BY DONAL FALLON
THE IRISH COURTS PODCAST
Marking the centenary of the Courts of Justice Act, 1924, a new podcast series explores landmark legal cases in Irish history, with some remarkable guests appearing. In ‘The David Norris Case’, we hear from author Colm Tóibín, former president Mary McAleese and David Norris himself. Other episodes explore female pioneering figures in the Irish legal system and the transition from the revolutionary Dáil Courts to a new legal system. The episodes are produced to a high quality and are available across all platforms, including Spotify, YouTube and Apple Podcasts.
WEXFORD COUNTY ARCHIVE AND THE REVOLUTION
In recent years we have seen publications seeking to tell historical narratives by looking at chosen objects. In 2016 John Gibney authored A history of the Easter Rising in 50 objects, while Siobhán Doyle’s A history of the GAA in 100 objects has led to an exhibition at the National Museum of Ireland, explored previously in Museum Eye. Now Wexford County Archive present Wexford County Archive: 25 objects from the Irish revolution, 1916–23. Beautifully illustrated, the publication is a collaboration between the archive and historian Aaron Ó Maonaigh. Archivist Gráinne Doran notes that ‘this legacy project has been invaluable in showcasing the unique role of archives and objects in informing historical debate and in facilitating a better understanding of this complex period in County Wexford’s history’. The publication is available from the Wexford County Archive.
ROTUNDA REMEMBERED
In Dublin, one is either a northsider or a southsider. To most today, the Coombe Hospital or Holles Street means southside and the Rotunda means northside, but did you know that the original site of the Rotunda’s first lying-in hospital was on the other side of the Liffey at 60 South Great George’s Street? Prof. Seán Daly of the modern Rotunda Hospital outlined the importance of the site, now Decwell’s DIY shop, and noted that ‘the current Rotunda Hospital is the oldest maternity hospital in the world and will deliver its one-millionth baby in 2027’. That may call for another plaque.
MONTO AR
For those wishing to walk in the footsteps of Leopold Bloom, Nighttown has been brought back to life with the launch of Monto AR, ‘an innovative augmented reality experience that brings to life the complex and often overlooked history of Dublin’s notorious Monto district’. A collaboration between writer Jennifer Shortall and Imvizar, the smartphone project draws on historical archives and research to bring the area to life. Monto took its name from Montgomery Street, which has since been renamed Corporation Street, and later James Joyce Street. More information from the LAB Gallery (https://www.dublincityartsoffice.ie/the-lab/about-the-lab-gallery).
IRISH BOOK AWARDS—IRISH HISTORY BOOK OF THE YEAR
By now, readers will know the winner of the new dedicated history section at the annual An Post Book Awards. Dating back to 2007, the annual award ceremony celebrates the best in Irish writing and bookselling. The Hodges Figgis History Book of the Year nominees were Ian Miller’s A history of Ireland in ten body parts, the Atlas of the Irish Civil War, Maurice Casey’s Hotel Lux, Myles Dungan’s Land is all that matters, Diarmaid Ferriter’s The revelation of Ireland 1995–2020, and Revolutionary times: Ireland 1913–23 from the team behind Century Ireland. The emergence of a distinct history section within the awards brings welcome attention to the field of historical studies in Ireland.
NEW FILES RELEASED BY MILITARY ARCHIVES
October 2024 saw the release of new records from the Military Service Pensions Collection of Military Archives. New files released to the public include 401 applications lodged under the Military Service Pensions Act, 1934. Of the new files, the archives note that ‘91 individuals had an address in the USA, 41 in England, 18 in Scotland, 7 in Canada, 4 in Australia’. Containing references from contemporaries, the pension applications offer different insights from the Bureau of Military History witness statements. To browse the new material, visit www.militaryarchives.ie/.