Sir,—Your editorial in the last issue (HI 25.2, March/April 2017) touched on the new US Trump administration’s 90-day ban on people from seven (later reduced to six) Muslim-majority countries and on Ireland’s policy on asylum-seekers who wait years for a decision to remain or be deported. The US did relax the rules of the ban … Read more
Sir,—In his article ‘Edmund Dwyer Gray Jr in Tasmania’ (HI 25.2, March/April 2017), Felix M. Larkin made reference to his father, also Edmund Dwyer Gray, who was a very interesting man in his own right. Edmund Dwyer Gray was the son of Sir John Gray, proprietor of the Freeman’s Journal and MP for Kilkenny City. … Read more
Hedge schools Sir,—Tony Lyons (HI 24.6, Nov./Dec. 2016) provided us with a comprehensive account of hedge schools. The existence of these schools was in breach of the penal laws, which prohibited Catholic involvement in educational provision. As a result, they tended to be established in remote locations where they would not come to official attention. … Read more
MAY 09/1671 Irishman Col. Thomas Blood stole the Crown Jewels of England from the Tower of London. Having switched sides during the English Civil War, during which he gained a reputation for intrigue and espionage, Blood lost most of his lands with the Restoration and thereafter conducted a terror campaign against the Stuart establishment. None … Read more
MAY 01–04 Mon–Thur Kerry Archaeological & Historical Society, Park Hotel, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford. Away to Lismore (field outing). Enquiries: +353 (0)58 42899. 02 Tues 8pm Kilmacanogue History Society, Glenview Hotel, Glen of the Downs. Glenmalure: the wild heart of the mountains, Carmel O’Toole. Adm. €3. 03 Wed 7.30pm Remembering the Future: the Decade of Anniversaries, … Read more