DUE TO THE CORONA-VIRUS SITUATION WE HAVE STOPPED ALL MEETINGS AND OUTINGS FOR THE MONTHS OF APRIL TILL JUNE 2020

WHY NOT TRY ONE OF OUR LOCAL WALKS AS LISTED ON THE OUTINGS PAGE  

Our next planned public meeting will be in the Foxrock Church Pastoral Centre on Tuesday 15th September 2020

THE MAIN TALK – THE BIRTH OF THE BORDER – The impact of partition in Ireland.

By Cormac Moore

The 1921 partition of Ireland had huge ramifications for almost all aspects of Irish life and was directly responsible for hundreds of deaths and injuries, with thousands displaced from their homes and many more forced from their jobs. Two new justice systems were created; the effects on the major religions were profound, with both jurisdictions adopting wholly different approaches; and major disruptions were caused in crossing the border, with invasive checks and stops becoming the norm.

And yet, many bodies remained administered on an all-Ireland basis. The major religions remained all-Ireland bodies. Most trade unions maintained a 32-county presence, as did most sports, trade bodies, charities and other voluntary groups. Politically, however, the new jurisdictions moved further and further apart, while socially and culturally there were differences as well as links between north and south that remain to this day.

Very little has been written on the actual effects of partition, the-day-to-day implications, and the complex ways that society, north and south, was truly and meaningfully affected. Cormac’s talk will cover an  account to date on the far-reaching effects of the partitioning of Ireland.

THE SHORT TALK -THE BURNING OF ST. MICHAEL’S CHURCH IN DUN LAOGHAIRE

 By Frank Woods

In July 1965, St. Michael’s Church on Marine Road, Dún Laoghaire caught fire. The church was 141 years old at the time. Almost everything inside was damaged beyond repair. Gardaí sealed off the surrounding areas as onlookers gathered for fear that the Belfry would collapse. Frank Woods witnessed this tragedy first hand and will give an account of the fire, the churches history and some stories of one or two of the clergy who were based here.  

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All our meetings are held in the Foxrock Pastoral Centre, which is at the junction of the N11 and Kill Lane. We meet on the third Tuesday of every month between September and May. The meetings start at 20:00 and firstly is a short talk of 20 to 25 mins. this is then followed by the main talk. After the talks there is an opportunity for questions and answers. Then after the vote of thanks, tea and biscuits are served and you can get a chance to meet the speakers and ask questions you may have.

Admission for members is Free.

Admission for Non- Members is EUR 5.00

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MEMBERSHIP – Our Annual Membership is EUR 25.00 and this covers free admission to our eight meetings in the year ( Admission is EUR 5.00  for non-members per meeting). Members also get first choice on our annual outing.  Membership  year is from January to December