Nick Maxwell

By Emma Quinn A March 1931 article in the Irish Examiner announced that a ‘solemn decree protesting against “so-called sexual education of youth” had been issued’ by the Vatican. The same year, the Carrigan Committee submitted its final report on sexual behaviour in the Irish Free State; this provided a plan for legislative reform to … Read more

By Arthur Matthews Kevin O’Higgins, the Free State minister for justice and vice-president of the Executive, died a violent death on 10 July 1927. On his way to Mass on a sunny Sunday morning, he set off on the short walk along Cross Avenue, Booterstown. Unluckily for O’Higgins, three IRA gunmen, Timothy Coughlan, Archie Doyle … Read more

By Ruadhán MacFadden Wrestling was once a common feature of life and society in Ireland. Throughout the medieval period we see frequent literary references suggesting that it was considered a ‘must-have’ skill for any martially inclined man of the time. A young Cúchulainn quickly demonstrates his potential by effortlessly throwing ‘fifty kings’ sons’ to the … Read more

By Ruairí Nolan On a crisp, cool evening in early July 1867 the steamboat G.A. Thompson chugged its way down the Missouri River, Montana, towards Camp Cooke. As a lone sentry patrolled the upper decks, he spotted from the corner of his eye a man hastily making for the rear of the boat, dressed in … Read more

By Dermot McGuinne The nineteenth-century Irish polymath George Petrie is perhaps best remembered for his remarkable topographical watercolour paintings, his discoveries in areas of archaeological and antiquarian interest, and his extensive collection of early Irish music. Few, however, would readily associate him with the design and production of printing types. Consequently, the true measure of … Read more