The Sr Áine Historical Society on the steps of St James’s Church on Thomas Street, where they visited during their trip to Dublin. Back: Sean Fogarty, Mary-Anne Fogarty, Jimmy Stapleton, Pauline Burke, Eamonn Burke, Johnny Delaney, CJ D’Estelle-Roe, Sheila Ryan, Emily Ryan, Tom Shanahan, Bernie Fogarty, Anne Kiely and Mikey Fogarty. Front row: Martin Fogarty, Una Fogarty, Mary Fogarty, Willie Fogarty, Breda Kennedy, Ronan Loughnane, Aghveagh McFarlane, Rose Loughnane, Bridget Jones, Frances Maxwell, Anne Loughnane, Eddie Stapleton and Johnny Connors.

History group’s visit to Dublin

Published:

Sr Áine Historical Society's summer outing took place in Dublin recently.

The promise of inclement weather had everyone on tenterhooks but thankfully the weather gods smiled down on us as Liberties native Liz Gillis guided us around her own patch. It was fascinating to learn of so many events and characters linked with the Liberties, while on the other hand it was soul-destroying to see so much dereliction and vacant property within the city. One would have to wonder about the housing crisis in Dublin when so many properties lie idle.

We also visited St Catherine’s on Meath Street where Templemore native Fr Francis Gleeson built a beautiful grotto in the church grounds. Then it was on to EPIC (Every Person Is Connected), the National Emigration Museum. Located in the vaults of the CHQ building on Dublin’s Docklands, it tells the story of the Diaspora and emigration to other countries.

Sometimes it’s hard to believe how much of the planet our tiny island has had an influence on. At just €17 for admission, it is well worth a visit.

The dinner in the Poitín Stil on the way home was most welcome. The Society would like to thank all those who supported our trip and to our driver Pat, who minded us all day.

Published: