Parnell School is cancelled

THE Parnell Summer School due to take place in July has been cancelled for 2020 for the first time in its 30-year history due to the Coronavirus crisis.

Organised by the Parnell Society, the first Parnell Summer School was held at Avondale in 1991, the centenary of the death of Charles Stewart Parnell. The School has taken place every year since then.

This year’ summer school would have been the 30th year running for the event to take place.

Co-Director Dr Leeann Lane, Dublin City University, confirmed: ‘ The Parnell Society has decided to cancel its Summer School this year owing to the Coronavirus crisis.

‘We know this will be a source of disappointment to our regular participants and regret any inconvenience caused. However, we feel that it is the prudent course of action in the interests of public safety.’

The summer school was meant to take place from Friday, July 17 to Sunday, July 19. The venue was to be the Woodenbridge Hotel in Avoca as the usual venue, Avondale House, is undergoing works.

The theme was to be ‘Divided Societies’ and a large range of speakers were lined-up, including historians, politicians, journalists, activists, writers and cultural critics.

Issues due to be addressed included the 1920 Government of Ireland Act to Brexit; divisions of class, race, gender and sexuality; as well as some of the most compelling social and political crises of our time.

The Parnell Societies next scheduled event will be the annual Ivy Day Commemoration at Glasnevin Cemetery which is taking place on Sunday, October 4.