By Fiona Fitzsimons The evidence we use in family history is not limited to archival records. We also use the evidence in our genes; the material culture around us (artefacts, gravestones, and photographs to name just a few); and in the family stories passed down. One source often overlooked by family historians, but which draws … Read more
By Deborah White It was an anxious wait for Mr Duigenan, Keeper of Irish Antiquities at the National Museum of Ireland. After protracted negotiation the star artefact of his upcoming ‘Special Folklore Exhibition’ was making its way to Dublin from Lurgan, Co. Armagh, strapped to the bed of a twenty-horsepower lorry. Prior arrangement with the … Read more
By Mícheál Ó Fathartaigh Over the past few months, the Irish minister for agriculture, Charlie McConalogue, has suggested on several occasions that Irish farmers could and should be growing more crops. Theoretically, he is right. Securing sustainable food supplies for the population has never been more important. Since the mid-twentieth century, Irish agriculture has gradually … Read more
By John Lonergan A soviet is an elected workers committee functioning as a political and military organisation. The Limerick Soviet was the first and only self-declared soviet in Ireland or Britain, existing from 14to 27 April 1919. It resulted from a strike declared by the Limerick United Trades and Labour Council, protesting against the proclamation … Read more
By Elaine Sisson and Brian Trench When Eamon de Valera was released from prison in July 1924, among the select few invited to a welcome party at a private house was Mrs Cogley, who sat with Rosamond Jacob and Mary MacSwiney on the stairs as they watched de Valera eat a chocolate éclair and drink … Read more