Special talk on devastating impact of Spanish Flu in Kilkenny 100 years ago

Kilkenny Library Service will host a special talk exploring the devastating impact of the Spanish Flu outbreak in Kilkenny 100 years ago.

Noel Campbell, curator with the National Museum of Ireland - Country Life, will examine the impact of the Spanish Flu in Kilkenny through stories of personal loss and the public service breakdown forced by the disease. The event takes place on Tuesday, November 13.

From 1918 to 1919, the Spanish Flu claimed 23,000 lives and infected some 800,000 people in Ireland over a 12-month period. No group, location or aspect of life was spared. However, the epidemic remains an almost forgotten event in 20th Century Irish history.

“We are delighted to be involved in this special programme entitled The Enemy within-The Spanish Flu in Ireland 1918-1919," says County Librarian Josephine Coyne.

"This is a programme of remembrance and research marking the centenary of this major event."

The Spanish Flu remains an understudied event in history despite claiming more lives worldwide than the Great War, according to Mr Campbell. The National Museum of Ireland has developed a programme which will be informative, engaging and also challenging as we attempt to understand the Spanish Flu’s true significance and probe why this pandemic has been almost forgotten in our study and understanding of 20th Century Irish history.

'The Enemy within - the Spanish Flu in County Kilkenny' takes place at the City Library, John’s Quay, Kilkenny at 1pm on Tuesday, November 13. All are welcome.

For more information visit Kilkenny Library on www.kilkennylibrary.ie or phone 056-7794160.