Pic of the Day @ 31 August 2016

Old Drogheda Society

Squaring up for battle @ the Millmount Fun Day Heritage Week Event (photo by Joanna Byrne)

Drogheda Museum Millmount,

History, Archaeology & Heritage, 

Governor's House,

Millmount,

Drogheda,

Co. Louth, Ireland,

0419833097

When A Town Loses Its Children

Old Drogheda Society

Old Drogheda Society Journal editor Anthony McIntyre writes about the late Daniel Roche who tragically lost his life in an accident over the school summer holiday period.

a stone cast into the stillness of a quiet pool

the concentric ripples of despair sweep out in all directions

affecting many, many people

- US author John DeFrain writing on the death of a child


Leaving out a bin this morning for fortnightly collection, the first person I saw was a pupil from one of the many local schools. Walking with his back to me, school bag slung over his shoulders, just a shirt with no coat or pullover. The first day at school was suitable for it: bright and warm. The scene replayed itself out throughout the day: sun and schoolbags as the hustle bustle of the wider town took a sharp turn upward as is customary at this time of year.

Of all the children making their way back to school over the next few days after the long summer break, my thoughts focussed on one who would not be making the trudge. Last week 13 year old Daniel Roche ‘s bicycle was in collision with a car on the Drogheda-Slane road at a spot that has been causing concern to local councillors. Two days later the Rathmullen teenager died.

There is so much that links the community to events like this. The school Daniel went to, the estate in which he lived, the clubs he turned out for on the sports field or in the ring. These things interact with our lives so frequently in a town like Drogheda that the impact of a young life lost is much greater than it would be in a city setting.

Last week’s Drogheda Leader took ink before Daniel died but was published just after he passed. The front page headlines “Prayers For Daniel” quoted the school principal as saying:

Daniel is a very pleasant young man and we were very saddened to hear about the accident and we hope that he makes a full recovery. It is a big shock for his classmates and they are all thinking about him. We all hope that he will join us back at the school soon.

Banner headlines but the hope of the principal, unfortunately, was to remain unfulfilled.

Despite the sunshine the atmosphere of the town has been tainted with the dark hue of bereavement. It is always the way when a child dies. Conversations revisited the drowning accident in which thirteen year old Gareth McGuirk lost his life over the summer school holiday period two years ago. Roads and rivers - eternal vigilance is required when negotiating them.

A keen sports player - boxing, Gaelic football and soccer all figuring among Daniel's active interests - the town’s sporting fraternity remembered him in its own way. My son’s team were to play St Nicholas’s GFC, the club Daniel played for at left back, on Friday evening but the game was cancelled as a mark of respect. Elsewhere, in shops Daniel's accident figured in discussion.

When his parents watch his school friends noisily make their way to class their hearts will be wrenched by their own son’s silence. The child whose laughter does not ring leaves the echo of a mournful peal.

The one way that their child's death can be integrated into the life of a vibrant community is for parents to constantly remind their children, without being overbearing, about the risks life is fraught with. While of no consolation to the immediate family, there is always something to be learned from accidents. If that something can make any contribution to the safety of the children that remain, the positivity of Daniel Roche's life will not have ended with his death.

Drogheda Museum Millmount,

History, Archaeology & Heritage, 

Governor's House,

Millmount,

Drogheda,

Co. Louth, Ireland,

0419833097

Pic of the Day @ 30 August 2016

Old Drogheda Society

Fighters battle it out @ the Millmount Fun Day Heritage Week Event (photo by Joanna Byrne)

Drogheda Museum Millmount,

History, Archaeology & Heritage, 

Governor's House,

Millmount,

Drogheda,

Co. Louth, Ireland,

0419833097

Pic of the Day @ 29 August 2016

Old Drogheda Society

Two Drogheda Children having a ball @ the Millmount Fun Day Heritage Week Event (photo by Joanna Byrne)

Drogheda Museum Millmount,

History, Archaeology & Heritage, 

Governor's House,

Millmount,

Drogheda,

Co. Louth, Ireland,

0419833097

Pic of the Day @ 28 August 2016

Old Drogheda Society

Boating Near Oldbridge @ Battle Of Boyne Open Day

Drogheda Museum Millmount,

History, Archaeology & Heritage, 

Governor's House,

Millmount,

Drogheda,

Co. Louth, Ireland,

0419833097

Pic of the Day @ 27 August 2016

Old Drogheda Society

Drogheda Dog @ The Boyne

Drogheda Museum Millmount,

History, Archaeology & Heritage, 

Governor's House,

Millmount,

Drogheda,

Co. Louth, Ireland,

0419833097

Family Fun Day @ Drogheda Museum On Sunday 28th August

Old Drogheda Society

Family Fun Day at Drogheda Museum 

Fun begins tomorrow, Sunday, from 1pm to 5pm.

There will be a Viking battle display, Horrible Histories tent, reenactment of an archaeological dig for children, fun archery for children, treasure hunt, and fancy dress competition for best historical character for children.

Bring your own picnic.

Drogheda Museum and Martello Tower will be free on the day with guided tours.

Plus, we shall be firing our famous cannons.

This is a Free Event with no booking required.

All Welcome.

Drogheda Museum Millmount,

History, Archaeology & Heritage, 

Governor's House,

Millmount,

Drogheda,

Co. Louth, Ireland,

0419833097

Pic of the Day @ 26 August 2016

Old Drogheda Society

My 25 Years Threshing At Moynalty by William Battersby

Drogheda Museum Millmount,

History, Archaeology & Heritage, 

Governor's House,

Millmount,

Drogheda,

Co. Louth, Ireland,

0419833097

Medieval Drogheda Symposium

Old Drogheda Society

Saturday 27th August Medieval Drogheda Symposium

Governors House, Millmount.

Spaces are limited for this event. To avoid disappointment tickets must be booked at www.Eventbrite.ie Free Event.

Contact Drogheda Museum Millmount for information on this event.

Drogheda Museum Millmount,

History, Archaeology & Heritage, 

Governor's House,

Millmount,

Drogheda,

Co. Louth, Ireland,

0419833097

Pic of the Day @ 25 August 2016

Old Drogheda Society

The Nettervilles of Dowth, Co Meath by Lorcan Blake

Drogheda Museum Millmount,

History, Archaeology & Heritage, 

Governor's House,

Millmount,

Drogheda,

Co. Louth, Ireland,

0419833097

Climb Your Family Tree

Old Drogheda Society

Today Thursday 25 August National Heritage Week

Genealogy one to one session’s

Would you like to learn how to trace your family tree?

We are offering a free one to one service with our fully qualified genealogist Emmett Doran @ Drogheda Tourist Office between 1-4pm.

Contact Emmett Doran @ either 086 812 9516

or

emmettdoran@hotmail.com Free of charge, All Welcome.

Drogheda Museum Millmount,

History, Archaeology & Heritage, 

Governor's House,

Millmount,

Drogheda,

Co. Louth, Ireland,

0419833097

Pic of the Day @ 24 August 2016

Old Drogheda Society

The Conspiracy of Mellifont 1216-1231 by Barry W O'Dwyer

Drogheda Museum Millmount,

History, Archaeology & Heritage, 

Governor's House,

Millmount,

Drogheda,

Co. Louth, Ireland,

0419833097

Final Walk & Talk Tonight

Old Drogheda Society

Drogheda Cultural Services Group, Drogheda Local Voices, Drogheda Millmount Museum, Old Drogheda Society, Pic of the Day,

The final event in this year's Old Drogheda Society Walk & Talks takes place this evening, when Brendan Matthews will lead a walk taking in Drogheda's five bridges, the Bridge of Peace, St Dominic's Bridge, Haymarket Bridge, St Mary's Bridge and De Lacy Bridge.

Brendan will speak the history of the bridges and their surroundings. Meet at the Ramparts opposite the former Donaghys Mill at 7.25pm for 7.30 pm start. The walk will finish at Scotch Hall.

The Old Drogheda Society Walk & Talks have proved to be very popular and with the weather forecast good there should be a big turn out this evening. Everyone is welcome, there is no set charge but small donations will be accepted.  

Drogheda Museum Millmount,

History, Archaeology & Heritage, 

Governor's House,

Millmount,

Drogheda,

Co. Louth, Ireland,

0419833097

Pic of the Day @ 23 August 2016

Old Drogheda Society

At Swim Two Birds (photo by Firinne McIntyre)

Drogheda Museum Millmount,

History, Archaeology & Heritage, 

Governor's House,

Millmount,

Drogheda,

Co. Louth, Ireland,

0419833097

Five Bridge Walking Tour of Old Drogheda

Old Drogheda Society

Heritage Week Event

Wednesday 24 August – Five Bridge Walking Tour of Old Drogheda with Community Historian Brendan Matthews.

This is an exciting opportunity to learn more about Drogheda’s built and natural Heritage.

It will incorporate elements of Mythology, Toponomy, Topography, Archaeology and History.

Begins at the Bridge of Peace, Drogheda, @ 7.30pm.

Free of Charge & All Welcome

Drogheda Museum Millmount,

History, Archaeology & Heritage, 

Governor's House,

Millmount,

Drogheda,

Co. Louth, Ireland,

0419833097

Pic of the Day @ 22 August 2016

Old Drogheda Society

The Boyne - A Valley of Kings by Henry Boylan

Drogheda Museum Millmount,

History, Archaeology & Heritage, 

Governor's House,

Millmount,

Drogheda,

Co. Louth, Ireland,

0419833097

Pic of the Day @ 21 August 2016

Old Drogheda Society

The Story of Mellifont by Rev Fr Colmcille

Drogheda Museum Millmount,

History, Archaeology & Heritage, 

Governor's House,

Millmount,

Drogheda,

Co. Louth, Ireland,

0419833097

Pic of the Day @ 20 August 2016

Old Drogheda Society

Townland Story of County Louth by James Garry

Drogheda Museum Millmount,

History, Archaeology & Heritage, 

Governor's House,

Millmount,

Drogheda,

Co. Louth, Ireland,

0419833097

Pic of the Day @ 19 August 2016

Old Drogheda Society

Drogheda 800th Anniversary Commemorative Postage Stamp

Drogheda Museum Millmount,

History, Archaeology & Heritage, 

Governor's House,

Millmount,

Drogheda,

Co. Louth, Ireland,

0419833097

Pic of the Day @ 18 August 2016

Old Drogheda Society

A History of Stamullen by Brendan Matthews

Drogheda Museum Millmount,

History, Archaeology & Heritage, 

Governor's House,

Millmount,

Drogheda,

Co. Louth, Ireland,

0419833097

Pic of the Day @ 17 August 2016

Old Drogheda Society

Out Of Bent And Sand: Laytown and Bettystown  Golf Club ~ A Centenary History 1909 - 2009  by Brian Keogh

Drogheda Museum Millmount,

History, Archaeology & Heritage, 

Governor's House,

Millmount,

Drogheda,

Co. Louth, Ireland,

0419833097

Pic of the Day @ 16 August 2016

Old Drogheda Society

The Sack Of Balbriggan by Brendan Matthews

Drogheda Museum Millmount,

History, Archaeology & Heritage, 

Governor's House,

Millmount,

Drogheda,

Co. Louth, Ireland,

0419833097

Walk & Talk With Liam Reilly @ 17 August 2016

Old Drogheda Society

The next Old Drogheda Society Walk & Talk Evening will take place on Wednesday August 17th. Liam Reilly will lead the walk from St Peter's Hill to St Mary's Bridge. It is a short walk but has a huge content of interesting items. Liam will talk about:

The Market Cross

St Johns Home

The Victorian Post Box

Clarkes Pub

St Peter's Parochial Centre

Harrison's Court

The Irish Chieftan's stay prior to signing the Treaty of Mellifont

The Thornton Family 4 of whom were involved in the 1916 Rising

Gorman's Pub

The Argus in Peter St

The Central Hotel

PJ Dodd Architect

The Whitworth Memorial

McGrane's Pub

Singer's Corner

Schwer's Newsagents

The Tholsel

Bath House

Costello's Pub

The Admirals

The Augustinian Church

Drogheda Independent

Somewhere Else - Where was it?

The big fire in Shop Street

The Tredagh Hotel/Round House

St Marys Bridge

and some other items. 

Get an insight on the rich heritage of the area and as usual Liam will have a few humorous insights to relate about the area. 

Everyone is welcome and there is no set charge but small donations will be accepted. Meet at the gates of St Peter's Church of Ireland at 7.25 pm and the walk will start at 7.30 pm sharp.

The Old Drogheda Society requests that anyone intending going please pre-book a place by phoning Drogheda Museum Millmount on 041-9833097 or e-mail info@droghedamuseum.ie ,willto ensure that we can facilitate everyone and everyone can hear the content.   

Drogheda Museum Millmount,

History, Archaeology & Heritage, 

Governor's House,

Millmount,

Drogheda,

Co. Louth, Ireland,

0419833097

Pic of the Day @ 15 August 2016

Old Drogheda Society

Stackallen Old School 1840

Drogheda Museum Millmount,

History, Archaeology & Heritage, 

Governor's House,

Millmount,

Drogheda,

Co. Louth, Ireland,

0419833097

Pic of the Day @ 14 August 2016

Old Drogheda Society

Board of Trade Continuous Certificate of Discharge @ Reynolds

Drogheda Museum Millmount,

History, Archaeology & Heritage, 

Governor's House,

Millmount,

Drogheda,

Co. Louth, Ireland,

0419833097

Pic of the Day @ 13 August 2016

Old Drogheda Society

Board of Trade Continuous Certificate of Discharge @ W. Stephen

Drogheda Museum Millmount,

History, Archaeology & Heritage, 

Governor's House,

Millmount,

Drogheda,

Co. Louth, Ireland,

0419833097

Pic of the Day @ 12 August 2016

Old Drogheda Society

Exploring Newgrange by Liam MacUistin

Drogheda Museum Millmount,

History, Archaeology & Heritage, 

Governor's House,

Millmount,

Drogheda,

Co. Louth, Ireland,

0419833097

Close The Gate

Old Drogheda Society

Statement from the Old Drogheda Society

It was with absolute horror that the Old Drogheda Society learned of the latest outrageous attempt to drive a huge container lorry through St. Laurence Gate.

These images, taken last Friday at 5 p.m., are circulating on social media and provide a perfect example of the urgent need to close St. Laurence Gate to vehicular traffic.

This behaviour is a danger to the life and limb of pedestrians and other road users as well as to the unique and precious built heritage of Drogheda.

It is surely time to “Close the Gate”!

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