Sir,—With reference to the article on 1798 in the North in the Summer 1998 issue, it was mentioned that the Ards men joined the insurgents from Saintfield and Ballynahinch at Creevy Rocks. A search of the Ordnance Survey map and enquiries from persons within the Saintfield, Crossgar, Ballynahinch triangle have failed to locate the whereabouts … Read more
Nineteen ninety-nine brings with it the rejuvenation of the IrishHistory Students’ Association. The IHSA has been bringing historystudents together from all parts of Ireland since the 1950s, primarilythrough its annual conference. This year’s conference will be held from19-21 February 1999 at the Queen’s University of Belfast. This will bea student-oriented affair which allows Irish history … Read more
The cult of Michael Collins reached new heights last summer when the monument at Béal na mBláth developed into a colourful religious type shrine. Apparently believing that they could establish a spiritual link with the ‘Big Fella’ in the sky, people began to leave personal items and religious paraphernalia at the place where he breathed … Read more
Popular myth has it that the Taoiseach, John A. Costello, while in Canada in 1948, got drunk at a dinner and announced that Ireland was to leave the Commonwealth. A variation of the story is that Costello, while dining in the Governor General’s residence, was offended by a replica of the cannon ‘Roaring Meg’ being … Read more
Sir,—I am currently researching John Sweetman (1752-1826), UnitedIrishman, brewer and art collector. I am particularly interested in hisactivities as an art collector and would be most grateful to receiveany information regarding works of art from his now dispersedcollection or documents relating to him. Any help received would beduly acknowledged.—Yours, etc., REBECCA MINCH 1 Annsley Lodge … Read more