Joe Christie

Joe Christie, the charismatic republican who died on 29 May, is shown here addressing a Dublin meeting shortly after playing a leading part in the arms raid on Armagh Barracks in 1954. Note the placards in three languages; UCD students borrowed from the opening words of Virgil’s Aeneid: ‘ Arma virumque cano’ (this is a … Read more

Sir John Gilbert

Sir John Gilbert Nineteen-ninety-eight is the centenary of the death of Sir John Gilbert whose valuable legacy to the city and people of Dublin continues to this day. Born in Dublin in 1829, he was a noted book collector, librarian of the Royal Irish Academy, historian and archivist. The Gilbert Library in Pearse Street contains … Read more

A window on history

by Christine Casey and Christopher Ward     In 14 St Stephen’s Green is an unusual historical document. On one pane of a sash window in the rear hall-floor parlour are scratched the names of five soldiers: A.O. Pollock 21st Regiment, W. Rowland McKay 3rd Dragoon Guards, W.C. Forbes 92nd Highlanders, Mr M. McKay 3rd … Read more

Who fears to speak of ’98

Who fears to speak of ‘98? 1998 will mark the bicentenary of the United Irish rising of 1798 and preparations for its commemoration are already underway, especially in County Wexford where the bicentenary holds special significance. A commemoration association, Comóradh ‘98, backed by the local authorities and numerous county organisations and societies, has been active … Read more