Longford History Month 2019
Celebrating Longford's Rich History with Longford's inaugural History Ambassador, Dr. Mel Farrell
1st to the 30th November 2019
An exciting programme has been developed for County Longford's inaugural 'History Month', and includes a variety of events that celebrate the county's history
and those who are involved in researching and promoting it. Every place in Longford has its own unique story and some of those stories will be highlighted during the month.
Some of the events are also part of the County Longford Decade of Centenaries Programme, a highlight of which will be the History Ireland Hedge School, on 21 November, which will involve a panel of distinguished historians discussing 'County Longford and the Global Irish Revolution'. There are also seminars and talks for teachers and students on the period 1919-23.
'History Month' coincides with the launch of the annual 'Explore Your Archive' campaign. Archives are crucial for historical research and they provide fascinating windows into our past. They will feature in some of the events that are planned. Longford is fortunate to have many dedicated and enthusiastic local historians, some of whom are also prolific authors. The month includes five book launches, one of which is of a novel. We are delighted that Ardagh native, Dr Mel Farrell, Director of the Irish Humanities Alliance, has agreed to be our 'History Month Ambassador'. Mel will contribute to many of our events, especially those involving schools.
Longford's 'History Month' has something for everyone, so come and celebrate our county's rich past.
History Month Programme
Click here to open the full programme in PDF format.
Tuesday, 5 November, 7.30 pm, Longford Library
Launch of Teathbha (Journal of County Longford Historical Society), vol. v, no. 2, edited by James MacNerney. Eamonn Brennan, Irish and Cultural Officer with Longford GAA, will perform the launch.
Thursday, 7 November, 10 am – 4 pm, The Canal Studio, Backstage Theatre, Longford
History seminars for primary and second-level teachers on ‘County Longford, 1919-23’. An overview of the period and the sources available.
Speakers: Dr Mel Farrell (Longford’s History Ambassador), Martin Morris (County Archivist), Mairead Ní Chonghaile (Heritage Officer) and Mary Carleton Reynolds (County Librarian).
Thursday, 7 November, 7.30 pm, Ballymahon Community Library
Launch of book entitled Historic Shrule, edited by Philip Murrell, with assistance from Pat Kilduff, and published by the Leo Casey Local History Group, Ballymahon.
Tuesday, 12 November, 7.30 pm, Ballymahon Community Library
Launch of Beneath the Silence by Pádraic McCormack, a novel based on a true story from the 1940s. Mary O’Rourke, former TD and minister, will perform the launch.
Tuesday, 12 November, 7.00 – 8.00 pm, Granard Community Library
Tracing Your Family Tree (session 1). Professional genealogist, Eilish Feeley MA will explain how to research your family history.
Thursday, 14 November, 7.30 pm, Longford Library
Lecture and launch of book John Ferrall: Master of Sligo Workhouse, 1852-66 by Dr Fergus O’Ferrall. In association with County Longford Historical Society. John Farrell, Chairman of the Farrell Clan, will perform the launch.
Tuesday, 19 November, 7.30 pm, Longford Library
Lecture: ‘Alfred James MacHugh: man of mystery’ by Máiréad Ní Chonghaile (Heritage Officer).
Tuesday, 19 November, 7.00 – 8.00 pm, Granard Community Library
Tracing Your Family Tree (session 2).
Tuesday, 26 November, 7.00 – 8.00 pm, Granard Community Library
Tracing Your Family Tree (session 3).
Thursday, 28 November, 8 pm, Longford Library
Launch of Fireside Tales, no. 17 by Jude Flynn. Belinda McKeon, author, will perform the launch.
Events for primary schools
Local historians will be available to give talks to primary school classes in schools or local libraries. For further information and bookings, please contact 043-3341124 or e-mail decadeofcentenaries@longfordcoco.ie.
Events for second-level schools
Thursday, 21 November; Thursday, 28 November
Dr Mel Farrell, Longford’s History Ambassador, will be available to give talks on ‘Ireland, 1919-23’, especially to senior-cycle history classes. For further information and bookings, please contact 043-3341124 or e-mail decadeofcentenaries@longfordcoco.ie.
Wednesday, 13 November; Wednesday, 27 November, Longford County Library HQ
Martin Morris, County Archivist, will hold seminars (two each day) on ‘County Longford, 1919-23: overview and sources’ for senior cycle history classes. Class groups of 20 max., booking essential and first come, first served. Contact 043-3341124 or e-mail decadeofcentenaries@longfordcoco.ie.
Wednesday, 20 November, Longford County Library HQ
Martin Morris will do three sessions (one hour each) entitled ‘An Introduction to the Local Studies and Archives Collections’. Class groups of 25 max, booking essential and first come, first served. Contact 043-3341124 or e-mail decadeofcentenaries@longfordcoco.ie.
HISTORY IRELAND HEDGE SCHOOL
Thursday, 21 November, 7.30 pm, The Canal Studio, Backstage Theatre
History Ireland Hedge School: ‘County Longford and the Global Irish Revolution’.
Tommy Graham, editor of History Ireland magazine, will moderate a panel discussion with four distinguished historians: Dr Mel Farrell (Royal Irish Academy), Dr Darragh Gannon (Queen’s University, Belfast), Dr Paul Hughes (independent scholar) and Ailbhe Rogers (Maynooth University).
