Carrick-on-Shannon & District Historical Society
(Cumann Seanchais Muintir Eolais)
Officers elected for 2013:
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President:
Chair: Vice Chair: Secretary: Treasurer: Asst. Treasurer: Press Relations: Field Officers: |
Margaret Cox
John Feely John Bredin Elayne Connolly Frances Molloy Tommie Padden Mary C. Dolan Pádraig Gilbride and Tommie Padden |
We want a rock from all 32 Counties!
As part of the Famine Attic Experience Project scheduled for 3-5 May 2013, a Survivors Cairn will be constructed in the grounds of the Famine Graveyard/Garden of Remembrance adjacent to the Carrick Workhouse. The cairn represents the descendants of those who survived An Gorta Mór/The Great Hunger, and it will contain a time capsule which will be interred at the end of 2013. It would be appropriate to have shoebox size stones/rocks from each County in Ireland part of the cairn. If you are interested in contributing a stone from somewhere in Ireland, it can be left in to St George's Heritage & Visitor Centre (Church Lane, 071 962 1757) or the Carrick-on-Shannon Local History Centre (The Market Yard, 086 067 5283) before 3rd May. See further details of the project in this website.
Heapstown Cairn, Co. Sligo
Society's History & Mission
The Society was established in 1992 to reawaken interest in the history of the area which covers part of South Leitrim and North Roscommon known in ancient times as Muintir Eolais. Carrick-on-Shannon & District Historical Society has members throughout the wider area and further afield through links to our Diaspora.
The crest or logo of the Society is based on the Corporation Seal of Carrick-on-Shannon which is extant and on exhibition at the Carrick-on-Shannon Heritage & Visitors Centre.
The area is rich in history and the aim of the Society is to research these many
aspects and make information available to current and future generations. The Society organises monthly lectures and mounts exhibitions and events of national and local interest; has erected commemorative plaques to identify local historical landmarks; and has supported the publication of books of local historical interest. (See specific section on publications)
Carrick-on-Shannon’s location has been regarded as the key to the West from Ulster and from the south and east for millennia as it is situated on a fording point of the River Shannon. The area was in the ancient stronghold of the O'Rourkes of Breffni (or Bréifne). The town was granted a royal charter and named a borough with its own seal in 1613 by King James I, and the subsequent Plantation of Leitrim took place over the next 80 or so years.
The remains of the Castle of Carrigdrumruisc can still be seen on the N4 By-Pass near the Carrick Bridge. Signposted walking tours of the town allow visitors to discover its interesting historical buildings, in particular the Workhouse Attic and Famine Graveyard, Hatley Manor (a restored Georgian period home of the St. George Family, the town’s primary landlords), St George's Church of Ireland (with an interactive Visitor Centre), and the Costello Memorial Chapel which is believed to be the smallest chapel in Europe.
The crest or logo of the Society is based on the Corporation Seal of Carrick-on-Shannon which is extant and on exhibition at the Carrick-on-Shannon Heritage & Visitors Centre.
The area is rich in history and the aim of the Society is to research these many
aspects and make information available to current and future generations. The Society organises monthly lectures and mounts exhibitions and events of national and local interest; has erected commemorative plaques to identify local historical landmarks; and has supported the publication of books of local historical interest. (See specific section on publications)
Carrick-on-Shannon’s location has been regarded as the key to the West from Ulster and from the south and east for millennia as it is situated on a fording point of the River Shannon. The area was in the ancient stronghold of the O'Rourkes of Breffni (or Bréifne). The town was granted a royal charter and named a borough with its own seal in 1613 by King James I, and the subsequent Plantation of Leitrim took place over the next 80 or so years.
The remains of the Castle of Carrigdrumruisc can still be seen on the N4 By-Pass near the Carrick Bridge. Signposted walking tours of the town allow visitors to discover its interesting historical buildings, in particular the Workhouse Attic and Famine Graveyard, Hatley Manor (a restored Georgian period home of the St. George Family, the town’s primary landlords), St George's Church of Ireland (with an interactive Visitor Centre), and the Costello Memorial Chapel which is believed to be the smallest chapel in Europe.
Guest Lecturers
The Carrick-on-Shannon & District Historical Society offers monthly lectures and/or day-trips. Details are available in the news and events section of this website and in this section, and announcements are placed in local newspapers. All are welcome. Society Members are free of charge to lectures and most events; all others are 5 euro (3 euro concession) for lectures, and a nominal cost for day-trips. Please see our Calendar of Events further on...
Guest Lecturer- Dr Heather Laird, UCC.
One of our most successful lectures was a talk given by Carrick native Dr Heather Laird of UCC who spoke on "Petticoats & Porridge -- Women and The Land League"
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Day trip - Fenagh Abbey, County Leitrim May 2012
Fenagh Abbey is a beautiful heritage site in County Leitrim. It has a visitor centre which opens daily and is recommended...
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St. Eadin's Grave
St Eidin's Grave, Tumna (2012) dates back to the 6th Century
The Historical Society makes an annual trip to St. Eadin's Grave at Tumna, the site of her monastic settlement a short distance from Carrick-on-Shannon at the confluence of the Boyle and Shannon Rivers. It is located just a couple of miles from Carrick Bridge, off the Boyle Road (N4).
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 Brendan Harvey "From the diamond to the hall" |
Brendan Harvey "From the diamond to the hall"
Review of Brendan Harvey Talk "From the Diamond to the Hall"
BIG NIGHT IN AUGHNASHEELIN FOR HISTORICAL SOCIETY
The Chairman of the Carrick-on-Shannon & District Historical Society John Feely travelled to Aughnasheelin Community Centre on August 4th last to chair a talk "From the Diamond to the Hall" delivered from Aughnasheelin native and former Leitrim Guardian Person of the Year, Brendan Harvey. Following the talk, "Archives 100" a book in the form of a year by year diary of events in the Leitrim area was launched by Mr Feely.
There are a number of interesting articles and happenings recorded in the book from the Carrick-on-Shannon area. It may surprise people to know that race meetings were held in the Carrick area at the end of the last century. At a time when the country was described as 'on the brink of bankruptcy', people were staggered by the animated scenes and by the crowds converging on Carrick for the Lincoln Handicap! Around the same time, countrymen had very definite ideas about the qualifications they
looked for in prospective wives -- read about their requirements in "Archives
100"!
Those of us from the Historical Society who travelled with John to Aughnasheelin had a most enjoyable evening. We were treated to a wonderful talk and equally wonderful hospitality! "Archives 100" is now available in Mulveys, The Reading Room and The Dock in Carrick-on-Shannon!
M.J. MacManus Annual Writers Day
This photo is a blast from the past....
Carrick-on-Shannon native M.J. MacManus was born in 1888. His father was Master of the Workhouse School, while his mother was the Matron of the Workhouse itself. M.J. MacManus was one of the outstanding figures of the literary and journalistic worlds in the Ireland of his time, counting among his friends and acquaintances Yeats, Shaw, Chesterton, Behan and DeValera. He died in 1951 and is buried in Glasnevin Cemetery in Dublin.
Carrick-on-Shannon native M.J. MacManus was born in 1888. His father was Master of the Workhouse School, while his mother was the Matron of the Workhouse itself. M.J. MacManus was one of the outstanding figures of the literary and journalistic worlds in the Ireland of his time, counting among his friends and acquaintances Yeats, Shaw, Chesterton, Behan and DeValera. He died in 1951 and is buried in Glasnevin Cemetery in Dublin.
Commemorative Plaques
T.H.
Parke (1857-1893), Irish doctor, African explorer, soldier and naturalist. Erected 1994.
Carlo Bianconi (born Italy 1786, died 1875 in Ireland), a fascinating character
of rags to riches experience, who developed the first integrated road transportation system in Ireland. Erected 1996.
The remains of Carrick-on-Shannon Castle, built c.1613 when the town got its charter from King James I. Erected 1995.
Susan Langstaff Mitchell (1866-1926), Carrick-born poet, author and editor. Erected 1996.
Barge Transport on the River Shannon 1760-1960, erected 1999 on The Old Barrel Store (now Tourist Office).
Carrick-on-Shannon Rowing Club (founded 1836), a plaque to the memory of three oarsmen of the Club drowned in a tragic boating accident in 1933 was erected on the Clubhouse in 1999.
Famine–Auxiliary Workhouse in Jamestown. Erected 1997.
Famine –Garden of Remembrance (adjacent to the Carrick Workhouse).
Erected 1997. Restoration of this forgotten mass grave containing circa 900 Famine unfortunates was undertaken by the Society and opened by H.E. Mary McAleese, President of Ireland, in 1998. It contains a central fountain, a monument, and is richly landscaped to encourage flora and fauna within.
Turlough O Carolan, Bard – erected at the site of his boyhood home (now Park Lane House) in 2000.
Presentation Brothers - Educators, at Presentation House, erected 2002.·
Marist Sisters – Educators and Carers, at St. Patrick’s Hospital, erected 2004.
John McGahern (1934-2006), One of the most important Irish writers of the
20th century – at Presentation House where he was educated, erected in 2009.
Carlo Bianconi (born Italy 1786, died 1875 in Ireland), a fascinating character
of rags to riches experience, who developed the first integrated road transportation system in Ireland. Erected 1996.
The remains of Carrick-on-Shannon Castle, built c.1613 when the town got its charter from King James I. Erected 1995.
Susan Langstaff Mitchell (1866-1926), Carrick-born poet, author and editor. Erected 1996.
Barge Transport on the River Shannon 1760-1960, erected 1999 on The Old Barrel Store (now Tourist Office).
Carrick-on-Shannon Rowing Club (founded 1836), a plaque to the memory of three oarsmen of the Club drowned in a tragic boating accident in 1933 was erected on the Clubhouse in 1999.
Famine–Auxiliary Workhouse in Jamestown. Erected 1997.
Famine –Garden of Remembrance (adjacent to the Carrick Workhouse).
Erected 1997. Restoration of this forgotten mass grave containing circa 900 Famine unfortunates was undertaken by the Society and opened by H.E. Mary McAleese, President of Ireland, in 1998. It contains a central fountain, a monument, and is richly landscaped to encourage flora and fauna within.
Turlough O Carolan, Bard – erected at the site of his boyhood home (now Park Lane House) in 2000.
Presentation Brothers - Educators, at Presentation House, erected 2002.·
Marist Sisters – Educators and Carers, at St. Patrick’s Hospital, erected 2004.
John McGahern (1934-2006), One of the most important Irish writers of the
20th century – at Presentation House where he was educated, erected in 2009.
A walk through Carrick-on-Shannon
In Carrick-on-Shannon it is possible to follow a sign-posted trail through
Leitrim's historic County town - the guide "A Walk Through Carrick-on-Shannon"
is available from St. George's Heritage & Visitor Centre, The Local History
Centre in the Market Yard and from the Tourist Office (in season).
Leitrim's historic County town - the guide "A Walk Through Carrick-on-Shannon"
is available from St. George's Heritage & Visitor Centre, The Local History
Centre in the Market Yard and from the Tourist Office (in season).
Membership
Membership in the Historical Society is open to all with an interest in history. The current annual dues are €20 single or €25 family, which entitles members to attend lectures free of charge. Memberships are available at each lecture or forms can be obtained from the Local History Centre or by email to cos.localhistorycentre@gmail.com.
Lectures are open to non-members.
Lectures are open to non-members.
2013 Lectures and Events (The Bush Hotel, 8.30 pm, unless otherwise noted)
Date Presenter Topic
Jan 16Feb. 20 Mar. 17 Mar. 20 April 13/14 April 17 April 26 April 27 May 3-5 May 15 June 19 July 3 August Sept. 15 (week of) October Nov. Dec. |
Des GuckianFr. Liam Kelly -- Alf Monaghan -- John Feely Dr Gerard MacAtasney -- (tbc) Dr Gerard MacAtasney Outing (tbc) Various (tbc) (tbc) -- |
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2012 Lecture & Event Dates
Date Presenter Topic
Feb. 15 Dr. Marc Caball Bishop William Bedell of Kilmore.
Mar. 14 Alf Monaghan Monastic Ireland - A Gift of the Nile!
Apr. 18 Pádraig Griffin Leitrim Echoes of the Great War.
May. 16 Paul Clements The Burren.
Jun. 20 Dr. Heather Laird Petticoats & Porridge -- Women and the Land War.
Jul. 6 Outing Annual visit to the Tumna Monastic Site.
Aug. 2 -4 Jamestown Heritage Historical Society Exhibtion at the 200-year
Festival old Jamestown Church (Sacred Heart)
Aug. 4 Brendan Harvey Aghnasheelin Hall 100th Anniversary,
Lecture and Book Launch.
Sept. 15 Literary Heritage Event Symposium on Journalism Past, Present &
with Guest Speakers Future at Carrick-on-Shannon Local History
Centre (1st Floor, the Market Yard).
Fee: €20, includes tea and sandwiches.
Sept. 19 David Scott History & Traditions of The Grand Orange
Lodge of Ireland.
Oct. 17 Fr. Pat Conlan Blessed Charles Meehan, Franciscan Martyr
(1645-1679), native of Rossinver.
Nov. 14 Aughakillymaude Lecture and crafts demonstration.
Mummers
5 Dec. Society's AGM & Social
Feb. 15 Dr. Marc Caball Bishop William Bedell of Kilmore.
Mar. 14 Alf Monaghan Monastic Ireland - A Gift of the Nile!
Apr. 18 Pádraig Griffin Leitrim Echoes of the Great War.
May. 16 Paul Clements The Burren.
Jun. 20 Dr. Heather Laird Petticoats & Porridge -- Women and the Land War.
Jul. 6 Outing Annual visit to the Tumna Monastic Site.
Aug. 2 -4 Jamestown Heritage Historical Society Exhibtion at the 200-year
Festival old Jamestown Church (Sacred Heart)
Aug. 4 Brendan Harvey Aghnasheelin Hall 100th Anniversary,
Lecture and Book Launch.
Sept. 15 Literary Heritage Event Symposium on Journalism Past, Present &
with Guest Speakers Future at Carrick-on-Shannon Local History
Centre (1st Floor, the Market Yard).
Fee: €20, includes tea and sandwiches.
Sept. 19 David Scott History & Traditions of The Grand Orange
Lodge of Ireland.
Oct. 17 Fr. Pat Conlan Blessed Charles Meehan, Franciscan Martyr
(1645-1679), native of Rossinver.
Nov. 14 Aughakillymaude Lecture and crafts demonstration.
Mummers
5 Dec. Society's AGM & Social
