Historical Society's activities will promote town’s unique culture and heritage

BIRR Historical Society are delighted to announce, that following the AGM/Public Meeting on Monday October 16th, 2023 in the County Arms Hotel, to relaunch the activities of Birr Historical Society, a committee was formally elected. Newly appointed Chairman, Finbarr Spain praised the great work done by Birr Historical Society in the past and said that the new committee would continue to promote local history.

Teresa Ryan-Feehan, PRO, Birr Historical Society addressed the meeting and in her opening statement, she paid tribute to the late Rev. Irene Morrow, Past President and the late Anne Ward, Past Secretary, both of whom passed away recently.

Birr Historical Society was founded in 1982 by Margaret Hogan and the late Joe Shortt. The last public talk hosted by the Society was given by David Broderick on the topic ‘Finding Ogle’ the mystery of the Disappearing Workhouse Master from Portumna Workhouse in February 2020. It was with much sadness in March 2020, that Past- President Brian Kennedy and Teresa Ryan-Feehan released a press release in the Midland Tribune and announced, that all walks and talks would be suspended due to Covid restrictions.

However, Offaly Heritage Forum meetings continued on-line during Covid restrictions via the zoom technology. Teresa Ryan-Feehan is a member on behalf of Birr Historical Society. In 2021, four individuals were nominated by Offaly County Council to help advise and oversee the delivery of the Birr Interpretative Strategy – A Unique Heritage Vision published in September 2021. The Project Management Group consisted of Amanda Pedlow as Heritage Officer with Offaly County Council, Caroline Conway representing Birr Vintage Week and Birr 20:20, Teresa Ryan-Feehan from Birr Historical Society and Greg Smith from Birr Tidy Towns. Reviewing over 1,500 years of remarkable history, the signature stories were: Early Christian and Spiritual Birr; Georgian Birr; O’Carrolls and the Parson families; Science and Invention; Birr’s Military History.

The MacRegol Gospels, which are part of the rich literary heritage associated with the early Christian monastery of Birr, was the subject of a book launch in the Birr library in April 2023. Margaret Hogan, Bridget Sullivan and Teresa-Ryan-Feehan, who organised the Macregol Gospel Facsimile copy, now in Birr Library were special guests.

In September 2023, the Who Was Mary Ward Road Safety Authority campaign was launched nationally. In August 2009, late President Rev. Irene Morrow and the great grand-daughter of Mary Ward (Lala Ward) unveiled an historic storyboard in commemoration of Mary Ward, who was tragically the world’s first motoring fatality involving a moving vehicle. This storyboard was commissioned by Birr Historical Society. Past President Brian Kennedy was interviewed on Nationwide about Mary Ward and on August 31st 2019, he led a walk to mark the 150th anniversary of her death. The Road Safety campaign is a continuation of work done by Birr Historical Society, highlighting how our local history connects with the wider community.

Birr Historical Society over the past years has had great interaction with members and other groups interested in local history through conferences, lectures, walking tours. So, it was wonderful to receive support to relaunch post Covid. Best wishes were received from their friends, some of whom include: Michael Byrne, Offaly Historical Society, Amanda Pedlow, Heritage Officer, Alison Rosse, Birr Castle, Dr Christy Cuniffe, East Galway Heritage, Federation of Local History Societies, James Scully, Banagher Historical Group. It was noted, that Rose Mannion, Press Photographer was present at the meeting and Teresa Ryan-Feehan, thanked the Midland Tribune for publishing and reporting on the work of the society for many years.

Margaret Hogan addressed the meeting. She talked about the topics of discussion in 1982, some of which were; placenames, folklore, grave slabs, booklets, maps and photographs. The Society enjoyed outings such as a town walk, a trip to Lorrha and to the Old Church in town. There were 73 members recorded in 1982. Margaret has original minute books and she has recorded about 90% of historical lectures given to Birr Historical Society over the years. These historic records need to be stored in the Offaly Historical Archives for future researchers.

Past President Brian Kennedy, addressed the meeting. He took the opportunity to thank all members and friends who supported Birr Historical Society during his time as President. His leadership began with the decade of commemorations, covering August 1914, WW1, 1916 up to the Civil War. Sadly, Covid cut short, this historic period.

He stated, that during his time as President, there was a large attendance at lectures and the highest number of people to attend a meeting was up to 300, when former Taoiseach Brian Cowen spoke about the Good Friday Agreement. Brian thanked Margaret Hogan for her knowledge of history, Jimmy Shortt, Secretary, Margaret Hensey and Jackie Dunne, Joint Treasurers and Teresa Ryan-Feehan, PRO. He also thanked Willy and Gene Loughnane, County Arms Hotel, for their generous support to the Society over the past years.

Finbarr Spain, Chairman thanked everyone for their support. Birr Historical plan to hold talks on the second Monday of every month in 2024. This is a new beginning and he is looking forward to working with the committee and connecting again with members and friends.

Birr Historical Society are delighted, to announce, that Paul Barber, will give the first talk of the new season. This will be an illustrated talk on Postcards which span over 120 years of Birr life. Monday December 4th, 2023, at 8pm in the County Arms Hotel. Local history is your history. Come along and get to know more about your own place.