ODS Lecture: The 80th Birthday of the Medical Missionaries of Mary

ODS Lecture: The 150th Anniversary of the Fenian Rising in Drogheda.

Old Drogheda Society

ODS Lecture

As a follow up to the Walk and Talk, on Sunday last, to commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the Fenian Rising in Drogheda, the Old Drogheda Society will host a lecture on Wednesday March 8th at 8pm in the Governor's House, Millmount. The 150th Anniversary of the Fenian Rising in Drogheda.

In March of 1867 a Fenian Uprising was planned to take place in Drogheda. However, due to a combination of mishaps, errors and bad communication, the Rising had become a dismal failure even before it had begun.

Brendan will present a talk on the lead up to the events of 1867 and its aftermath and the role played by some key individuals at Local, National and International level.

He will also present some fascinating new evidence on the events and of those involved in this period of our history including John Boyle O` Reilly and his connections with Fenianism in Drogheda prior to his arrest as a soldier in Dublin.

Interesting insights on Thomas Flinn and John Francis Nugent, both Duke Street residents, and Col Leonard, will emerge. Also forthcoming will be new insights into the roles played by local women who were active members of the `Fenian Sisterhood’ ,the first organisation of women on a large scale for political purposes in the world.

There will be a bookstall on night and all are welcome.

Drogheda Museum Millmount,
History, Archaeology & Heritage,
Governor's House,
Millmount,
Drogheda,
Co. Louth,
Ireland, 0419833097

ODS Lecture: Ancient Munificence -The Charities Of The Corporation Of Drogheda, The Poor Of St John And St Stephen

Old Drogheda Society

St John's Home, located at St Peter's Square( the former old corn market at the top of Peter Street) has been in the news lately with a number of politicians and groups looking for something to be done about the present buildings, opened 201 years ago, but the charity goes back even further. 

The Old Drogheda Society will host a Winter Lecture this evening Wednesday, February 22nd in the Governor's House, Millmount, at 8 pm when Nick Reilly will speak on Ancient munificence -The charities of the Corporation of Drogheda, the poor of St John and St Stephen.

It was recorded on the 12th day of October 1660, the Corporation of Drogheda resolved : [I]t is alsoe desired, & that the Worshiple. Mr. Mayor and the Church Wardenes, doe consider of some convenient way for puttinge of St. Stephen and St. John’s poore howses into one, for the more comfortable support of the poore belonging to ye same.

Nick Reilly’s lecture will: (i) briefly examine the origin of the charity by the process of examining the evidence attempt to assess its antiquity; (ii) look at its role within the town from the middle ages to the present day; (iii) discuss the numbers of those who benefited from its good offices and how it financially maintained itself; (iv) the architecture and design of the current premises at Corn Market Square and finally, (vi) its future prospects for a charity that is possibly as old as the town itself.

Nick Reilly BL is a barrister with a keen interest in local history, he was educated at the IPA, Athlone IT, UCD and the Honorable Society of King's Inns. He also acts as chairperson of the Droichead Arts Centre.

There will be a bookstore on the night and all are welcome
Drogheda Museum Millmount,
History, Archaeology& Heritage,
Governor's House,
Millmount,
Drogheda,
Co. Louth,
Ireland, 0419833097

ODS Lecture Reminder: The Great Houses along the River Nanny and their connection with Drogheda.

Old Drogheda Society

The first Old Drogheda Society lecture of 2017 takes place tomorrow night ( Wednesday January 18th) in the Governor's House, Millmount at 8pm when John McCullen will speak on The Great Houses along the River Nanny and their connection with Drogheda.

The talk will feature 10 great houses ranging from Ballygarth Castle to Annesbrook and Athcarne Castle. It covers a period of 600 years from the 14th century, with many colourful and historic inhabitants, who involved themselves in the affairs of Drogheda.

John will examine the ten houses along a ten mile stretch of the river and present new material on each one.

John McCullen had written and published extensively on local history in Drogheda and East Meath and is a former president of both the Louth and Meath Archaeological and Historical Societies. He also delivers courses on “Historic Houses” at An Grianán Adult Education Centre in Termonfeckin. His work features regularly in the Journal of the Old Drogheda Spciety

Bookstall on night. All Welcome.

Drogheda Museum Millmount,

History, Archaeology & Heritage,

Governor's House,
Millmount,
Drogheda,
Co. Louth,
Ireland, 0419833097

ODS Lecture: The Great Houses Along the Nanny River

Old Drogheda Society

Well known local historian, John McCullen, will speak about The Great Houses Along the Nanny River,

He will give details of 10 great houses and the part that their owners played in the history of Drogheda covering over six centuries. The lecture in the Governors House in Millmount starts at 8pm. 

It is a public lecture, free of charge. All are welcome.

John McCullen's work is a regular feature in the Journal of The Old Drogheda Society.

Drogheda Museum Millmount,
History, Archaeology & Heritage,
Governor's House,
Millmount,
Drogheda,
Co. Louth,
Ireland, 0419833097

Reminder ~ Tonight's ODS Lecture: Shadow of the Brotherhood

Old Drogheda Society

 

The first Old Drogheda Society lecture of 2016 "Shadow of the Brotherhood" will be held tonight, Wednesday February 10th at 8pm in the Governor's House, Millmount. 

Local historian Brendan Matthews will detail the extraordinary life story of 1916 Easter Rising leader, Tom Clarke.

In the course of doing so Brendan will illustrate a Drogheda connection which many locals should find captivating.

This is a public lecture and all are welcome. The Old Drogheda Society will set up a book stall to accompany tonight's event. 

 

Drogheda Museum Millmount,

History, Archaeology & Heritage, 

Governor's House,

Millmount,

Drogheda,

Co. Louth, Ireland,

0419833097

ODS Lecture: Shadow of the Brotherhood

Old Drogheda Society

 

The first Old Drogheda Society lecture of 2016 "Shadow of the Brotherhood" will be held tomorrow, Wednesday February 10th at 8pm in the Governor's House, Millmount, when Brendan Matthews will detail the extraordinary life story of 1916 Easter Rising leader, Tom Clarke.

Brendan will outline the life and times of Clarke, from his Fenian involvement with Clan na Gael in America, through his prison years in England and his reorganisation of the Irish Republican Brotherhood in the run up to the Easter Rising.

Although shunning the limelight, Thomas Clarke was the inspiration of the Rising, along with being the true  Patron of Patrick Pearse and he was also the first President of the Irish Republic.

Brendan will outline a significant Drogheda connection with Tom Clarke; the consequences of which had an effect both nationally and internationally following his arrest and subsequent execution.

This is a public lecture and all are welcome. There will be a book stall on the night.

 

Drogheda Museum Millmount,

History, Archaeology & Heritage, 

Governor's House,

Millmount,

Drogheda,

Co. Louth, Ireland,

0419833097

ODS Lecture ~ Stanley - Printer to the Rising

Old Drogheda Society

 

The 1916 Commemoration Lecture Joe Stanley - Printer to the Rising by Tom Reilly which was originally due to be held in the Governor's House, Millmount, on Monday next, December 7th has been moved to the Holy Family Community Centre, Ballsgrove, as the interest expressed in this particular lecture has been huge. Starting time will still be 8pm.

Joe Stanley is associated with many local businesses in Dundalk, Drogheda and Clogherhead, including the Boyne Cinema and The Drogheda Argus. He was 26 in 1916 and part-editor, manager, owner and printer or publisher of newspapers and journals for the republican cause.

On Easter Monday 1916, not long after Pearse read the Proclamation to bemused passers-by, Joe slipped into the GPO. There he met his friend James Connolly, who introduced him to Pearse. The three men sat down together and began to plan the best way to inform the mystified citizenry what was happening. Joe became Pearse's Press Agent and published several war news missives. 

This lecture is organised by the Dundalk and District Old IRA Commemoration Committee and the public are invited to attend.

Drogheda Museum Millmount,

History, Archaeology & Heritage, 

Governor's House,

Millmount,

Drogheda,

Co. Louth, Ireland,

0419833097

Reminder: Nicola Pierce ODS Lecture This Evening

Old Drogheda Society

 
Reminder - The next lecture in the Old Drogheda Society's Winter Lecture series, takes place this evening in the Governor's House at 8pm,when well-known writer Nicola Pierce will speak on "A Writers Approach to History."

Nicola will talk about the books that she has ghost written including, The Memories of the last State Executioner of Thailand, by Chevrolet Jaruboon, I was a Boy in Belsen"by Tomi Reichental, a Jewish survivor of the Belsen concentration camp.

She will also discuss novels of historical fiction, she has written, including her work on the Titanic Story the Siege of Derry. She will also discuss her current work on the Battle of the Boyne.

Nicola is a native of Dublin now resident in Drogheda. She is a full time writer, who visits schools and libraries nationwide to talk about her novels of historical history.

There will be a book stall on the night and all are welcome.

 

Drogheda Museum Millmount,

History, Archaeology & Heritage, 

Governor's House,

Millmount,

Drogheda,

Co. Louth, Ireland,

0419833097

ODS Lecture: Nicola Pierce ~ A Writer's Approach To History

Old Drogheda Society

On  Wednesday December 2nd in the Governor's House at 8pm,when well known writer Nicola Pierce will speak on "A Writers Approach to History." 

Nicola will talk about the books that she has ghost written including, The Memories of the last State Executioner of Thailand,  by Chevrolet Jaruboon and I was a Boy in Belsen by Tomi Reichental, a Jewish survivor of the Belsen concentration camp.

She will also discuss  novels of historical fiction, she has written,
including the Spirit Of The Titanic and Behind The Walls, a novel about the Siege of Derry. 

She will also refer to her current work on the Battle of the Boyne.

Drogheda Museum Millmount,

History, Archaeology & Heritage, 

Governor's House,

Millmount,

Drogheda,

Co. Louth, Ireland,

0419833097

Reminder: Lunchtime Lecture Today

Old Drogheda Society

 

The Old Drogheda Society will be hosting a free lunchtime lecture entitled John Boyle O’Reilly and the Fenian Escape from Fremantle Gaol today June 18th in Drogheda Tourist Office in the Tholsel, West Street.

The speaker will be Brendan Woods, an Irish born historian and musician, now based in Western Australia, who has written The Catalpa Rescue an epic tale of truly international proportions, linking Ireland, Australia and the United States of America, with local Fenian John Boyle O'Reilly playing an important part.

This was the most successful prison break in Australian history. It was an international rescue effort that took years to organise, and which finally freed six Irish prisoners from Fremantle gaol. The rescue ship was an American whaler called The Catalpa. The escape was so dramatic that it's now a symbol of human resilience, even resurrection

John Boyle O’Reilly, had escaped in 1869 by getting a berth on a whaler, on his recommendation the Fenians raised 25,800 American dollars and bought the Catalpa to mount a rescue mission under the guise of whaling.

Six Fenians broke away from their work gangs at the appointed time, met up with pre-arranged trap and horses and were taken to Rockingham beach, where they were rowed out to the Catalpa waiting in International waters. It was a race against the water police and the steamship Georgette, which gave chase in a huge storm, and it took them 28 hours to get to the safety of the Catalpa, flying the American flag.

Brendan Woods has worked in Fremantle Gaol and is recognised as an authority on the subject and his account of this famous escape will be well worth hearing.  The lecture starts at 1.00 pm.

 

 

 

Drogheda Museum Millmount

History, Archaeology & Heritage, 

Governor's House,

Millmount,

Drogheda,

Co. Louth,

 Ireland

0419833097

 

ODS Lunchtime Lecture: John Boyle O’Reilly and the Fenian Escape from Fremantle Gaol

Old Drogheda Society

 

The Old Drogheda Society will be hosting a free lunchtime lecture entitled John Boyle O’Reilly and the Fenian Escape from Fremantle Gaol on next Thursday June 18th in Drogheda Tourist Office in the Tholsel, West Street .

The speaker will be Brendan Woods, an Irish born historian and musician, now based in Western Australia, who has written The Catalpa Rescue an epic tale of truly international proportions, linking Ireland, Australia and the United States of America, with local Fenian John Boyle O'Reilly playing an important part.

This was the most successful prison break in Australian history. It was an international rescue effort that took years to organise, and which finally freed six Irish prisoners from Fremantle gaol. The rescue ship was an American whaler called The Catalpa. The escape was so dramatic that it's now a symbol of human resilience, even resurrection

John Boyle O’Reilly, had escaped in 1869 by getting a berth on a whaler, on his recommendation the Fenians raised 25,800 American dollars and bought the Catalpa to mount a rescue mission under the guise of whaling.

Six Fenians broke away from their work gangs at the appointed time, met up with pre-arranged trap and horses and were taken to Rockingham beach, where they were rowed out to the Catalpa waiting in International waters. It was a race against the water police and the steamship Georgette, which gave chase in a huge storm, and it took them 28 hours to get to the safety of the Catalpa, flying the American flag.

Brendan Woods has worked in Fremantle Gaol and is recognised as an authority on the subject and his account of this famous escape will be well worth hearing.  The lecture starts at 1.00 pm.

 

 

 

Drogheda Museum Millmount

History, Archaeology & Heritage, 

Governor's House,

Millmount,

Drogheda,

Co. Louth,

 Ireland

0419833097

 

ODS Reminder: Tonight's Lusitania Lecture

Drogheda Society

 

 

The final lecture in the Old Drogheda Society Spring lecture series, The Lusitania Conspiracy? will be given by Dr Ken Baker on tonight  April 29th at 8pm in the Governor’s House, Millmount .

Dr Baker is a self confessed history addict. He used to teach it to Leaving Cert level,. It drove his PhD studies (in ancient historical documents), and his very first job after leaving school was a six month archaeological dig, sifting through an Anglo-Saxon settlement on the shores of the river Thames. These days he just writes about it. His latest publication is The Lusitania Conspiracy?

For one brief shining moment, the Lusitania, a British-built ocean liner, was the largest, fastest and most luxurious ship in the world. When she was torpedoed by a German submarine in May 1915, she sunk in just under fifteen minutes, taking over 1200 passengers and crew to their deaths.

The New York Times reported a “grave crisis at hand” which was the question of Washington’s response to this outrage. Would the American government retaliate against this “monstrous act of aggression” by joining Britain and her allies against the Kaiser’s Germany?

And here we come, immediately, to the first whiff of historical discussion which may, (or may not), validate the use of the word “Conspiracy”. Was there more going on here than meets the eye.

The lecture is open to the general public and there will be a bookstall on the night.

 

Old Drogheda Society - History, Archaeology & Heritage, Millmount, Drogheda, Co. Louth, Ireland. Tel. 041-9833097

ODS Lecture: The Lusitania Conspiracy?

Drogheda Society

 

 

The final lecture in the Old Drogheda Society Spring lecture series, The Lusitania Conspiracy? will be given by Dr Ken Baker on Wednesday April 29th at 8pm in the Governor’s House, Millmount .

Dr Baker is a self confessed history addict. He used to teach it to Leaving Cert level,. It drove his PhD studies (in ancient historical documents), and his very first job after leaving school was a six month archaeological dig, sifting through an Anglo-Saxon settlement on the shores of the river Thames. These days he just writes about it. His latest publication is The Lusitania Conspiracy?

For one brief shining moment, the Lusitania, a British-built ocean liner, was the largest, fastest and most luxurious ship in the world. When she was torpedoed by a German submarine in May 1915, she sunk in just under fifteen minutes, taking over 1200 passengers and crew to their deaths.

The New York Times reported a “grave crisis at hand” which was the question of Washington’s response to this outrage. Would the American government retaliate against this “monstrous act of aggression” by joining Britain and her allies against the Kaiser’s Germany?

And here we come, immediately, to the first whiff of historical discussion which may, (or may not), validate the use of the word “Conspiracy”. Was there more going on here than meets the eye.

The lecture is open to the general public and there will be a bookstall on the night.

 

Old Drogheda Society - History, Archaeology & Heritage, Millmount, Drogheda, Co. Louth, Ireland. Tel. 041-9833097

Appreciation of Ian Kenneally

Old Drogheda Society

 

The ODS wishes to thank Ian Kenneally for the riveting lecture he delivered yesterday evening. His vivid delivery of a narrative on the Plains Wars that so concentrated the minds of US military strategist in the 180os and caused immeasurable pain in the name of progress, was a intellectual dish of the finest cuisine. 

His detail concerning the participation, lives and deaths of Irish men in the ranks of the US military, proved a strong allure to a Droghedian audience with an appreciation of history.  

The ODS expresses gratitude also to an attentive audience, a number of whom engaged with Ian Kenneally.

The ODS is committed to bringing more lectures of this quality to Drogheda.

Thank you Ian Kenneally.


Old Drogheda Society - History, Archaeology & Heritage, Millmount, Drogheda, Co. Louth, Ireland. Tel. 041-9833097

Reminder: Tonight's ODS Lecture

Old Drogheda Society

ODS LECTURE REMINDER - TONIGHT

 

This evening's  Old Drogheda Society Winter Lecture Series, will take place in the Governor's House, Millmount, Drogheda, when Ian Kenneally will speak on Irish Soldiers, American Wars - From Appomattox to Wound Knee.

For more detail see here.


Old Drogheda Society - History, Archaeology & Heritage, Millmount, Drogheda, Co. Louth, Ireland. Tel. 041-9833097

ODS Lecture: Irish Soldiers, American Wars - From Appomattox to Wound Knee.

 

Old Drogheda Society

 

The next lecture in the Old Drogheda Society Winter Lecture Series, will take place on Wednesday March 18th in the Governor's House, Millmount, Drogheda, when Ian Kenneally will speak on Irish Soldiers, American Wars - From Appomattox to Wound Knee.

This talk begins at the very end of the American Civil War and covers the period 1865-1890. We will discuss the involvement of Irish-born soldiers in battles across the North American continent during those years, covering the Plains Wars against the Native Americans and detailing such iconic events as the Battle of Little Bighorn in 1876. That battle sealed the fate of one man, George Armstrong Custer, and the hundreds of men who died under his command.  In this talk, Ian will look at some of the Irish who fought and died on that faithful day. The talk ends with a discussion of the massacre at Wounded Knee in 1890 and will highlight the complexities of life in 19^th century America and the important role of Irish soldiers in those remarkable times.

Ian Kenneally is currently a doctoral student at NUI Galway. His publications include ‘The Paper Wall: Newspapers and Propaganda in Ireland, 1919-1921’, ‘From the Earth, a Cry: The Story of John Boyle O’Reilly’, and ‘Courage and Conflict: Forgotten Stories of the Irish at War’.

 

Ian recently wrote and produced a radio documentary, in conjunction with the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, on the life of John Boyle O’Reilly. 

There will be a bookstall on the night and the event and everyone is welcome.    

 

Old Drogheda Society - History, Archaeology & Heritage, Millmount, Drogheda, Co. Louth, Ireland. Tel. 041-9833097

Reminder: ODS Lecture Tonight

Old Drogheda Society

 A forgotten and neglected Medieval Chapel in the grounds of St. Mary`s Churchyard.

The next lecture in the Old Drogheda Society Winter Lecture series take place on tonight at 8pm in the Governor's House, Millmount. Drogheda Museum Millmount's archivist and Community Historian Brendan Matthews will reveal some very interesting information in a talk entitled A forgotten and neglected Medieval Chapel in the grounds of St. Mary`s Churchyard.
 

Could the ruins at the back of St. Mary's Church be all that remains of a monastery built in the 13th century and not a more “modern” building as has been believed up until now?

That is the hypothesis being put forward by Brendan, who is noted for his in depth investigations of local heritage matters, having discovered much information that had previously been overlooked.

 

It is believed by most Historians and Archaeologists that the old ruins to the south of St. Mary`s Church of Ireland in Mary St. Drogheda are the remains of what is termed `a modern building` and dating to the post medieval and reformation period; possibly having been constructed in the 18th century.

However, Brendan has come across some new material which suggests that this `old ruin` could possibly be one of the early medieval chapels or domesticated structures associated with the Carmelite Monastery that was founded here in the early 13th century.

A fascinating and remarkable tale of desecration and religious division has brought this new and very interesting information  to light

The lecture takes place this evening at 8pm at Drogheda Museum Millmount.

There will be a bookstall on the night and everyone is welcome.

Old Drogheda Society - History, Archaeology & Heritage, Millmount, Drogheda, Co. Louth, Ireland. Tel. 041-9833097

ODS Lecture: A Forgotten and Neglected Medieval Chapel in the Grounds of St. Mary`s Churchyard

Old Drogheda Society

 

The next lecture in the Old Drogheda Society Winter Lecture series take place on Wednesday next February 25th at 8pm in the Governor's House, Millmount. Drogheda Museum Millmount's archivist and Community Historian Brendan Matthews will reveal some very interesting information in a talk entitled A forgotten and neglected Medieval Chapel in the grounds of St. Mary`s Churchyard.
Could the ruins at the back of St. Mary's Church be all that remains of a monastery built in the 13th century and not a more “modern” building as has been believed up until now?

That is the hypothesis being put forward by Brendan, who is noted for his in depth investigations of local heritage matters, having discovered much information that had previously been overlooked.

It is believed by most Historians and Archaeologists that the old ruins to the south of St. Mary`s Church of Ireland in Mary St. Drogheda are the remains of what is termed `a modern building` and dating to the post medieval and reformation period; possibly having been constructed in the 18th century.

However, Brendan has come across some new material which suggests that this `old ruin` could possibly be one of the early medieval chapels or domesticated structures associated with the Carmelite Monastery that was founded here in the early 13th century.

A fascinating and remarkable tale of desecration and religious division has brought this new and very interesting information  to light

The lecture takes place on Wednesday February 25th at 8pm at Drogheda Museum Millmount.

There will be a bookstall on the night and everyone is welcome.

Old Drogheda Society - History, Archaeology & Heritage, Millmount, Drogheda, Co. Louth, Ireland. Tel. 041-9833097

Tonight's ODS Lecture on Drogheda Jail

Old Drogheda Society

 

 

The first Old Drogheda Society Lecture of the year will take place tonight on Wednesday February 4th in the Governor's House at 7.30pm when Audrey Smyth will give a talk A History of Drogheda Jail.

Drogheda Jail was a place of incarceration since its construction in the early nineteenth century. It housed a succession of petty criminals, prostitutes, murderers and rapists. During the Famine, people who committed crimes did so with the sole aim of being imprisoned there; as the meagre rations offered at the jail, were often better than what was on offer at Drogheda’s local poorhouse. The jail was a powerful symbol of British rule on the island of Ireland, and was used as a tool by local elites, to suppress the most meagre of crimes in order to maintain their version of law and order. This lecture is a colourful telling of the history of the jail and just some of its colourful residents over the course of the nineteenth century.

Audrey Smith is a Senior Sophistor student reading Single Hons History, at Trinity College, Dublin. She is currently in the process of finishing her thesis on The History of Drogheda Jail, which she intends to publish afterwards.

There will be a bookstall on the night and all are welcome.

 

Old Drogheda Society - History, Archaeology & Heritage, Millmount, Drogheda, Co. Louth, Ireland. Tel. 041-9833097