaly at €30. This is a 50% discount on the original price of €60. The book has only recently been published and is a must for all those interested in Offaly history.

We look forward to having you at the meeting.

Saturday 1st November. Wintering birds walk at Turraun / Boora. Bird Atlas winter fieldwork starts on this date. Meet at Turraun Car Park, adjacent to Pullough, at 11:30. Event led by Alex Copland of Birdwatch Ireland.

10th November 2008

Noel E. French of the Meath Heritage Centre will give a lecture on Hugh de Lacy and his assassination at Durrow. Hugh de Lacy was beheaded at Durrow by a native back in 1186 and to tell us more of the story of his life, Noel will give an illustrated talk on 10th November to commence at 8.15 p.m.

December 5th Friday will see our Christmas meal take place in the Tullamore Dew Heritage Centre adjoining our own building at 7.30 p.m. on Friday the 5th of December with music to follow afterwards.

Journal 2007/2008 Hard back copies of the Journal are now available. The cost of the hardback edition of the Journal is €30 which approximates to the cost price. There are only fifty copies so if you would like a copy please contact the Research Centre immediately to order same.

Birr Seminar 11 October 2008
Seminar on the Faddenmore Psalter find

Saturday 11 October at Dooly's Hotel, Birr
9.30 am to 4.15 pm

While cutting turf at Fadden More bog near Birr in July 2006, Eddie Fogarty found the remains of an illuminated manuscript copy of the Psalms of early medieval date along with an important leather binding and the remains of a leather bag. It was the first medieval manuscript ever found in a wetland environment and made international headlines.
The Psalter which looked 'like a bowl of lasagne' when found is now being conserved in the National Museum of Ireland where it presents many challenges to archaeologists, art historians and others.
A panel of experts was assembled by the National Museum of Ireland to examine the Psalter. At the seminar in Birr they will discuss the excitement of the find, the task of disentangling the wet pages to interpret them and the difficult decisions that had to be made - with no guiding precedents - to conserve the manuscript, the binding and the bag.

More details at www.birrhistsoc.com

News from Edenderry Historical Society

Lecture “Remembering Irish soldiers; Royal Dublin Fusiliers in the 1st World War” by Sean Connolly at the Quaker’s Meeting House, Fr Kearns St., Edenderry at 8 pm on 10th Oct.

“Remote sensing of monastic settlement in County Offaly” a lecture by Dr. Paul Gibson of NUI Maynooth at 8 pm on Nov 14th in O’Donoghue’s Function Room, Fr. Kearn’s St.

Fun walk From Ballycommon along the Canal Line to Kilbeggan Grand Canal Harbour, Sunday, 5th Oct - Amanda Pedlow, Heritage Officer

Each year the Kilbeggan Grand Canal Harbour committee arrange a walk along the 8 miles of the now dry canal line from Ballycommon to
Kilbeggan. It is a wonderful walk through different landscapes on a route that provides an interesting perspective. The meeting point is at
the Harbour in Kilbeggan (past the church approx 1km into the countryside) at 1.30 pm. A bus then brings walkers to Ballycommon where you walk back to the harbour.

Light refreshments and tea at the harbour building after the walk. Do bring your family and friends to this scenic walk and enjoy the day!

For further information contact: Dan Scally 087-277-0141 or 057-933-2316 or Mary Fox 057-933-2213.

Recent publications

The Railway House tales from an Irish fireside by Barry Kennerk available in hardback. The 203 page publication is a recollection of stories told to the author by his grandmother about how the family lived at the level crossing at Ashfield near Clara. The book retails at €11.95

Calendar of the Rosse papers edited by A.P.W Malcomson in hardback consisting of 591 pp. This publication is available for members for €75.

The Roscrea conference see enclosed for details
Roscrea Conference leaflet

Offaly Historical & Archaeological Society Newsletter - September 2008

no@spam.com (OHAS ) — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 10:06:07 IST

OFFALY HISTORICAL & ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY

Bury Quay, Tullamore, Co. Offaly

Web site: www.offalyhistory.com Email: ohas@iol.ie Telephone: 057-9321421

NEWSLETTER September 2008

Monday 15^th September 2008 Lecture at 8.15p.m. The subject is recent archaeological and historical discoveries along the route of the N52 Tullamore Bye Pass. Our speaker will be Tom Janes, Field Operations and Consultancy Manager with Headland Archaeology (Ireland) Mr. Janes will present a brief overview of the project and give a detailed presentation on two of the more interesting sites – a Bonze age cremation at Screggan (from which an unique gold ornament was recovered) and post medieval cabin/cottage at Cloncollig. These excavations and finds are associated with the Tullamore Relief Road and the lecture promises to be very interesting.

Our thanks Orlaith Egan for assistance in securing this lecture.

Friday 4th – Sunday 7th September. Geology Weekend based in Kinnitty Community Centre, two outings on the Saturday and Sunday. Booking essential. Please contact the Heritage Office on 05793 46839. Price €20.

Rocks in the making: the geology of Offaly over the last 10,000 years.

This year the geology weekend looks at how the events of the Ice Age and its aftermath shaped the world we live in – and may influence our future.

Celebration of the Psalter

On Friday 10 October 2008 at 7.30 pm psalms will be sung chanted and read at St Brendan’s church, Wilmer Road, Birr in connection with the Fadden More Bog find. On Saturday 11^th October a seminar will be held in Birr. For more details see the local papers.

Edenderry Historical Society

Edenderry Historical Society has a very good programme for the remainder of the year. Edenderry is under going a renaissance in terms of historical interest with the work of Ciaran Reilly and also Declan O’Connor. Declan is also a member of our Society and has been very supportive over the years. The Ciaran Reilly lecture on the historic houses of County Offaly we hope to have in Tullamore early next year. As part of National Heritage Week Ciarán Reilly will give a lecture about the Historic Houses of Offaly, their rise and decline. The lecture showing images of many of these hidden treasures will focus on the history behind these houses, their owners and how they impacted the history of the county. Houses such as Birr Castle, Durrow Abbey, Strawberry Hill, Cangort Park, Rathmoyle, Monasteroris, Ballymorane and many more will be featured. Admission is free and all are welcome to attend this lecture at 7.30pm in O’Donaghue’s Function room, Edenderry.

The Declan O’Connor is also of interest and might prompt some of our members here to do a similar talk on Tullamore with the benefit of the bill heads from the old shops.

The programme is as attached and we hope that some our members will be in a position to attend.

Monday 13^th October Michael Byrne will give a lecture on the history of the legal profession and the courthouses in County Offaly.

Saturday 1st November. Wintering birds walk at Turraun / Boora. Bird Atlas winter fieldwork starts on this date. Meet at Turraun Car Park, adjacent to Pullough, at 11:30. Event led by Alex Copland of Birdwatch Ireland.

10^th November 2008

Noel E. French of the Meath Heritage Centre will give a lecture on Hugh de Lacy and his assassination at Durrow. Hugh de Lacy was beheaded at Durrow by a native back in 1186 and to tell us more of the story of his life, Noel will give an illustrated talk on 10^th November to commence at 8.15 p.m.

December 5^th Friday will see our Christmas meal take place in the Tullamore Dew Heritage Centre adjoining our own building at 7.30 p.m. on Friday the 5^th of December with music to follow afterwards.

Journal 2007/2008 Hard back copies of the Journal are now available. The cost of the hardback edition of the Journal is €30 which approximates to the cost price. There are only fifty copies so if you would like a copy please contact the Heritage Centre immediately to order same

Hidden Landscapes: Searching for the Lost Kingdom of Mide

NRA archaeological exhibition at

Belvedere House, Co. Westmeath

April-September 2008

Discover life in the early Christian monastery of Clonfad and find out about its residents and their crafts. Find out about hundreds of skeletons that were uncovered at Ballykilmore and learn about who suffered from aching diseases and who died by treacherous means. Learn about ringforts and the people who may have lived there.

A series of archaeological excavations were carried out in advance of the N6 Kinnegad-Kilbeggan and N52 Mullingar-Belvedere Road Schemes between 2004 – 2006. Over sixty archaeological sites were excavated ranging in date from prehistoric to post medieval times. The results of these excavations have now come to fruition and have produced some very interesting and exciting evidence.

This exhibition, Hidden Landscapes: Searching for the Lost Kingdom of Mide, will focus on the results of three of the large-scale excavations at Clonfad, Ballykilmore and Rochfort Demesne in Co. Westmeath. It will provide a glimpse into the early medieval world of the ancient kingdom of Mide which extended into present day Westmeath.

A selection of both original and replica artefacts will be displayed which will provide a unique opportunity for the people of Westmeath to view firsthand these wonderful discoveries.

The exhibition will also introduce the public to the fascinating world of archaeology and the archaeologists and scientists who fit the pieces of our past together.

Dr. Aidan O’Sullivan of UCD will launch the exhibition at Belvedere House on Wednesday the 16th April. lt will be open to the general public from mid April to September 2008. It will also go on tour at various venues around the county after this period.

Admission is free

This exhibition was undertaken by Valerie J. Keeley Ltd. on behalf of the National Roads Authority.

For further information contact Orlaith Egan, NRA archaeologist at Westmeath National Road Design Office T. 044 9334250 or oegan@nra.ie

Sincere Sympathies

The Society in the last month suffered the loss of two longstanding members with the deaths of Anna Daly, Charleville View, Tullamore and Jim McCormack, Ballyteague, Ballycommon.

Anna, a former National School teacher, never missed a lecture and was very supportive of the Society by purchasing all our publications.

Jim, the former postmaster in Tullamore for many years called into the Research Centre every Thursday night to do his research and that continued until his wife became ill. After her death Jim resumed his research but unfortunately he fell ill not long after her death. Jim’s last visit to the Society was in June when he was recorded by Maurice O’Keeffe in the Life and Lore series and his family were delighted when the cd of his recording was presented to them at Jim’s removal from the local mortuary.

May they rest in peace.

Offaly Historical & Archaeological Society Newsletter - August 2008

no@spam.com (OHAS ) — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 17:14:03 IST

OFFALY HISTORICAL & ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY

Bury Quay, Tullamore, Co. Offaly

Web site: www.offalyhistory.com Email: ohas@iol.ie Telephone: 057-9321421

NEWSLETTER August 2008

As part of the Heritage Week Celebrations during the month of August we have organised the following:-

Saturday 23 August 2008 A walkabout Tullamore for locals and visitors to commence at O’Connor Square, Tullamore at 3 p.m. on Saturday the 23^rd of August and to finish at 5 p.m. Admission free. The guide is Michael Byrne

Thurdsay 28^th August 2008 An illustrated lecture from OHAS members on Top Tourist spots in Ireland in the early 1900s, its sites and scenery. This will be an illustrated talk based on pictures of Ireland taken in or about 1900 and should be great interest. The lecture will be held at OHAS Research Centre (beside Tullamore Dew) at 8.15 pm. Admission is free.

30^th August 2008 A visit to Dublin Exhibitions inclusive of the following:-

ESB Restored House in Fitzwilliam St, Dublin no. 29

The Exhibition, Strangers to Citizens at the National Library of Ireland: the Irish in Europe 1600-1800

The Photographic Exhibition in Temple Bar organised by the National Library

The Print Museum at Beggar’s Bush

We meet at Tullamore Railway Station at 8.30 am on Saturday 30 August for train trip to Dublin via Luas or Taxi as preferred thereafter to the sites

Rahan Monastic Site

A beautiful new publication on Rahan Monastery was launched in June 2008 and copies are now available from the Society for €10. Details of the launch were carried in the local press. Full marks to Offaly County Council and the Heritage Office for an excellent production. This is the best history of the Rahan monastic site available and is beautifully illustrated. Those who attended the heritage seminar last year will remember the lecture by Caimin O’Brien.

Ordnance Survey Letters for County Offaly

This important publication, edited by Professor Michael Herity, has now been launched and is available in hardback at €60. There is a very small print run so do not delay if you would like a copy. A special price is available to members at €40.

Belmont mills 21 June 2008 Our thanks to Tom and Sandy Dolan for a most enjoyable trip. Great work being done – see our web site.

Rocks in the making: the geology of Offaly over the last 10,000 years.

This year the geology weekend looks at how the events of the Ice Age and its aftermath shaped the world we live in – and may influence our future.

15^th September 2008

We have fixed a tentative date with Orla Egan to give a lecture on recent developments in relation to the archaeological discoveries on the Tullamore By Pass and on the Kinnegad to Athlone By Passes. The talk will be preceded by our annual general meeting and on which separate details will follow in September.

Monday 13^th October Michael Byrne will give a lecture on the history of the legal profession and the courthouses in County Offaly.

10^th November 2008

Journal 2007/2008 Hard copies of the Journal are now available and we are hoping to have launch date shortly. The cost of the hardback edition of the Journal is €30 which approximates to the cost price. There are only fifty copies so if you would like a copy please contact the Heritage Centre immediately to order same

Hidden Landscapes: Searching for the Lost Kingdom of Mide

NRA archaeological exhibition at

Belvedere House, Co. Westmeath

April-September 2008

A selection of both original and replica artefacts will be displayed which will provide a unique opportunity for the people of Westmeath to view firsthand these wonderful discoveries.

The exhibition will also introduce the public to the fascinating world of archaeology and the archaeologists and scientists who fit the pieces of our past together.

Admission is free

This exhibition was undertaken by Valerie J. Keeley Ltd. on behalf of the National Roads Authority.

For further information contact Orlaith Egan, NRA archaeologist at Westmeath National Road Design Office T. 044 9334250 or oegan@nra.ie

Offaly Historical & Archaeological Society Newsletter - June 2008

no@spam.com (OHAS ) — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 14:56:28 IST

OFFALY HISTORICAL &

ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY

Bury Quay, Tullamore, Co. Offaly

Web site: www.offalyhistory.com Email: info@offalyhistory.com Telephone: 057-9321421

NEWSLETTER May June 2008

Belmont mills 21 June 2008

The Society propose to visit Belmont Mills on Saturday 21 June to depart at OHAS Bury Quay at 2p.m. and to arrive at Belmont Mills at 3p.m. on Saturday 14^th June. Admission will be €3 and can be followed by a picnic tea on the banks of the River Brosna. The visit is courtesy of the owners, Tom and Mrs Dolan. Attached is an account of the mill in the 1880s.

Monday 30th June – Friday 4th July. Offaly Summer School. Daily field trips to proposed Eco-Nodes. Venue to be confirmed. Booking required with Heritage Office 05793 46839. Cost €100. Co-ordinated by John Feehan.

Rocks in the making: the geology of Offaly over the last 10,000 years.

This year the geology weekend looks at how the events of the Ice Age and its aftermath shaped the world we live in – and may influence our future.

As part of the Heritage Week Celebrations during the month of August we have organised the following:-

23 August 2008 A walkabout Tullamore for locals and visitors to commence at O’Connor Square at 3p.m. on Saturday the 23^rd of August and to finish at 5p.m. Admission free

28^th August 2008 An illustrated lecture on Top Tourist spots in Ireland in the early 1900s, its sites and scenery. This will be an illustrated talk based on pictures of Ireland taken in or about 1900 and should be great interest.

30^th August 2008 A visit to Dublin Exhibitions inclusive of the following:-

ESB Restored House in Fitzwilliam

The Exhibition Strangers to Citizens

The Irish in Europe 1600-1800

The Photographic Exhibition in Templebar

The print Museum at Begger’s Bush

15^th September 2008

We have fixed on a tentative date with Orlaith Egan to give a lecture on recent developments in relation to the archaeological discoveries on the Tullamore By Pass and on the Kinnegad to Athlone By Passes. The talk will be preceded by our annual general meeting and on which separate details will follow in September.

Monday 13^th October Michael Byrne will give a lecture on the history of the legal profession and the courthouses in County Offaly.

November 10^th to be finalised.

December 5^th Friday will see our Christmas meal take place in the Tullamore Dew Heritage Centre adjoining our own building at 7.30p.m. on Friday the 5^th of December with music to follow afterwards.

Hidden Landscapes: Searching for the Lost Kingdom of Mide

NRA archaeological exhibition at Belvedere House, Co. Westmeath

April-September 2008

A selection of both original and replica artefacts will be displayed which will provide a unique opportunity for the people of Westmeath to view firsthand these wonderful discoveries.

The exhibition will also introduce the public to the fascinating world of archaeology and the archaeologists and scientists who fit the pieces of our past together.

Admission is free

This exhibition was undertaken by Valerie J. Keeley Ltd. on behalf of the National Roads Authority.

For further information contact Orlaith Egan, NRA archaeologist at Westmeath National Road Design Office T. 044 9334250 or oegan@nra.ie

Declan McSweeney memoir

Declan’s account of his time as a journalist and his reflections on the changing Tullamore in the 1990s is now sold out.

Rahan Monastic Site

A beautiful new publication on Rahan Monastery will be launched shortly and copies will be available from the Society for c €10. Details of the launch should be in the local press

Conflicts in Birr during the Williamite War 1690.

If any of our members have details of the location of sites of skirmishes in Birr during the Williamite wars of 1690 would you get in touch with Headland Archaeology Limited at info@headlandarchaeology.ie Further details can be had from the Society.

Irish Summer Archaeology Field School

This course is held in June and July 2008 and further information can be had from www.irisharchaeology.net

NLI News and old Irish newspapers

You can view this on the NLI site with the previous newsletters. Please send in your email to us and we will send you a copy. Members who have already supplied same will receive a copy now.

Edenderry Historical Society’s call for old photographs of the Edenderry area for book of photographs including old buildings, people, sports, drama, etc. Please contact Ciaran Reilly 0861751686 or email ciaranreilly32@hotmail.com

Offaly Historical & Archaeological Society Newletter - April 2008

no@spam.com (OHAS ) — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 14:57:24 IST

OFFALY HISTORICAL & ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY

Bury Quay, Tullamore, Co. Offaly

Web site: www.offalyhistory.com Email: ohas@iol.ie Telephone: 057-9321421

NEWSLETTER April 2008

D E Williams Family and Workers Exhibition

The launch of this exhibition organised by Ita Galvin takes place at the Tullamore Dew Heritage Centre on Wednesday 30^th April and now continues.

Declan McSweeney memoir

Declan’s account of his time as a journalist and his reflections on the changing Tullamore in the 1990s can be purchased at the Society for €12.99. Only 100 copies were printed so hurry and buy one.

Clara Bog Article

An article has just appeared in Irish Geography volume 41 number 1 ( March 2008) on ‘The changing landscape of Clara Bog: the history of an Irish raised bog’.

The article is by Patrick Crushell and others and a copy is in the Society’s Library.

New Websites

Offalyhistory.com is still undergoing change and we would be glad to have your comments on the new website.

Irishmidlandancestry.com is another of our websites which has family history material and again we would be glad to have your comments.

For those of you are interested in Archibishop Rinuccini and his visit to Ireland. He spent some time in West Offaly before his departure in the late 1640s. You will be able to look at the six volume account of his work in Ireland now in English translation and indexed at www.ulster.ac.uk/commentarius. For further details of this site you could look at a recent publication in History Ireland which is available at our library.

Journal no 5, 2007-08

Journal 2007/8. The journal issued on St. Patrick’s Day and it runs to over 300 pages and it is available from the Society for €20 (postage in Ireland €4). From many accounts it is the best yet and we hope that you have purchased a copy.

Offaly Naturalists Field Club – Programme of Events for 2008

Saturday 26th April, Woodland Walk. Golden Grove Wood (behind Dromakeenan School). Meeting at the School at 14:00. Plant outing led by Fiona Devery.

Tuesday 13th May, Squirrels in Offaly. Tullamore Dew Heritage Centre, Bury Quay, Tullamore at 8pm. Talk by Geoff Hamilton.

Sunday 18th May. Celebrating National Dawn Chorus Day. Meeting at 04:30am at Turraun Car Park, adjacent to Pullough. Event led by David Watson of Birdwatch Ireland.

Wed 28th May. Batlas introduction and Daubenton’s Bat Training event for volunteers, event led by Tina Aughney of the Bat Conservation Council. Meeting in Birr (venue to be confirmed) at 20:00 followed by site visit. For more information see www.batconservationireland.org To register your interest in being a volunteer email tinaaughney@eircom.net

Saturday 7th June. National Moth Night. Meet at Teach Lea, Boora Parkland Offices at 21:30. Talk followed by field trip, led by Alex Copland.

Saturday 14th June. Corncrake Evening. Birdwatch Ireland, Crank House in Banagher, walk in Callows in County Galway. Starting at 21:30. Event led by Anita Donaghy.

Saturday 21st June. Petrifying springs and horsetails. Walk up the Silver River led by Stephen Heery. Wellington boots advisable. Meeting at the car park at Cadamstown at 11:00a.m.

Rocks in the making: the geology of Offaly over the last 10,000 years.

This year the geology weekend looks at how the events of the Ice Age and its aftermath shaped the world we live in – and may influence our future.

Individuals and families are welcome. No experience required. Please dress appropriately for outdoor activities and bring your own refreshments.

For further details please contact the Heritage Office of Offaly County Council on 05793 46839 or by email apedlow@offalycoco.ie Please email the Heritage Office if you would like reminders about events or if you would like to be notified of other heritage events.

See our website for more information and for updates to the programme:

www.offaly.ie/offalyheritage

The Offaly Naturalist Field Club Programme is an initiative of the Offaly Heritage Forum.

Hidden Landscapes: Searching for the Lost Kingdom of Mide

NRA archaeological exhibition at Belvedere House, Co. Westmeath

April-September 2008

A selection of both original and replica artefacts will be displayed which will provide a unique opportunity for the people of Westmeath to view firsthand these wonderful discoveries.

The exhibition will also introduce the public to the fascinating world of archaeology and the archaeologists and scientists who fit the pieces of our past together.

Admission is free

This exhibition was undertaken by Valerie J. Keeley Ltd. on behalf of the National Roads Authority.

For further information contact Orlaith Egan, NRA archaeologist at Westmeath National Road Design Office T. 044 9334250 or oegan@nra.ie

Rahan Monastic Site

A beautiful new publication on Rahan Monastery will be launched it is expected on 9 June and copies will be available from the Society for c €10

Ordnance Survey Letters for Offaly

Dr Michael Herity is finalising this new edition which will soon be available at €60 in hardback. The book which will be handsomely illustrated will be available at a reduced price to members.