ISSN 1649-7937

Cumann Geinealais na hÉireann

Ireland’s Genealogical Gazette (incorporating “The Genie Gazette”) Vol. 2 No. 9 www.familyhistory.ie September : Meán Fómhair 2007 Decisive Action by NLI Board Welcomed But Future of Irish in Doubt

When the Genealogy & Heraldry tional Library in relation to the 1997 or indeed, under the 1943 Bill, 2006 was withdrawn in De- issuing of Grants of Arms”. The Statutory Instrument must cer- cember 2006 to allow for its thor- Board of the National Library and tainly qualify for membership of ough examination by the Board of indeed, it’s chairperson and emi- the flat earth society. Though, the the National Library some thought nent barrister, Mr. Gerard Dana- main legal problem can be traced that the Bill and its objectives her, SC have to be commended on back to the advice given by the GENEALOGY would simply fade away. Indeed, this occasion as the fundamentally Attorney General in 1943, errone- this may well have been a possi- flawed legislative basis for the ous assumptions about the exact HERALDRY bility were it not for the publica- State’s delivery of heraldic ser- role and authority of the Office of tion by the Society of an article by vices was officially ignored and the Chief Herald complicated VEXILLOLOGY Professor Noel Cox of Auckland denied for years. Professor Cox’s matters too. The decisive action University, New Zealand. The learned article very substantially by the Board of the National SOCIAL HISTORY article commissioned by the Soci- supported the arguments proffered Library has provided an excellent ety carefully examined the legal by this Society for the past seven opportunity for a thorough and Heritage Matters basis for the State’s delivery of years. Indeed, the basis for the open examination of all aspects of heraldic services. As a barrister of introduction by Senator Brendan the State’s delivery of heraldic Book Reviews the New Zealand High Court, a Ryan of the Society’s Genealogy services. Whilst, this examination Professor of Law at Auckland & Heraldry Bill, 2006 was com- must look at past controversies University and an internationally pletely vindicated by Professor surrounding the operation of the Open Meetings renowned heraldic expert, Profes- Cox. The article finally put an Office of the Chief Herald, it must sor Cox’s arguments were com- end to some fanciful and quite not dwell unduly on the past but News & Queries pelling. As a matter of courtesy frankly, ridiculous notions about should concentrate on the formu- the Society presented a pre- the rights, privileges and preroga- lation of legislative measures to publication copy of the article to tives of Irish heralds and heraldry deliver a first class, modern heral- the Chairman of the Board of the in our constitutional framework. It dic authority. Drawing on a rich National Library of for his has to be abundantly clear now to heraldic tradition, though not careful consideration. It seems all that should it be considered shackled by inappropriate custom, that his response was swift and desirable that our republic should a bright and sustainable future for decisive, though no press release have a State heraldic authority Irish heraldry can be assured. accompanied the posting of the then a proper legislative basis is Ireland as a sovereign republic CONTENTS following notice on the website of required for its operation and the deserves a heraldic authority the National Library - “We are regulation of its activities. Any- which meets its own require- currently unable to process appli- one now arguing for the mainte- ments. Whether Minister Séamus Censorship by 2 cations for Grants of Arms pend- nance of the status quo whether Brennan, TD will initiate legisla- ing the clarification of the legal under Sections 12 & 13 of the tion to establish a modern heral- Decentralisation? powers of the Board of the Na- National Cultural Institutions Act, dic authority remains to be seen.

GSI Lecture Programme 2

Adult Education Courses 2 in Genealogy Genealogy & Heraldry Bill

Brief News Reports…. 3 The current uncertainty over the could be examined in detail by the the reintroduction of the Geneal- legal basis for the State’s delivery Board of the National Library ogy & Heraldry Bill, with amend- of heraldic services could well under the chairmanship of Mr. ments, is still actively being con- Précis of the August 3 have been avoided. The Geneal- Gerard Danaher, SC. Whilst, sidered by this Society. A decision Lecture ogy & Heraldry Bill, 2006 intro- the Board’s advice, if any, to the on this issue will be made follow- duced by former Senator Bren- Minister has not been published, it ing a thorough consultation proc- Diary Dates 4 dan Ryan received cross-party seems certain that new or amend- ess by the Society. The full text of The Society’s Journal support during its Second Stage ing legislation will be required to the Bill and its Explanatory debate in December 2006. The regularize matters. The new Min- Memorandum are available on the Bill was withdrawn at the request ister, Séamus Brennan, TD, has website of the Oireachtas (Irish Our “fadaless” Police 4 of the Minister, Jo hn yet to make a any statement on the Parliament) www.oireachtas.ie Service O’Donoghue, TD, in order that it issue. However, the option to seek under “Bills” for 2006.

Monthly Newsletter of the Genealogical Society of Ireland ISSN 1649-7937

PAGE 2 IRELAND’S GENEALOGICAL GAZETTE (INCORPORATING “THE GENIE GAZETTE”) VOL. 2 NO. 9

Censorship by Decentralisation?

The possible relocation of the records of the Archives, to which the records of the Land former clients of the Land Commission, some former Land Commission to Port Laoise could Commission should be naturally attached, is sources have argued that the records of the mean that public access to these records would adjacent to its present location. It is absolutely Land Commission are “working documents” be permanently denied. The Society has long imperative that access to the archives of the and therefore, cannot easily be made publicly argued that this valuable archive should remain national repositories is not frustrated by the available for research. This “official” argument in its present location in Dublin and be trans- disintegration of this body of material through a is as unsustainable as it is nonsensical. How- ferred to the care of the National Archives of politically motivated and poorly planned decen- ever, if legislative measures are required to Ireland. This would ensure that it would be tralisation policy. The ease of access by the absolutely ensure public access to these records, made accessible to the public for historical, general public to the Capital from all parts of then a simple and short Bill could deal with the genealogical and social history research. Simi- the country makes the Capital the only viable issue very effectively by declaring such to be lar archives in relation to these various Land location for important national repositories – public records. This Bill could also provide a Acts are held in the Public Records Office of decentralisation will most certainly deny and/or mechanism whereby former clients of the Com- and available to the public. severely curtail this accessibility. The location mission could, if they so wished, opt to have Clearly it would be nothing short of a disaster of the national repositories in the Capital, each their file “closed” to public research on pay- for Irish historical and social studies should this in easy walking distance of the other, creates an ment of an annual service charge. However, a ludicrous relocation proposal proceed as integrated educational and cultural resource lapse in such payments should mean that these planned. The records of the Land Commission much valued by students, researchers, overseas files would automatically become public re- form an integral part of the body of heritage and visitors and the general public. The removal of cords after a specific period. The Society calls historical material held in other repositories in the records of the Land Commission to a loca- on our parliamentarians who genuinely value our Capital City. Dublin City has the main tion outside the Capital will be viewed as a our rich archival heritage to proactively seek national repositories – the National Archives, retrograde step in the future development of the integration of the Land Commission records National Library, and “roots tourism” and an attempt to deny access in to the National Archives by whatever legisla- General Register Office etc. – the latter, though to these valuable records. Put simply, it’s cen- tive measures are required. Also, to vigorously relocated to Roscommon Town, has retained its sorship by decentralisation. As if to deliberately oppose the current proposal to lock away this vital research base in Dublin City. The National confuse this issue and to engender fear amongst valuable archive in a warehouse in Port Laoise.

GSI Lecture Programme

The coordinator of the Society’s Guest Speaker always on the look out for possible speakers to Co-Founder and then Archivist, Frieda Carroll, Programme, Séamus Moriarty, MGSI has include in future programmes, should you have FGSI, for very soon after becoming a member, arranged the following programme. On Tuesday any suggestions in this regard please contact Sr. Sheila, soon discovered that she has a cousin September 11 th John Heueston, MGSI, will Séamus by e-mail at [email protected] in the Society, Mary FitzPatrick, MGSI, with deliver a Sligo miscellany. On Tuesday October whom, she became great friends. Sr. Sheila 8th Mary Kelleher , Archivist, Royal Dublin Sr. SHEILA FLOOD, MGSI Flood was laid to rest in Newmarket on - Society will introduce the archives of the RDS day, September 10th 2007 following requiem as a resource for the genealogist. On Tuesday It’s with great sadness that we learned of the mass in the Parish Church of Our Lady and St. November 13 th Seán Connolly , Royal Dublin passing of our member Sr. Sheila Flood (St. Etheldreda in Newmarket. The President, Tony Fusiliers Association will speak on tracing a Louis Sister) on August 31st 2007 in Newmar- McCarthy, FGSI; Cathaoirleach, Rory Stanley, family member who fought in World War 1 and ket, England. Sr. Sheila had been a member of FGSI; Board and Members of the Society ex- finally, on Tuesday December 11 th Steve But- the Society for a number of years and quite a tend their sincere condolences to Sheila’s sister, ler , Elder, Church of Latter Day Saints will frequent attendee at our Morning Open Meet- Maeve, and her brother-in-law, Michael and to present an overview of the genealogical records ings when home on short breaks from England Sr. Sheila’s fellow religious sisters in the St. of the Church of Latter Day Saints. Séamus is where her convent is based. It was thanks to our Louis Community. RIP.

Adult Education Courses in Genealogy

The Adult Education Centre in University Col- and, in many instances, provide fascinating mercial basis. Whether simply for the enjoy- lege Dublin is once again running genealogy avenues for further study or research. Many ment of the subject or preparing for a possible classes, starting in late September 2007. A ten- members of this Society have successfully career opportunity in commercial genealogical week introductory course suitable for beginners completed these courses and indeed, decided to research, these courses come highly recom- will be held in Blackrock, Co. Dublin, on Mon- take and to likewise complete the more ad- mended by the many members of this Society day afternoons, and at the Belfield campus on vanced courses on offer. Students who wish to who have successfully completed either the Monday nights. Topics to be covered include pursue the subject further can enrol for more introductory or advanced level. For further principles of genealogy, computers and the advanced classes, leading to the award of a information or application, please contact the Internet, placenames and surnames, location Certificate and Diploma in Genealogy/Family UCD Adult Education Centre, Belfield, Dublin and use of census, vital, valuation, church and History. The successful completion of these 4, telephone (01)7167123, or simply visit the other records. These courses provide each stu- advanced courses has led some former students UCD Adult Education Centre’s website at dent with an excellent grounding in the subjects to undertake genealogical research on a com- http://www.ucd.ie/adulted/

Monthly Newsletter of the Genealogical Society of Ireland ISSN 1649-7937

VOL. 2 NO. 9 IRELAND’S GENEALOGICAL GAZETTE (INCORPORATING “THE GENIE GAZETTE”) PAGE 3

Brief News Reports….

CEMETERY PROJECTS orthography is somewhat strange to speakers of Annie was baptized, and the house on Rowland the other two Gaelic languages. The website Lane where she lived. Checkout the website:- The Society’s project to record memorial in- www.learnmanx.com is designed to meet the www.rootstelevision.com scriptions is continuing a pace under the direc- needs of beginners and others and indeed, it tion of Barry O’Connor. Already this summer provides a unique cultural resource for those PLACENAMES POLICY his team have recorded the Curragh Military with Manx ancestry. For those with no connec- Cemetery, Arbor Hill Military Cemetery and a tions with the Isle of Man (Ellan Vannin) but The Society’s proposal to have a County Place- few smaller graveyards. The objective is to with an interest in the , this web- names Policy adopted by Dún Laoghaire Rath- collate the memorial inscriptions from various site provides a fascinating insight in to the down County Council received a setback earlier military cemeteries and to make these available development of the Manx language and its this month. The draft policy document, pre- in a single publication. Most of the inscriptions revival over the past fifty years. Congratula- pared by the Society, was presented to the Stra- concern men who served in various British tions to Adrian and his colleagues for producing tegic Policy Committee on Culture, Community army regiments prior to Irish independence. But this fine linguistic and cultural on- resource. Development & Amenities (CCDA) for its meet- some inscriptions deal with soldiers’ families. ing of September 5th 2007. However, follow- This volume will certainly be of considerable ANNIE MOORE ing lengthy presentations on the County Biodi- interest to military historians and, of course, versity Policy and the County Library’s Cul- those with military ancestry or connections. “From Cork to New York: The Annie Moore tural Strategy, it was discovered that a quorum Story” This is short film celebrating the life of no longer existed to take other matters. This LEARN MANX Annie Moore, the first immigrant to pass situation was most unsatisfactory, however, the through Ellis Island, of whom, a statue was CCDA Director, Mr. Charles McNamara, The Manx Language Development Officer, erected in Cork and New York. It was written, stressed that such a detailed document deserved Adrian Caine , has advised the Society of the produced, directed, and cast by 11-year-old a proper debate and he promised to have the launch of a new website for learners of Manx students from Scoil Oilibhéir in Cork. The film item placed on the Agenda for the next meeting Gaelic. The language is, of course, very closely features several locations identified by the in December. A copy of the document may be related to Irish and Scots Gaelic, though, its students, including St. Patrick's Church, where viewed on the Society’s website.

Précis of the August Lecture

Malachy McVeigh recently retired from the entire country and information on some of the had commenced in the north and moved south. Ordnance Survey and his last project was scan- personalities involved Lt-Col. Thomas Colby The maps in the database are. 6 inch mapping ning in of Historic Ordnance Maps dating back and Lt. Thomas Larcom and Lt. Col. Thomas series (1:10,560) colour 1837-1842, 6 inch top 1830s and the creation of a digital Archive. Drummond who devised the intensely bright mapping series (1:10,560) greyscale 1837-1842, This achievement created the most comprehen- limelight. This was used so survey points could 25 inch mapping series (1:2,500) greyscale sive database of historic mapping available for be observed from great distances and angles 1888-1913 (over 18,000 sheets). It is planned to Ireland but also ensured that, using modern day between survey points measured. The limelight digitise the 1:500 or 10 foot to the mile maps of technology, there will be ready access to public was later adopted as stage lighting in theatres. many urban areas. These date from 1857-1879. to this hugely important archive via the Internet. Malachy pointed out the original plan was for a The original maps were published as county Malachy McVeigh gave a presentation on the survey of townland boundaries. The first maps maps with each county having its own ‘grid’. Ordnance Survey’s Historical Maps Archive published for the northern counties had only This is why the maps don’t fit very well to- most of which has now been digitised and is topographical detail associated with the bound- gether along county boundaries. This problem available on line and in public libraries. He ary. This was changed when they had reached was over come in the digitising by adjusting gave a brief History of the Ordnance Survey Monaghan on the recommendation of Richard each map to fit on the one grid the result is a and how they had gone about mapping the Griffith (of Griffith’s valuation) The survey seamless map of the entire country. (S. O’R)

Membership of the Genealogical Society

The Board in November 2006 conducted the publications. This also includes an optional tirely on postage costs as the cost of mailing the normal annual review of the Membership Fee second Membership Card for a household Journal overseas was becoming greater than the and no changes to the existing packages were member, including voting rights, for an all unit cost of the publication. This situation was made for this year. New Members are always inclusive cost of just €30.00 per annum. Over- totally unsustainable. However, the Board will welcome. Membership rates are as follows:- seas:- Offering the same at €40.00 per annum. keep this important matter under review.

Ireland:- Offering membership of the The avoidance of any substantial increase in the The Board trusts that this measure aimed at Society, Membership Card, voting rights, use of Membership Fee was achieved by the adoption tackling spiralling postage costs will be fully the Society’s Archive, monthly newsletter by of Res: 05/11/455 with the production of a supported by our Members at home and overseas. mail, biannual Journal by mail, and the right to biannual Journal instead of a quarterly Journal Remember you can also renew your membership purchase the Society’s publications at Special with no reduction in content or overall size of on line on the Society’s website— Members’ prices of up to 50% off selected the annual volume. The savings here are en- www.familyhistory.ie/shop

Monthly Newsletter of the Genealogical Society of Ireland ISSN 1649-7937

IRELAND’S GENEALOGICAL GAZETTE is published by the THE SOCIETY’S JOURNAL Genealogical Society of Ireland 11, Desmond Avenue, Dún Laoghaire, Co. Dublin, Ireland

E-mail: [email protected] Members will have noted that there has been a considerable delay in the publication of the Society’s biannual journal this year. This unfortunate situation is due to the dearth of suitable material being received by the Editor. This problem is now, it seems, common to many similar societies around the world, some of which, have been forced to cease the publication of their journals or to reduce the frequency of their publications. The publication of a journal by this Society is an important part JOIN ON-LINE of its objective to promote, preserve and collect material on our genealogical heri- tage and therefore, the Board is committed to the publication of the journal. Just @ recently members at the Morning Open Meeting petitioned for the return of the quarterly journal as a means to both encourage the submission of articles for publi- www.familyhistory.ie/shop cation and to maintain the currency of the journal. Whether or not this is a viable solution to the problem of the dearth of articles for the publication of a biannual journal, of course, is very debateable. However, in the meantime the Editor appeals to all members and friends of the Society to utilise the Society’s biannual journal to preserve their family histories and to create a record of the lives and times of ances- DIARY DATES tors who may have made a special or extraordinary contribution to their world, Tuesday . 11th & Oct. 9th 2007 community or profession. Biographical works are of immense importance to genea- Evening Open Meeting logical research. Articles on specific historical events or occurrences are of particu- Dún Laoghaire College of Further lar interest as the link between local history and family history is well established. Education This type of article provides valuable information for the genealogist on sources and Cumberland Street, Dún Laoghaire indeed, on how and where to access these sources. Other items welcomed for publi- 20.00hrs—22.00hrs cation include memorial inscriptions, shipping lists, extracts from census returns or other such data. Most genealogists love lists—school registers, petitions, land

records, lists of tenants/occupiers and, of course, extracts from parish registers are Wednesday Sept. 26th & Oct. 24th 2007 always very useful to other researchers. In short, articles on genealogy, heraldry and Morning Open Meeting related subjects are always most welcome. Please contact the Editor, Margaret Weir’s, Lower George’s Street, Dún Conroy, MGSI on [email protected] Laoghaire 10.30hrs—12.30hrs

Contribution €3.00 p.p. QUERIES (Coffee/Tea included at Morning The publication of queries in the newsletter is currently under review and therefore, Meetings) the acceptance of research queries for publication has been temporarily suspended. Any inconvenience is regretted. Editor

Our “fadaless” Police Service

The annual silly season in Ireland draws to a advice that under Section 6 (1) of the Garda inbeing under this Act as a police service. very welcome closure this month with the re- Síochána Act, 2005 , that there was no “fada” ("fada" excluded). Therefore, it is very unclear turn of our parliamentarians to the Oireachtas in the word Garda. The advice was that the whether Section 6 (1) of the 2005 Act, did in following their long and well deserved summer 2005 Act had amended the 1924 Act mentioned fact amend Section 1 (1) of the 1924 Act. In- recess. Each year during the “silly season” in last month’s edition of this newsletter. For deed, on the contrary it would appear that it issues are raised that would otherwise be totally readers who may be unfamiliar with the Irish sought the continuance of that section of the ignored by our politicians and the media. Our language the difference in the pronunciation 1924 Act regarding the correct name of the national television station cuts the length of its approximates to “garr-dah” versus “gore-dah” force. The Oireachtas debate on the Bill (2005 very popular nightly Six-One News in response the latter with the accent or “fada” - Gárda. Act) centred on whether it was correct or not to to the perceived “news vacuum” of the silly Though, the “fada” (pronounced “fad-dah” - insert the Gaelic definite article "An" before the season. Newspapers find time and space for the meaning “long” in Gaelic) in this word has name and little, if any, attention was paid to the cuddly, nice, feel-good and leisure articles on been dropped in recent years, speakers of the "fada". Whilst, it could be argued that an over- hobbyists, artists and green-fingered folk. Other Irish language still tend to habitually pronounce sight in the drafting of the legislation meant that fine articles published in the season deal with the word as if it still had its accent. So what’s the "fada" was omitted in the 2005 Act, it is issues of marginal and dubious concern to all all the fuss about? Whether “fadaless” or not, more likely that the current spelling was but the “anoraks” of this world. Some may say don’t our policemen and policewomen do an adopted without amending the actual name of that the spat about the alleged unauthorized admirable job on behalf of the citizens of the the force. So the question remains, do we now commercial use of the “logo” of the Irish po- nation? Of course they do and few will seri- have a “fadaless” police service or not? lice force by a manufacturer of novelty goods ously dispute this fact. Although the issue of Whether the interest shown by readers in the was one such story. But maybe not, as the issue our nation’s “fadaless” police force will hardly spelling was merely a phenomenon of the “silly was also carried in this newsletter in July, how- feature on the political agendas of any of our season” or a fadeless and genuine interest in the ever, with the more serious angle concerning erstwhile public representatives in Leinster development of the Irish language by amateur the Arms of the Garda College at Templemore. House, it does pose certain interesting ques- linguists – we may never really know. Will we? This newsletter sought to highlight the lack of tions. For example the 1924, Act, states in copyright protection to the Arms of the Garda Section 1. (1) It shall be lawful for the Execu- College. But as reported last month, many tive Council of Saorstát Éireann to continue to EDITOR’S NOTE readers commented, and continue to do so, on raise, train, equip, pay and maintain in Saorstát the spelling of the name of the Irish police force Éireann the force of police called the Gárda The publication of this issue of the newsletter and whether there was a “fada” (accent) or not Síochána. ("fada" included). However, in the was delayed by a week due a computer prob- over the first ‘a’ in Garda. The Society was also 2005, Act, it states in Section 6. (1) The police lem. We apologise to our members and readers contacted by the Garda Press Office with the force called the Garda Síochána continues for this delay—the first time in 17 years. Sorry .

Monthly Newsletter of the Genealogical Society of Ireland