Duo behind 'Voices of Offaly' website to feature at Offaly History lecture

THE duo behind the "Voices of Offaly" website, Aidan Barry and Shaun Wrafter, will speak at the upcoming talk on Monday, January 26 at 7.30 pm at the Offaly History Centre in Bury Quay, Tullamore.

The "Voices of Offaly" website is dedicated to preserving the oral heritage of the county. The presentation will offer a comprehensive overview of the website which is available on the Offaly History website (www.offalyhistory.com).

Those present at this talk will be introduced to the latest additions to the sound collection, which include recently digitized interviews and field recordings that expand the depth of this free resource.

The presentation will include approximately 10 curated audio samples drawn directly from the "Voices of Offaly" collection.

These snippets will provide a window into the past, featuring diverse local accents and firsthand accounts of historical events and changing social landscapes.

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By demonstrating how these recordings are catalogued and accessed, the talk aims to encourage community engagement and ensure that the collection remains vibrant and accessible for future generations.

Admission is free. The AGM starts at 7 p.m.

OHAS Christmas Draw 2025

Thanks again for your support this year. The draw is a great help to the society's finances. So many came in with cards to support the society, some called to Bridge Centre and some made a donation on line and members entered a card for them. The winners were:

1st Prize – Christmas Hamper: Pat Doyle

2nd Prize – Restaurant Voucher: Maura Egan

3rd Prize – Bottle Tullamore Dew: Geraldine Milner

4th Prize – Membership for 2026: Frank Egan

5th Prize – Membership for 2026: Jaki Farrington

5 spot prizes of Select Books – Winners: Mary Delaney, Val Hughes, Brid Broderick, Mary Dolan, McEvoy Family

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AGM

AGM of Offaly Historical & Archaeological Society, 7 p.m. on Monday, January 26.

Agenda: Introduction, President Helen Bracken

1. Minutes of the last AGM

2. Secretary’s Report – Michael Byrne

3. Treasurer’s report on OAHS Dorothee Bibby

4. Events 2025 – Ciarán McCabe

5. Community Employment Scheme Report Breda Kenny

6. Election of committee for 2026 – 15 places

Helen is stepping down this year as President and nominations will be welcome on the evening.

2025 Committee:– Helen Bracken (President), Michael Byrne, Dorothee Bibby, Ciarán McCabe, Charlie Finlay, Noel Guerin, Niall Sweeney, Angela Kelly, Rory Masterson, Shaun Wrafter, Frank Brennan, Pat Wynne, Laura Price, Aoife Masterson, Patrick Doheny. Co-opted were: Reneagh Bennett, Michael Scully, Jim Keating, Aidan Barry and Esther Lambe.