Up to €10,000 available in grant scheme for Offaly history enthusiasts

Offaly history enthusiasts and heritage groups have been invited to apply for a new research grant bursary for local history, in partnership with the Royal Irish Academy, for the final phase of the Decade of Centenaries.

The Decade of Centenaries bursary scheme has been established to encourage and support new local research and local history studies in meaningful examination of local, regional, and national events during the Struggle for Independence and Civil War period.

The development of this bursary scheme acknowledges the role that local historians often have in communities, as informed and trusted researchers whether amateur or professional. It is hoped that this scheme will acknowledge the significant contribution of local historians in furthering fields of study concerning local events and related themes during this period.

A number of bursaries will be awarded to researchers each year in 2022 and 2023, to encourage new local history studies, furthering fields of research relating to the Struggle for Independence and the Civil War period within their communities. A complementary programme of outreach activities to support public engagement will also be curated. It is anticipated that up to 8 awards under the scheme will be made annually.

Understanding the varying financial requirements of projects, applications will be invited for amounts ranging from €1,000 to €10,000.

Announcing the project Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin TD, said: ‘I am delighted to announce this new bursary scheme for the final phase of the Decade of Centenaries. I would like to sincerely thank the Royal Irish Academy for their enthusiasm and ambition in administering the scheme.

“Throughout the Decade of Centenaries, the Expert Advisory Group on Centenary Commemorations has highlighted the importance of creating meaningful opportunities to support original research and scholarship. This is a wonderful opportunity for local historians - professional or amateur, here in Ireland or abroad, whose research focuses on a region or locality in Ireland or on Irish-based sources.

“This bursary scheme also recognises the important role that public libraries and archives have at the heart of their communities, as custodians of unique, archival materials that have great local significance. Applications are also welcome from researchers working in partnership with their local libraries or local archives and local studies departments. All of the materials created under this bursary scheme will be made freely available to the public, in accordance with the inclusive ethos of the Decade of Centenaries Programme.”

“The new research will provide invaluable scholarship to support authentic, factually based conversations within communities and nationally, as we explore and reflect on the complex and sensitive events and themes of the Struggle for Independence and Civil War period. Dr Mary Canning, President of the Royal Irish Academy, reflected.

‘The Academy is delighted to be partnering with the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media and the Expert Advisory Group on Centenary Commemorations on this bursary scheme. “

The closing date for applications is Wednesday, April 27 at 5.30 pm.