Heritage Group in Offaly to host 'A Grave Story' workshop

‘A Grave Story - Preserving History, One Stone at A Time’ is the theme of Shinrone Hertiage Group's workshop ‘How To Survey Historical Graveyards', which take place next Saturday.

Speaking to the Midland Tribune, Ger Murphy outlined that as part of ‘A Grave Story’ project running at St.Mary’s Church of Ireland, SHG was anxious to invite members of the public to come along and learn how to record these wonderful memorials to the dead.

Ger added the workshop is being run by historian Stephen Callaghan, and funded through the Heritage Council. Stephen has just completed a survey of the graveyard, and he outlined to the Midland Tribune that the session will explore different methods used to record the information on gravestones, and the best practices for their care and preservation. There will also be a hands-on dimension with some practical memorial recordings. And Stephen added that he would also by exploring the various symbols encountered on gravestones and their meaning.
And we asked Ger why this workshop was important for people to undertake, and he reflected that if you think about it, we will be remembered by our children, known of by our grandchildren, and if lucky, an entry on our great-grandchildren’s family tree! “So, all too often gravestones become the only reminder of a life once lived,” said Ger.

Stephen adds that gravestones also reflect the cultural and religious practices of the time, from symbols to epitaphs. And surveys often identify gravestones at risk due to weathering, instability, or neglect. So surveying helps prioritise preservation work, ensuring the physical longevity of these historical markers well into the future.

The Workshop is on Saturday December 7th, starting at 11.30am in Cloughmoyle School House, Shinrone. The Workshop is free; however, places are limited and booking is required in advance by contacting Ger Murphy on (087) 101 5991 or email clareenhouse@hotmail.com

And SHG was keen to express their thanks to Rev. James Wallace and the Vestry of St Mary’s for being so supportive and encouraging with the ‘A Grave Story’ Project.