ISSN 1649-7937

Cumann Geinealais na hÉireann Ireland’s Genealogical Gazette (incorporating “The Genie Gazette”)

Vol. 7 No. 12 www.familyhistory.ie December : Nollaig 2012 National Policy on Genealogy It’s the end of another very busy Indeed, the History Ireland ‘Hedge year, in which, this Society most School’ held at the BTOP event at definitely lived up to its longstand- Nollaig Shona the RDS in October discussed the ing reputation as ‘Ireland’s most possibility of convening a national active genealogical organisation’ agus forum on genealogical services. with twenty-three Open Meetings, Athbhliain fé The forum, under an independent including twelve superb lectures; Chairperson, could discuss the publishing a monthly newsletter, Mhaise Minister’s proposals and possibly, an Annual Journal, a history of the agree a unified vision on the future GENEALOGY Welsh Chapel in Dublin and more of Irish genealogy, including mat- memorials on CD; maintaining a for Arts, Heritage & the Gaeltacht, ters of best practice, access, ethics HERALDRY web presence; organizing group Jimmy Deenihan, TD, held an all- and sustainable cooperation. To projects; offering circa 400 hours day seminar in the National Library ensure that all sections of the of archival access and free public on the future of Irish genealogy and ‘genealogical community’ and all VEXILLOLOGY research advice; hosting stands at genealogical services in Ireland. The shades of opinion are included, numerous events throughout the seminar heard a wide range of views this forum should avoid the need- SOCIAL HISTORY country, including at ‘The Geneal- from all sectors of Irish genealogy, less confusion caused by ‘multi’ or ogy Roadshow’ BTOP and others; commercial and non-commercial. ‘cross-representation’. Bodies such Heritage Matters and, of course, maintaining an Participants at this seminar were as the Clans of Ireland (inc. May archive and research centre. We generally hopeful for the future of 25th 1990), Standing Council of Book Reviews can be justifiably proud of the Irish genealogy and, in particular, Irish Chiefs & Chieftains (est. Oct. services provided by the Society, welcomed the openness and determi- 5th 1991), Irish Family History Open Meetings none of which, would be possible nation of the Minister who promised Foundation (inc. May 10th 1990) without the hard work and dedica- to bring forward a policy document and the Council of Irish Genea- News & Queries tion of our own members. Indeed, on Irish genealogy. In the interim logical Organisations (est. July 9th since the provision of genealogical there has been very little, if any, 1994) should represent all of their services by voluntary groups in progress on matters in the members. Any other voluntary Ireland was last surveyed by Tony ‘Programme for Government’ on the genealogical or heraldic organisa- McCarthy, MA, and published in release of the 1926 census and on tion seeking representation should ‘Irish Roots’ magazine in 1996, addressing the serious anomalies in be, for example, of not less than Irish genealogy has evolved im- the National Cultural Institutions five years standing, meet regularly www.eneclann.ie measurably with a truly global Act, 1997 in respect of heraldry. and have at least 30 members with reach on-line. Whilst, the 1996 Nevertheless, it is now time for the a proper governance structure. The survey is an excellent base from Minister to publish his Department’s commercial sector, educational

which to evaluate the progression proposals on a National Policy on institutions and genealogical pub- CONTENTS of the provision of genealogical Genealogy. The Minister should lishers should also be invited to services and the expansion of seriously consider publishing these participate. Such an inclusive and Vol. 7 (2012) Contents 2 public interest in ancestry matters proposals in a consultative frame- transparent process could contrib- in Ireland, maybe it is time for a work to engage the sector and the ute very significantly to the formu- new survey to be commissioned. general public in the formulation of lation and implementation of a In September 2011, the Minister a National Policy on Genealogy . National Policy on Genealogy. The Morpeth Roll 2

GSI Lecture Programme BRATACHA 2013 Weekend Genealogy 2 BRATACHA 2013 Courses Bratacha 2013—an international land’. Bratacha 2013 is centred on many of the features are still in the symposium on the history, heri- Europe Day, May 9th 2013 and will planning stages, it is also envis- James Scannell Reports .. 3 tage, culture and identities associ- run for three days celebrating Ire- aged to host a ‘world premiere’ of ated with flags and emblems is the land’s Presidency of the European ’The Fighting Irish—Battle Hymns

Précis of Nov. Lecture Society’s main event for The Council and the 40th anniversary of and Marches of the Irish at War’ Gathering 2013 . Working in Ireland’s accession to the EEC. in conjunction with Na Píobairí An Daonchartlann 3 partnership with the National Bratacha 2013 (Irish: Flags or Em- Uilleann and selected musicians. Maritime Museum of Ireland, Dún blems) will feature lectures and The Chairperson of the Bratacha Diary Dates 4 Laoghaire Rathdown County seminars, exhibitions, displays, a 2013 Steering Group, John Paul The Otherworld 4 Council, Dún Laoghaire Harbour genealogy fair, public displays and a Durkan of the National Maritime Company, European Movement ‘Parade of Flags’ . The programme Museum of Ireland, anticipates Society Annual Dinner Ireland and a number of local of lectures and seminars organised that Bratacha 2013 will be one of community organisations, this by Ciarán Hurley, MA, MGSI, will the ’key events’ organised for The Irish DNA Atlas Project 4 Society is looking forward to an also feature the ever popular History Gathering next year in the County

FHISO Welcomed event that is truly a ‘first for Ire- Ireland ‘Hedge School’. Although, of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown.

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

PAGE 2 IRELAND’S GENEALOGICAL GAZETTE (INCORPORATING “THE GENIE GAZETTE”) VOL. 7 NO. 12

Missing Relics / Addelgoole 14 / Pearse Documents to Unknown / Aud’s Anchors Recovered / Edmund Vol. 7 (2012) Contents be Sold / Nicky Rackard Statue / John Grenham— Ross—’The Care and Restoration of old Family ’Some Sources for Family History Research in the City Photographs’ / Oral History Seminar / Bratacha 2013 January 2012: Researching the Family History—A Archives’ / A Visit to the Military Archives / GSI / 20th Anniversary Appeal. Gift for Future Generations / Jewish Ancestry in Board 2012-2013 / New Weekend Courses. Northern Ireland /Irish DNA Atlas Project / National September 2012: The Gathering 2013 / Irish Lives Famine Commemoration 2012 / GSI Lecture Pro- May 2012: Genealogists & the Privacy Bill, 2012 / In Remembered / Heritage Week-A Great Success! / gramme 2012 / Stock Clearance / Remembrance Memoriam (Betty Dwyer & Randal Gill, RIP) / The Real Gems for ‘The Gathering’ from NUIM / Irish Sunday / 75 Years of MÉT Éireann / Medieval House Friars in Ireland 1224-1540 / GSI Day Trip to Belfast Jewish Ancestry / Commissioning Ancestry Research Discovered / Soldiers Mark UN Service / Katherine / The Society On-Line / Newry City Fair / Michael in Ireland / Plaque to Horticulturalist / Tales of Me- McSharry—’The National Library: Recent Develop- Collins Criminal Card / Teaching in the 1940s & 1950s dieval Dublin / New Police Museum / Centenary of ments & Future Plans’ / Dublin Bus 1987-2006 / 1916 / Centenary of Home Rule Bill / Diary Donated to Train Crash / Forgotten Policemen / Dublin Fire Easter Rising & Moore Street / Lt. Peter Leech, 1826- DCU / Ronnie Wallace—’St. Bride’s Church of Ire- Brigade Lecture / Dr. Norman E. Gamble—’The 1899 . ( N.B.—Regular or repeat notices not listed e.g. land Parish Records’ / Seanad Éireann & Anniversa- Records of the Irish Railway Record Society (IRRS)’ / updates on the Irish DNA Atlas Project etc) ries / GSI Day Trip to Belfast. All Hallows College /GRO ‘Historic Records’ / Cemetery Projects. February 2012: Twenty Years Publishing Genealogy / June 2012: Philanthropy and our Archival Heritage / Wrth Angor yn Nulyn / Annual General Meeting / New Venue for Morning Meeting / Economy, Trade October 2012: Family History Month & BTOP / Miraculous Plenty—Irish Religious Folktales and and Irish Merchants at Home and Abroad, 1600-1988 / Genealogy & the ‘New Irish’ / Danish Troops in the Legends / The Hidden History of WW1—Wales / The A Sad Anniversary / History Festival of Ireland / Williamite Army in Ireland, 1689-91 / Gaps in the Irish Aboard Titanic / Pardon for WW2 Deserters / Guinness Workers & WW1 / Elizabethan Fort Opened Irish DNA Atlas / Privacy Bill & Genealogy / Comdt. Edward Daly / Rob Goodbody—’Quaker / NLI’s Lawrence Collection / Drimnagh Castle’s Adopted Illegally-Ireland / Book on Martello Towers Records in Ireland’ / Family History Resources / Alice History / James Scannell—’Dublin Metropolitan / Recording Dublin’s Cottages / Heritage Week 2012 Milligan / National Library Services Improved. Police– DMP Casualties during the War of Independ- / Ulster Covenant / Links to Mexican War / Tralee ence’ / New Genealogy Advisory Service. Honours Astronaut / Siobhán FitzPatrick—’The March 2012: 1926 Census Release– Legislation Soon Records of the Royal Irish Academy as a Resource for / The GSI on BBC Radio Wales / Annual Report of the July 2012: Much Debate and No Decision / Family the Family History Researcher’ / 1926 Census Cam- GSI Board of Directors / The Society’s AGM 2012 / History Research Advice / Colonial Ireland 1169-1369 paign / James Byrne 1877-1913. Titanic Event & Family History Day / Trips Northward / Out & About / Philanthropy / Joan Logan, MGSI— / Hunt for Missing Cross / Historic Clonmel Building / RIP / A Narrow Escape / ‘Dissidents’ / Pardon for IDF November 2012: A Pyrrhic Victory? / Private Invest- Indian Images Restored / Fraud During Famine / Deserters / Powerscourt School / Back Issues of the ment & the 1926 Census / Irish Provincial Cultures in Declan Heffernan—’The Sinking of the HMS Van- Gazette / Dr. James Ryan—’Understanding Church the Long Eighteenth Century / New Website guard off Kish in 1875’ / An Online Exhibition— Records and their value to Family History / Who Are Launched / A History of Ireland in 250 Episodes / Jacob’s Biscuit Factory / Banks in Dublin. The Irish? Irish Lives Remembered / Congo Soldier Remem- bered / Ulster Covenant Centenary / New Book on April 2012: 1926 Census & the Decade of Centenaries August 2012: Europe’s Shame 20 Years On / Heritage Dublin’s Famous Moore Street / Founder of Irish / Irish DNA Atlas Project / Galway: politics and Week 2012 & Other Events / The Inishkea Journals / Christian Brothers Honoured / Daire Guidera & Emly society, 1910-23 / Nineteenth-Century Ireland Studies Military Archives / Cemetery Project 2012 / Ombuds- Moore—’The Registry of Deeds as an aide to the & Family History / Legal Bibliography / GSI On-Line man’s Report on the GRO / Maritime Heritage / Silver Genealogist’ / Minister Donates Atlas / Sligo & Shop / April in the North / Chair of Advisory Group / Bullion Recovered / Cork Honours Activist / Bray Westmeath / Sarajevo University / Weekend Courses.

monial was created in about a month in 1841 at Roll itself will be taken on a tour of Ireland in The Morpeth Roll the instigation of the Duke of Leinster, Daniel the course of next year and will be the centre- O’Connell and other notable figures in Irish piece of an exhibition which is currently being One of the great attractions of a day-long study public life and signed by individuals from Tho- organised in Maynooth. The importance of the organised by the Department of History at NUI mas Davis to Charles Bianconi. Over 650 large Morpeth Roll is that it gives us a census substi- Maynooth on Saturday, November 24 was the sheets of paper filled with signatures were glued tute for the year when the population of Ireland opportunity to view the Morpeth Roll. All the together and wrapped around a gigantic bobbin reached its peak of 8.1 million people. The participants got the opportunity to examine this which was then housed in a hardwood box spe- names on the roll represent between 3 to 4% of gigantic “farewell card” addressed to the de- cially created for that purpose. It is estimated the population. And for some time to come, parting Chief Secretary, George William that there are around 300,000 signatures from local historians will have to grapple with what Fredrick Howard, Viscount Morpeth in 1841. most parts of the country and most walks of life. is essentially a name list, with few place names George Howard (1802-1864), of Castle Howard The roll is about 420 metres in length; if it were thrown in, and try to bring the Morpeth Roll to in Yorkshire, entered politics in 1826 and was laid out in Croke Park, for instance, only about a life. Aiden Feerick, MAPGI, MGSI. returned as an MP for the family borough of third of the roll would be on display. This Far- Morpeth, Northumberland. He later served in well Testimonial lay in the basement of Castle IRISH LIVES REMEMBERED the Melbourne administration as Chief Secre- Howard for many years until its importance for tary for Ireland from 1835 to 1841 when he lost pre-Famine Ireland was understood; it was then The December 2012 issue (No. 7) of the excel- his seat and had to retire from active politics. taken to the Russell Library in Maynooth for lently produced e-magazine ‘Irish Lives Re- The Howard family never owned land in Ire- restoration; the digitisation and indexing of the membered’ is available free to read or land and Viscount Morpeth was seen as one of roll’s name list has been undertaken by Ancestry download on www.irishlivesremembered.ie the reforming politicians of his time. The Testi- and is due to go online next spring. The Morpeth

WEEKEND GENEALOGY COURSES GSI LECTURE PROGRAMME th The Weekend Genealogy Courses will recom- other records. Practical advice will be shared Tues. Dec, 11 - The Archives of the Royal mence on Saturday January 19th 2013 . These with participants as they embark on the quest to Dublin Society – some Recent Developments by courses are provided in conjunction with John trace their ancestors. Courses are held at the GSI Natasha Serne . Tues. 8th Jan, 2013 —’Irish Hamrock of Ancestor Network Ltd. and are Archives and Research Centre, An Daonchart- Army Records’ by Comdt. Pádraic Kennedy . specially designed to help beginners unlock the lann, Carlisle Pier, Dún Laoghaire, Co. Dublin, Tues. 12th Feb. —’Dún Laoghaire Harbour mysteries of their ancestry. Ancestor Network where the major on-line genealogy resources will and its Board’ by Gráinne Shaffrey. Tues. Ltd. is the ‘Official Provider’ of Genealogy be covered in a ‘hands-on’ way for best results. 12th March (Annual General Meeting)— Advisory Services for the National Library of For further information please contact John ’Rental Sources as a Resource for the Genealo- Ireland and the National Archives of Ireland. Hamrock by phone on 087 050 5296 or by e-mail gist’ by Dr. James Ryan. Tues. 9th April — The course includes guided tours at the Na- on [email protected] ’Ancestry.com as an archival resource for the tional Library, Dublin City Library and other geologist—present and future plans’ by Eric centres of research. Learn how to be your own IRELAND’S GENEALOGICAL GAZETTE Booth . Tues. 14th May —’The Preservation of researcher. Topics to be covered include the Old Documents’ by Christine Deakin. principles of genealogy, computers and the Past issues of this newsletter are available in pdf VENUE: Dún Laoghaire College of Further internet, place names and surnames, location format to read or to download free of charge on Education , Cumberland St, Dún Laoghaire, Co. and use of census, vital, valuation, church and the Society’s website www.familyhistory.ie Dublin. Directions on www.familyhistory.ie

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

VOL. 7 NO. 12 IRELAND’S GENEALOGICAL GAZETTE (INCORPORATING “THE GENIE GAZETTE”) PAGE 3 James Scannell Reports... NATIONAL ARMY CENSUS offered British military assistance by General ARKLOW 1885-1892 Neville Macready to dislodge republicans occu- In 1922 the Army Council of the newly created pying the Four Courts. Gen. Collins refused all ‘Split Personalities: Arklow 1885–1892’ is the National Army of the Irish Free State held an offers of British assistance for except artillery latest book by the Arklow based local historian census of military personnel at midnight 12 th / pieces, which he lacked, and when provided, Jim Rees. In this new book Rees chronicles 13 th November 1922 to ascertain the exact were manned and fired by the National Army. events in Arklow, Coouty Wicklow, between strength of the National Army by location for 1885 and 1892 at a time when Ireland was administration, logistical and operational pur- BLACK & TAN WAR IN GALWAY undergoing social and political upheaval. Two poses. Images of the census are now available national campaigns came to the fore during this on the website of the Irish Military Archives – “Blood for Blood: the Black and Tan War in period, land reform and Home Rule. Both of www.militaryarchives.ie . Galway” by William Henry (Mercier Press). these movements impacted on every commu- This is a vivid account of the events during the nity in Ireland, including Arklow, where local HISTORIANS DIFFER AND…. War of Independence in Galway, for which, the people often took differing sides on these is- author has trawled the archives to produce this sues. Complicating matters further was the Historians have differed over a claim contained meticulous account of the Galway IRA during effects of the Charles Stewart Parnell– in a memoir written by Lance Bombardier the War of Independence, known locally as the Katherine O’Shea divorce scandal in 1890. Percy Creek, Royal Field Artillery, held in the “Black and Tan War”. Henry describes the This generated further divisions within the Imperial War Museum in London. According to many raids, ambushes, murders and reprisals town following the ousting of Parnell of leader Open University academic William Sheehan, that took place during the 1919-21 period, and of the Home Ruler Party into Pro and Anti- Creek claims that he was a member of a de- the stories of the men who were involved. He Parnell factions. Added to the tensions was the tachment sent in secret from Co. Fermanagh to details the activities of the dreaded Black and evangelical preaching of the local Church of Dublin in June 1922 which fired two heavy Tans, and the role played by the RIC and the Ireland minister and the differences between artillery rounds at republican forces occupying British Army stationed there. Henry also looks two men in the town Dr. Michael Molony, the the Four Courts before returning to their unit. In at how everyday life was affected by the ongo- Medical Officer of Health and Fr. James Dun- response to rumours circulating at that time that ing war and how the attitude of the people phy PP, whose stances on various issues came the British Army had fired on the Fours Courts, changed as the brutality of the Tans intensified. to represent the various mindsets within the the National Army denied that any British per- Including hunger strikes in Galway jail and the town. But what was happening in Arklow was sonnel had been involved. While some histori- general strike in the city and the boycotts of the being replicated in other Irish towns, but for ans have doubted the accuracy of Creek’s state- British forces throughout the county. The this book, Jim Rees has focussed on Arklow ment, they admit that what he alleges could author brings this period to life with fascinat- and the eventual outcome of the many issues have happened. General Michael Collins was ing and sometimes horrific details. that arose between 1885 and 1892. Précis of the November Lecture AN DAONCHARTLANN On Tuesday November 13 th 2012 members pioneering work on the Boundary Commission An Daonchartlann, the Society’s Archives and were delighted that the Society invited back Dr. from 1825 and with the Ordnance Survey of Research Centre in Dún Laoghaire, will be open Patrick N Wyse Jackson to give a talk on an Ireland. Many know of his work as the Com- on Wednesday 10th December from 10.30hrs to extraordinary individual ‘ Richard Griffith missioner of Valuation from 1827 which pro- 16.30hrs and on Saturday December 15th 2012 (1784-1878), Public Servant, Valuator and duced the monumental ‘Griffith’s Valuation’ from 14.00hrs to 18.00hrs. The closure period Geologist ’. Dr. Wyse Jackson spoke to the which was published between 1847 and 1864. for Christmas and New Year will be from Society some years ago on a portrait in oils of The running theme of this very interesting 18.00hrs on Saturday December 15th 2012 until Sir Richard John Griffith by Stephen Catterson lecture was ‘the man and his family’. In this 10.30hrs on Wednesday January 5th 2013. Smith (1806–1872) and certain questions aris- respect, his treatment of his daughter Sarah Thereafter, the opening times will be as follows: ing there from. This time he concentrated on his who eloped to Canada and then to the United Wednesdays 10.30hrs to 16.30hrs (except 4th quest for information on the family of Richard States, seems to portray a man more concerned Weds. open at 13.00hrs) and Saturdays 14.00hrs Griffith and in particular, his eldest daughter with his own public persona and lacking com- to 18.00hrs. Members are on hand on those days who seems to have become estranged from the passion. Dr. Wyse Jackson would welcome any to provide free family history research advice family. Dr. Wyse-Jackson outlined the work of information on this daughter. Dr. Wyse Jackson to visitors to the facility, however, the use of the Griffith—surveying the coal-fields of Leinster is currently working on the life and work of the resources of the GSI Archives & Research in 1808 and appointed as the chief engineer to geophysicist John Joly (1857–1933) and may Centre is reserved for members of the Society. the Commission on Irish Bogs from 1809-12. be contacted at Trinity College Dublin by e- Day research membership is available for €5.00 Irish genealogists are much in debt to the enor- mail: [email protected] Nota Bene: The GSI and payable on-line at the GSI website. For mous achievements of Richard Griffith from his Archives has a file on the Griffith family. directions please see www.familyhistory.ie

jects; Members’ internet forum (under construction); WILL YOUR RECORDS WELL GSI MEMBERSHIP genealogical, heraldic and vexillological advice; and the facility to publish your research in the GSI Journal. In the course of our research over many years we natu- The Annual Review of the Membership Package was Special Membership concessions on products and rally amass a huge amount of paper and computer undertaken by the Board of Directors at its meeting on services obtained, from time to time, by the Society. records. We love these records, we’ve worked hard to Thursday November 1st, 2012. It was agreed under The Board also agreed to provide a number of conces- collect the information—it is of great value. Books, Res: 12/11/952 to keep the cost of the Annual Sub- sionary rates at €20.00 for persons under 25 years of photographs, charts, interview notes, copy certificates, scription for 2013 for Irish and Overseas Members at age and persons attending recognised genealogy parish register and census transcripts—all lovingly €40.00. The Membership Package for 2013 includes courses etc. This Membership Package shall be applied collected over many years. But have you made provi- the following: Member voting rights; optional second as and from January 1st 2013 and be subject to annual sion for the preservation of your records, files and notes household adult member ( 18 years or over ) with review, however, existing Membership Packages shall after we die? Don’t let your hard work end up as landfill voting rights; Membership Certificate [ Res: be honored until their annual renewal date. or all of your books be sold off after you’ve gone. 11/09/859 ]; right to use GSI post-nominal; copy of the Please make provision in your Will to donate them to Annual Journal; monthly newsletter by e-mail; use of NOTE: In accordance with Res: 10/09/785 all Mem- the Society’s Archives for future generations. the Society’s Archive; monthly meetings/lectures; bership Packages fall due for renewal on the anniver- special prices of up to 50% off selected Society publi- sary of joining—please check your Membership cations; right to register your own assumed Arms or MEDAL SOCIETY OF IRELAND Certificate. Apply on-line at www.familyhistory.ie or emblems with the Society free of charge; right to have if you prefer, download the form and send it to Mr. Ancestors or relatives who served in the Irish, British, your Club, School or Institutions assumed Arms or Billy Saunderson, MGSI , Director of Finance, Commonwealth, American or other armed forces or in emblems registered with the Society free of charge to a ‘Suzkar’, Killiney Avenue, Killiney, Co. Dublin, the mercantile marine of these countries? Checkout the maximum of ten registrations; occasional group pro- Ireland. New Members always welcome! Medal Society of Ireland on www.msoi.eu

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

IRELAND’S GENEALOGICAL GAZETTE The Otherworld—Music & Song from Irish Tradition is published by the Genealogical Society of Ireland Limited Just in time for your Christmas gift to the lover of Irish music and folklore, Four Courts 11, Desmond Avenue, Dún Laoghaire, Co. Dublin, Ireland Press in conjunction with Comhairle Bhéaloideas Éireann at University College Dublin, E-mail: [email protected] have just launched ‘The Otherworld—Music & Song from Irish Tradition’ edited by

Charity Reference: CHY10672 Ríonach Uí Ógáin and Tom Sherlock . (ISBN: 978-0-9565628-3-8 : 160pp : illustrated

The Society is a Nominating Body for Seanad Éireann : p/bk and with 2 CDs : Price €25.00). This is not just another collection of Irish tradi- tional tunes, it is a truly wonderful social history narrative which draws the reader back Board of Directors 2012-2013 to a period and place in Ireland that, arguably, no longer exists except in music and story. Yet, for many us in search of that elusive family history narrative, in this unique Pádraic Ingoldsby (Cathaoirleach : Chairperson); Gerry Hayden collection we have the voices of an Ireland, long washed away by modernity, that must (Leas-Chathaoirleach : Vice Chair); Michael Merrigan (General surely echo that spiritual and cultural space once inhabited by our own ancestors not too Secretary : Company Secretary, Publications & Internet Services); Billy Saunderson (Finance); Tom Conlon (Sales, Marketing & long ago. The songs, verses and tunes all have real meaning for their custodians who Membership, On-Line Shop); Séamus O’Reilly (Archive, Irish DNA value and honour their inheritance and cherish the memory of the very day when they Atlas Project); Barry O’Connor (Cemetery Projects); Séamus first learned the piece and, especially from whom. The editors have selected the pieces Moriarty (Lecture Programme), John Hamrock (Education & Social carefully as examples of particular social or spiritual narratives because ‘the other- Inclusion) and Eddie Gahan (Research Information Services). world’ is cultural phenomenon in Ireland existing alongside the ‘world of mortals’. Boundaries between this world and the ‘unworldly’ are often features in the landscape, JOIN ON-LINE rivers, bridges or standing stones. Tunes or songs learned from encounters with ‘the otherworld’ are often seen as harbingers of calamitous portents, the signifiers of which, www.familyhistory.ie are manifest only to the few. Listening to the CDs and simultaneously reading the account of the acquisition and rendering of the piece is a captivating experience as one is transported from the academic world of the folklorist to a bygone world of myth, legend, demons, fairies and places sacred and otherwise. The editors point out that this @GenSocIreland phenomenon is not confined to rural Ireland—it was found in the heart of old Dublin communities like Ringsend as narrated by Mag Doyle (Mrs. Bill Higgins) on the CD. DIARY DATES One of the songs, “Cruel Willie’ sung by Stephen Murphy, would, rather surprisingly, Tuesday Dec. 11th 2012 & Jan. 8th 2013 perfectly suit inclusion in the repertoire of the likes of Nick Cave or Shane McGowan Evening Open Meeting with its eerily tragic tale. The editors provide short biographical notes on the contribu- Dún Laoghaire College of Further Education tors that, along with the social and cultural narrative, creates a wonderfully rich re- Cumberland Street, Dún Laoghaire source for the folklorist, cultural historian and local historian. The publication is beauti- 20.00hrs—22.00hrs fully illustrated with black and white photographs that capture the essence of this pas- sage from ‘the Otherworld’ of the past through modernity to ‘cultural curiosity’. MM Wednesday Jan. 23rd & Feb. 27th 2013 Morning Open Meeting Hardy’s Bar, Royal Marine Hotel, Dún Laoghaire FOUR COURTS PRESS 10.30hrs—12.30hrs Irish History, Genealogy, Local History and much more

Contribution €4.00 p.p. www.fourcourtspress.ie

(Coffee/Tea included at Morning Meetings) Checkout the New Titles and Catalogue on-line

IRISH DNA ATLAS PROJECT Society Annual Dinner FHISO WELCOMED The Irish DNA Atlas is a collaborative academic The Society’s Director of Research Information The recent establishment of FHISO—Family research project undertaken by Dr. Gianpiero Services, Eddie Gahan, MGSI, has organised the History Information Standards Organisation is Cavalleri of the Royal College of Surgeons in inaugural Society Annual Dinner for Friday certainly a welcome development in the world Ireland (RCSI), the University of Leicester in the March 1st 2013 at the National Yacht Club, Dún of genealogy. This newly-formed international UK and the Society. The main objectives of the Laoghaire, Co. Dublin. Eddie had long advocated organisation was established to develop stan- project are (1) to further our knowledge of the the hosting of an annual social function for Mem- dards for the digital representation and sharing population history of Ireland and (2) to help us bers, their families and friends of the Society. The of family history and genealogical information. understand how genes influence health in Ire- venue is simply wonderful and with a four-course FHISO’s standards will, it states, solve today’s land. Participants continue to be sought from meal and live music it’s exceptionally good value interoperability issues independently of technol- across the island of Ireland and, indeed, from at only €40.00 per person. For further information ogy platforms, genealogy products or services. overseas who can trace each of their eight great- on this exceptional venue please see: www.nyc.ie They will provide opportunities for innovation grandparents to the same general area of Ireland. In the meantime, should you wish to reserve your and will address robust user requirements such Participants are requested to present a Birth Brief place for this special event, please contact Eddie as search, capture and research administration. (Pedigree Chart) and to provide a DNA sample by e-mail on [email protected] FHISO is a non-profit, community-owned or- (kit provided) for analysis. Our Director of Ar- ganisation which will operate democratically, chival Services, Séamus O'Reilly, FGSI, has and membership will be available to all who mapped the genealogical data received while the SARAJEVO UNIVERSITY participate in the global family history and team are the RCSI analyses the DNA samples. Calling all bibliophiles, academics and authors. Twenty genealogical community. See: www.fhiso.org Séamus will accept suitable participants, male or years ago over two million volumes, including priceless female, with ancestry from any part of Ireland manuscripts, were destroyed in the fire that engulfed the meeting the criteria regarding their eight great National & University Library in Sarajevo on August WHO ARE grandparents. Members are asked to assist the 26th 1992 during the Bosnian civil war. This Society is project by inviting friends and colleagues to proactively supporting a group of Bosnian students THE IRISH? participate in this unique All-Ireland important seeking donations of contemporary academic works in any discipline to restock their university’s library which academic research project. If you are interested was totally destroyed in August 1992. Have you any in participating or have a query about participat- books that you could donate? Please forward donated ing, please don’t hesitate to contact Séamus by e- volumes to: Mrs Fuada Muslic, Senior Officer for STUDENT MEMBERSHIP mail on [email protected] Also, check- Publishing, University of Sarajevo, Obala Kulina Bana out the project newsletter on the GSI website. 7/2, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Tel: 00 To encourage students and young people to take 387 3322 1946 : E-mail [email protected] up family history research, the Society offers a TRACING YOUR IRISH ANCESTORS NOTA BENE: Please e-mail Ms. Muslic when items 50% reduction for persons under 25 years of by John Grenham, MA, MAPGI, FIGRS, FGSI are put in the mail to her and include details of sender age. Also, persons who take up adult education and contents. An example of what is required by the The Society strongly recommends that for anyone Bosnian authorities on the Society’s website. It's a courses in genealogy can avail of a similar 50% embarking on their family history quest one essential reduction on the standard membership rate— piece of kit must be John Grenham’s ‘Tracing Your simple declaration of the contents etc. Please share this Irish Ancestors’. Checkout: www.gillmacmillan.com appeal with your friends and colleagues. For further that’s right, Student Membership for just Price €22.99 [RRP] information see: www.books4vijecnica.com €20.00. See GSI website for further details.

Monthly Newsletter of the Genealogical Society of Ireland