Kilkenny Archaeological Society looked to the future at its 10th John Bradley Weekend, honouring the notable city-born scholar who died in 2014.
The weekend began with a reception and a keynote address in Kilkenny Castle by Cóilín Ó Drisceoil, long associated with archaeological investigations in Kilkenny, and now a state archaeologist with the National Monuments Service.
His talk, entitled 'A Succession of Very Curious Old Structures': Discovering the hidden history of Ireland’s best-preserved early modern townhouse' looked at 35 years of archaeological exploration of Rothe House and Garden, 'unearthing an unwritten past spanning 800 years and uncovering over 3,100 artifacts.
Discoveries range from evidence of the lavish diets of its Cistercian monk predecessors to the that of the Renaissance-style luxury enjoyed by the Rothe family and the varied remains from the lives of occupiers of tenement dwellings and commercial premises on the site into the modern era.
These events were followed by the conference dinner at The Clubhouse Hotel. On Saturday, local councillor David Firzgerald opened proceedings with a brief review of his own involvement as Chair of the Rothe House Trust from 2020 to 2024.
It was followed by an overview of 60 years of involvement in researching and promoting Kilkenny heritage by Denis Bergin, a writer and editor who gave his first lecture to Kilkenny Archaeological Society in 1966, and who has served for a quarter of a century as director of the James Hoban Societies of Ireland and the US, dedicated to promoting the life and work of the Cuffesgrange-born designer and builder of The White House.
The final speaker was Ann Mulrooney, the Kilkenny-born artist, arts administrator and creative project executive who is the current Chair of the Rothe House Trust. She explained how, with a stable governance and management framework in place, and the award of its first significant development grant confirmed, the prospects for enhancing Rothe House's heritage credentials and visitor experience have never been better.
The proceedings concluded with a final viewing and closing of the exhibition 'Rothe House 1966-2026: The Restoration.'
5. Kevin Higgins, Deborah Sullivan, Eileen Hanaphy, Walter Pigott and Denis Murphy
Kevin Higgins, Deborah Sullivan, Eileen Hanaphy, Walter Pigott and Denis Murphy | HARRY REID Photo: HARRY REID
6. Adrian Harper, Noel Walsh and Margaret Harper.
Adrian Harper, Noel Walsh and Margaret Harper | HARRY REID Photo: HARRY REID
7. Denis Murphy, Deborah Sullivan, Anne Lannon and Cathaoirleach Joe Malone
Denis Murphy, Deborah Sullivan, Anne Lannon and Cathaoirleach Joe Malone | HARRY REID Photo: HARRY REID
8. Sheila Long with Ali, Cóilín Ó Drisceoil
Sheila Long with Ali, Cóilín Ó Drisceoil | HARRY REID Photo: HARRY REID