Big Read: The South Kilkenny Historical Society outline their plans for 2024

The annual meeting of the South Kilkenny Historical Society was held recently where a very successful 2023 was reviewed, with some of the Society’s plans for 2024 outlined.

Liz Gillis presented a lecture 'Family at War: The Hales Brothers and the Irish Revolution' in January 2023. It was followed in February by County Kilkenny and Some Links to 100 Years of the Revenue Commissioners with Brian White. Two lectures took place in April – Michael Collins, by Patrick Mannix and Liam Lynch: Life of an Irish Revolutionary, 1892 to 1923, by Gerard Shannon. Liz Gillis returned in September with 'Unheard Voices of the Civil War': The Civilian Experience', while in October and November two local well known and experienced historians Eoin Walsh and Jack Burtchell delivered lectures, 'When the War was over: life in Ireland after the Civil War' and 'Government in Ireland after the Civil War'.

A very successful coach trip took place on May 27 – a visit to Doneraile House and Mallow, Co Cork Heritage Week 2023 was marked with a 'Mystery Tour of Mooncoin', with local man and historian Eoin Walsh treating participants to a mine of information on the village – its churches, people and sites.

Accepting the invitation from John Dunphy, the Society visited Dunphy's Mill, Mullinavat in September where John gave an in depth and informative talk on the workings of the mill. A Memorial Mass was held in St Beacon's Church in November, remembering deceased past members, family members, lecturers and associates of the society.

To mark the conclusion of the Decade of Centenaries a conference, which was officially opened by Dr Martin Mansergh, was held in the Rhu Glenn Hotel in December in which two panel discussions took place.

The first panel discussion, on the Decade of Centenaries' reflected on the events held during the Decade of Centenaries. The panellists for this discussion were Dr Mansergh, Cecelia Hartsell and Eoin Walsh. The second panel discussion, 'How will a future generation reflect on us 100 years from now?', explored the biggest issue facing the planet - Climate change and environmental issues. Panellists for this discussion were Professor Peter Thorne and Paul O'Brien.

The special guest for the Society’s annual Night of Reminiscing, held on December 8 was John Daly, Dungarvan. The inaugural Lá and Dreoilín, the Society's first attempt at reviving Wren Day was an extraordinary success, with approximately 60 people taking part in a wonderful event.

The Financial Report showed a very healthy financial position and the chairman thanked all those who made this possible, in particular acknowledging Kilkenny County Council for the substantial grants received. Thanks was also expressed to the officers and committee of the society, to parish priests and personnel of the various parishes who publish society events through their newsletters, the local media; Fr Liam Barron PP, John and Bernie Sutton, and the Hall Committee; Regina Fitzpatrick, Heritage Officer, Kilkenny County Council; Cecelia Hartsell, lecturers, guides, the membership (which reached its highest ever number in 2023) and Duggan Coaches.

The chairman paid tribute to the late Dickie Walsh RIP, who died in April 2023, on the huge contribution he made to the success of the society. Dickie was a founding member of the society, served as vice-chairman and was a member of the committee until his sudden death.

The following officers and committee were elected for the coming year: Chair, Eddie Synnott; vice-chair, Katherine Grant; secretary, Brigid Barron; joint treasurers, Paddy O'Shea and Michael Power. Committee: Dermot Aylward, Joe Freyne, Mary Ryan and Richard Walsh.