Remembering the dead

The next Ormond Historical Society talk is an intriguing one.

It is titled, 'Remember Me: The Social and Cultural History of Memorial Cards' and will be delivered by Dr Salvador Ryan at the Abbey Court Hotel on Wednesday, February 5, next at the usual starting time of 8pm. Patrons, please note that this talk has been moved from the traditional Monday to Wednesday to facilitate the speaker.

Memorial cards have been a common feature of Irish life since the Victorian era. They were and are a continuing point of contact with deceased loved ones for family and friends, particularly important for exiles abroad in days gone by.

But as the speaker will point out, these cards were sometimes used for more nefarious purposes. Dr Ryan is the first historian to make a study of this important facet of Irish life and his original illustrated talk should have a wide appeal.

Dr Salvador Ryan is a native of Moneygall and lives in Thurles. He is Professor of Ecclesiastical History at St Patrick’s College, Maynooth, and has published widely about popular religion and culture in Ireland through the centuries.

All invited to join us at the Abbey Court on Wednesday, February 5, for what will be a talk both ground-breaking and entertaining.