Lecture this Thursday night 20th March at 8.15 pm

Illustrated lecture on the history of Glassmaking in Co. Offaly with particular reference to Shinrone by Caimin O'Brien at the Research Centre, Bury Quay, Tullamore, on Thursday 20th March at 8.15 pm.

Caimin was involved in the production of Archaeological Survey of Offaly and has recently co-edited a similar production for North Tipperary. He is a member of Offaly Heritage Forum and has done excellent work across the county. His lecture is eagerly awaited.

Durrow Abbey developments
The Society is optimistic that positive steps will take place at Durrow in the very near future. According to the local press negotiations between the owners and Dúchas are in progress.

Annual subs
A lot of members have renewed for 2003. If you haven't, please do so at your earliest convenience. The sub is still only €25.

2004 Journal
Articles for the 2004 issue are now being accepted. If you have something you would like to see in print, now's your chance.

Geraldine Stout to give lecture on Newgrange and the Bend of Boyne. - 10th April
Geraldine Stout, a leading Irish archaeologist, and the author of the recent best seller Newgrange and the Bend of the Boyne, will give an illustrated lecture on Newgrange and the Boyne Valley at the OHAS at Bury Quay Tullamore on the 10th of April '03 at 8.15p.m. The lecture is a public one and all are welcome.
In her lecture, Geraldine Stout will trace the origin of the evolution of the area from geological origins to the Neolithic tomb builders and the Roman pilgrims visiting Newgrange, to St. Patrick who "began his Christian mission in Ireland", the arrival of the Cistercians; the impact of Cromwell, the drama of the battle of the Boyne, and the transformation of the landscape by the eighteenth century stage.

Launch of Shinrone Photos Book
Noel MacMahon extends an invitation to Society members to the launch of his book of Shinrone photographs on 12th April in Shinrone Hall @ 8 pm. The Research Centre was involved in assisting Noel with some of the preparatory work and we can say that it will be a very interesting book not just for Shinrone, but for the county as a whole. He has to be congratulated in taking on this task and the book brings to six such photographic records of places in Offaly.

ESB Environmental Photography Awards Exhibition
Is currently on show at the Offaly Research & Exhibition Centre (Historical Society), Bury Quay, Tullamore. It is a must and runs until the end of March.