20th Sept. 2018
The Slane History Society are starting off the new season in style with a special night of commemoration to John Boyle O'Reilly.
This year is the 150th anniversary of the sailing of the convict ship' The Hougoumount' which carried O"Reilly and sixty three other Fenians to the penal colony in Freemantle. The well known musician Sean Tyrrell in his show "Message of Peace" will tell O"Reilly's life story through the spoken word, and song.
Sean traces Boyle 'O Reilly's early life in Dowth and Drogheda, set against the backdrop of the Famine , his part in the Fenian uprising in 1867, which led to his being imprisoned for life in Australia and his escape via a whaling ship to America.
A visionary and a poet, O'Reilly has inspired generations of civil rights activists and freedom fighters.
Through a varied tapestry of traditional music, song and poetry, Sean Tyrrell will bring the story to life and I am sure you will enjoy and remember this stunning theatrical presentation.
It will take place in the Lavender Room, Conyngham Arms Hotel , Slane on Thursday 20th September at 8pm.
Tickets (20 euro) available from The Hub, Slane 041 9824000 or at the door
Please come and bring a friend!
I will also be in touch with you soon regarding an event on the 29th September when we will remember Slane man Francis Johnston's death in Priestown, Dunleer, during the civil war in 1922. More details later,
With good wishes to all,
Mary McDonnell.
Trip to Wexford, 11th and 12th Sept. 2018
We are travelling by car ( the bus proved too expensive) and staying in the JFK Boutique Hotel in New Ross.
Tuesday11th September:
Depart Slane 9am
Coffee/tea in Lord Bagenal Inn Leighlin Bridge 10.30
Arrive New Ross 12.30
Lunch in Dunbrody Famine Ship Centre 2.00pm followed by tour.
Depart for JFKennedy Homestead 3.30pm
Dinner in hotel 8pm
Wednesday12th September:
Depart for Tintern Abbey and Colclough Walled Garden 10.30
Tour of Abbey 1pm
Lunch 2pm
Depart for Hook Head 3pm
Tour of lighthouse if wished
There's a display of the famous Ros Tapestry in New Ross (very near the hotel) which is well worth seeing especially if you enjoyed the story of William Marshall in Tintern Abbey
The hotel is charging €50 per person for bread and breakfast, plus €20 for evening meal, so the cost of trip works out as €100 per person when fees for tours is added. (If a single room is needed there an added €50 on bill)
We think this should be an interesting and enjoyable two days, with something to suit all tastes.
We would also recommend that the driving should be shared as the trip down on N9 to Waterford and on to New Ross will take about 2hours 30 minutes from Slane.
We need to know if you are interested by tomorrow evening to secure our booking in the hotel.
Regards Mary McD
March 22nd , 2018 AGM
Slane History & Archaeology Society will hold its AGM on Thursday, 22nd March, in the Youth Café at 8pm. [this building is beside the R. C. Church] The election of officers will be followed with a presentation by Frances Lee Gargan entitled "From The Commons to Congress". We hope you will be free to attend as the title alone of this talk sounds interesting. Discussion will also take place on the programme for next year. Your input and suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
February 15th, 2018
Slane History and Archaeology will commence its 2018 activities with a talk by Michael Kelly, on "The Fleming Family" on Thursday 15th Feb. at 8pm in the Youth Café, Slane. All are welcome.