I was delighted to be asked to give a talk to the Sligo Field Club. The club was founded in 1945 and is much more than a local history society. Their interests include archaeology, history including industrial, architectural and engineering history, folklore, botany, ornithology and geology.
I suggested the title: From Irish Parliamentary Party to Sinn Féin; County Sligo 1914-1918 and it will be delivered on this Friday, 25 February, at 8pm in the Sligo Education Centre, Institute of Technology Campus, Sligo.
I'm looking forward to the event but there's a little anxiety also. Speaking to Sligo people, many of whom have an interest and knowledge in the period, is a challenge. I hope to learn something myself, clarity on some of the grey areas, more photographs, who knows.
That change in the politics of the country from 1914 to 1918 is very interesting and it is a nice coincidence that what promises to be an historic election is taking place on the same day.
Best of luck with your lecture on Friday, Michael. I'm sure they'll love you!
ReplyDeleteCheck out British Pathe news web page, type in sligo in search.See clip of Arthur Griffith in sligo 1922, click on icon in corner to enlarge.Do you know the people in the courthouse?
ReplyDeleteThe people in the courthouse are the IRA confined to quarters by their commandant for the day. The man in command there is said to be Harry Brehony shot dead later in the Civil War at Coolaney, Co Sligo. Stills from this newsreel appear in the National Library collections. Search under Sligo Griffith. These troops are wrongly called Free State troops in the captions.
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