Shared history lecture series returns

Thanks to funding secured from Banbridge District Council’s Good Relations Programme, the series will take place at Iveagh Movie Studios for six successive Wednesday evenings beginning on September 24.

‘Ireland and The Great War’ will once again be chaired by political historian, author and broadcaster Dr Éamon Phoenix. Each lecture will commence at 7pm sharp, admission is free and advance booking is not necessary however seating is available on a first come basis.

Speaking of the lecture series Banbridge District Council Chairman, Councillor Marie Hamilton said; “This lecture series will provide an opportunity for greater understanding on the impact of The Great War. It is important we recognise the impact the war had not only on military personnel but all civilian life.”

The series will commence with ‘Ireland and Europe on the Brink: from Home Rule to the Guns of August’, which will be delivered by Dr Phoenix.

‘Volunteering: Carson’s Army from the Old Town Hall to Kitchener’s Call 1913-1916’ by Alan Parkinson and ‘The North Began: The Rise of the Irish Volunteers 1913-1916” by Dr Phoenix will follow on October 1. October 8 sees renowned historian Philip Orr discussing, ‘The Battle of the Somme;’.

The series continues with Sean Collins on 15 October with “Irish Nationalists and the Great War’ and Jim McDermott on ‘Airbrushed out of History? The Great in Modern Memory, North & South’.

The important influence of women during this time is recognised by Dr. Margaret Ward (QUB) who will speak on ‘Women in Ireland, the Vote and the War’ on October 22. October 29 will see Philip Orr deliver ‘The Great War in County Down’ and November 5 Dr. Eamon Phoenix will reflect on, ‘Ireland 1918-1922: Revolution, Partition and Civil War’.

The series will conclude on November 12 by Ashley Forbes who will deliver a presentation on ‘Postcards and Memorabilia of Home Rule and The Great War’.

Ashely will be talking about items in his personal collection. Dr. Gavin Hughes (Trinity College Dublin) will also be discussing “Researching Ancestors in the First World War” which will offer helpful advice for those interested in investigating their war time family tree.

For further details contact Dolores Donnolly, Banbridge District Council on T: 028 40660605.