History high on the agenda at festival

GREYSTONES’ annual La Touche Legacy Festival of History is now just around the corner.

Those at the Greystones Archaeological & Historical Society and the La Touche Legacy Committee are looking forward to a weekend packed with fascinating facts and stimulating debate.

The conference begins on Friday afternoon, September 29, at 4 p.m. with a dramatic and musical presentation by the sixth class pupils of St Brigid’s NS on women of the Irish Revolution with a very special connection with Greystones – and, in one case, with St Brigid’s itself.

This promises to be an exhilarating and hugely popular start to the weekend, and organisers thrilled to discov- er such an awareness at primary level of both local and women’s history.

Friday afternoon will then continue with talks from Dr Conor Mulvagh (UCD) on the Irish Convention of 1917, Professor Maurice Manning on the first Free State governments, and Dr Ida Milne (NUI Maynooth) on the engagement of Protestants with the GAA.

The opening speaker on Saturday morning, September 30, will be Dr Mel Farrell (NUI Maynooth) on Cumann na nGaedheal, followed by Dr Leeann Lane (DCU) on historian and political activist Dorothy Macardle.

The morning lectures will end with the annual Jim Brennan Memorial Lecture, given this year by Wicklow historian Joan Kavanagh, speaking on ‘Glendalough: then and now’.

The conference will end on Saturday evening with dinner, and what will surely be both a provocative and entertaining speech from the celebrated historian and long-time political advisor, Dr Martin Mansergh.

‘We’re delighted to be able to host such an exciting line-up of speakers and presentations,’ said spokesman George Jones.

‘ This is Greystones’ annual opportunity to hear the best of current historical debate on its doorstep, and we’re confident the 2017 event will be as popular as its predecessors.’

Tickets are €30 for all lectures, or €50 to include all lectures and dinner on Saturday night.

Visit greystonesahs.org or latouchelegacy.com for tickets or more information.