By John O’Brien Lawn tennis exploded onto the Irish social scene in the summer of 1874, just weeks after the first advertisements for lawn tennis equipment appeared in English newspapers. As the 1875 season approached, Lawrence’s ‘depot for manly sports’ on Sackville Street began to advertise tennis equipment in the Irish Times. From the end … Read more
By Peter W. Halligan Teresa McGrath (1865–1907) was awarded the Royal Red Cross in 1899 for her exceptional bravery in nursing wounded soldiers of the 36th (Sikh) Regiment of Bengal Infantry at the siege of Fort Gulistan in September 1897. The Royal Red Cross is the highest military decoration awarded to nurses who show exceptional … Read more
By Stephen Collins In the decade after Catholic Emancipation in 1829 Ireland was convulsed by political agitation, as Daniel O’Connell led a concerted campaign to get his supporters elected to the House of Commons. Longford was a prime example of how the battle lines were drawn during a series of elections in the 1830s; while … Read more
By Ray O’Connor Savings banks were financial institutions that promoted moral improvement among the lower social orders by advocating a strong work ethic, sobriety and thrift. They encouraged the poor to make financial provision for infirmity, illness and old age by offering a financial service that provided a safe place to deposit any savings. Savings … Read more
By Edel Bhreathnach One of my earliest memories is of going with my parents to the parish church in Killester, which was dedicated to St Brigit. It held a relic of St Brigit, reputedly part of her skull, which was brought there from Lisbon in 1929 for the church’s consecration. It was enshrined in a … Read more