In 1905 Jack B. Yeats was commissioned by the Manchester Guardian to illustrate a series of articles by John Millington Synge on the condition of the poorest parts of Ireland—Connemara and Mayo. Together the two men toured what were then known as the ‘congested districts’, dispatching regular articles and illustrations back to Britain. To mark … Read more
Cork’s year as European Capital of Culture 2005 was given a historical slant with a meeting on 15 April addressed by Brian Murphy, ‘In defence of Cork’s political culture in the revolutionary years, c. 1914–1922’. Dr Murphy placed his theme in its historical context by quoting an eyewitness account of Cork as seen by a … Read more
The challenges facing academic publishing worldwide have been well rehearsed in recent years. A revolution in book retailing has resulted in large chain stores dominating the market. Focused heavily on bestsellers and rapid turnover, they have squeezed the shelf-space (and shelf-life) of academic titles, and are able to demand ever-higher discounts. At the same time, … Read more
Efforts are under way in County Meath to have a new statue of StPatrick installed on the Hill of Tara. The original statue was removedlast year by the Office of Public Works for refurbishment but was foundto have deteriorated beyond repair. Rathfeigh Historical Society hasacted as secretary of a Tara Committee in negotiations with the … Read more
St Ultan’s Hospital was established in 1919 by Dr Kathleen Lynn and Madeleine ffrench-Mullen in response to socio-medical conditions in Dublin. It was not unusual for women to establish hospitals. This had happened in Britain and the United States in the late nineteenth century to facilitate women’s access to the medical profession. Women on missionary … Read more