Nick Maxwell Aiken: gunman and statesman RTÉ 1, Tuesday 12 December, 10.15pm Hidden Histories Directed by Steve Carson by Eamon O’Flaherty RTÉ’s Hidden Histories series is currently concentrating on a ‘founding fathers’ theme, looking at the lives of major figures in the formation of the independent Irish state. The latest offering—focusing on Frank Aiken—illustrates some of the … Read more
Among the various ‘ghosts’ invoked in the build-up to 1916 the name of Robert Emmet was central to the imagining of a ‘New Ireland’. As important was the influence of the Emmet family in America, where sympathy for the advanced nationalist cause in terms of both funds and propaganda was vital to any potential political … Read more
‘Just when we thought it was safe…’ In this issue’s interview (p. 43) Senator Martin Mansergh makes the observation that Irish historiography has gone through a Hegelian dialectical process of thesis (traditional nationalist), antithesis (revisionist) and synthesis (post-revisionist), an observation with which most with an interest in Irish history would concur. Few of us … Read more
Sir, —I am researching the story of fires, firefighting and firefighters in Cork city over the centuries, and I wonder if some among your readers may be able to help me over a few hurdles. During the greater part of the nineteenth century, private fire brigades known as ‘fire engine establishments’ were maintained by … Read more
Sir, —In his article on King Billy (HI 12.1, Spring 2004) Padraig Lenihan points out that William ‘rode a dark horse’ at the battle of the Boyne. However, in 1696/97 he did acquire a horse, White Sorrel (sometimes Sorel), that became his favourite mount. The horse was bred at Wallington Hall, here in Northumberland, … Read more