Boyle O’Reilly talk to focus on built heritage

THE Old Drogheda Society is delighted to announce that the 22nd John Boyle O’Reilly School will be held in the Learning Centre of the Governor’s House, Millmount, on Saturday 26th November.

The theme of this year’s School is “The Architectural History and Heritage of Drogheda” and deals with a topic that has become topical in the last year with the sudden raising of awareness of, interest in and action on Drogheda’s built heritage. The seminar will start at 10.00 a.m. and continue until 1.30 p.m.

A panel of renowned experts will give top class presentations designed to raise awareness of the treasures we still have extant in the town. Keynote speakers will include Brendan Matthews from Millmount Research Unit, Peter Keenahan, a practicing architect and conservation campaigner who serves on the board of Dublin Civic Trust and Emmett Humphreys, the well known local architect, who has campaigned passionately for the sensitive regeneration of the centre of Drogheda.

Brendan will set the scene by giving an overview of the historic development of Drogheda from its foundation to the present day and will identify the factors that have influenced its progress or decline through the ages. Peter will highlight the extraordinary, but neglected, 17th and 18th century dwellings, while Emmett will illuminate the past from the viewpoint of the present so that we can prepare for the future.

The seminar will be rounded off by an Open Forum in which all in attendance can contribute to a discussion which will assess how best to preserve and present the wonderful built heritage of the town.

Bookings for the event can be made with Drogheda Museum Millmount, phone 041-9833097, or through the website www. droghedamuseum.ie. The cost is €10, which will include light refreshments.

“The built heritage of Drogheda is under threat,’ Eamon Thornton, Secretary of the Old Drogheda Society said, in announcing the details of the seminar.