Heritage Talk: Saint Cuana – His Life, Monastery & Holy Well by Dr Jessica Cooke

We are very pleased to let you know our next heritage talk will be given by Dr Jessica Cooke entitled ‘Saint Cuana: His Life, Monastery and Holy Well.’

One of the loveliest early monasteries of East Lough Corrib is Kilcoona, with its raised, rounded enclosure, fifteenth-century church, round tower and nearby holy well of Dabhach Cuana. Kilcoona was founded by Saint Cuana in the seventh century, a time of great change in the Irish church. Only one fragmentary Latin Life of Cuana survives, which is considered the most mysterious of Irish saints’ lives. Jessica’s talk will compare the physical evidence of the monastery and holy well with the story in the Latin Life, to try and draw a fuller picture of this elusive Lough Corrib saint.

Join us 8pm Thursday the 23rd of February at Kilcoona National School (H91 FX95) for what is set to be another fascinating lecture in our series. As always, all are welcome to join and enjoy a cup of tea and a chat after!

Heritage Talk: Traditional Buildings in County Galway by Dr. Fidelma Mullane

We are very pleased to announce our next heritage talk will be given by Dr Fidelma Mullane on vernacular architecture in County Galway. A specialist in the study and conservation of traditional buildings throughout Ireland, Fidelma will discuss the different aspects of traditional buildings, including materials such as stone and mud, as well as roofing materials like thatch, slate and tin. She will also talk on the original purposes of different types of buildings and the functions they serve today.

Join us Thursday the 10th of November 8pm at Donaghpatrick National School for what is set to be another fascinating lecture in our series. As always all are very welcome to join and enjoy a cuppa and a chat after!

‘Headford Lace: 250 Years of History’ – A Talk by Norma Owens

We are very pleased to announce our first in-person talk since covid will be given by Norma Owens on the history of Headford Lace, a story that spans 250 years, threading together the lives of soldiers and spinners, cottagers and queens, ladies and labourers.

Bobbin lacemaking was introduced to Headford by landlord Mary St. George c.1766, making it one of the oldest lace industries in Ireland. By the early 19th-century, several hundred people were employed in the lace industry around the town. Although the Great Famine of 1845-49 decimated the area’s population, it also provided an impetus for the redevelopment of the industry, which in turn brought about considerable social change. However, another period of social revolution – that of industrialisation – placed substantial pressure on the cottage industry of handmade lacemaking. Already struggling at the turn of the 20th century, its demise was eventually brought about by the outbreak of World War I.

Norma Owens has worked as a researcher with Headford Lace Project since 2018 and is currently pursuing an M.A. in History at the University of Galway.

Join us 8pm Thursday the 13th of October at Knockroon National School to hear more on this fascinating part of our local history. As always all are welcome to join and of course enjoy a wee cuppa and chat after!

Memories of Caherlistrane – A Screening of Sporting and Cultural Events from the Past 40 Years

The Donaghpatrick Kilcoona Heritage Society will be celebrating Heritage Week this year with a special presentation compliments of Ronnie Mangan: Memories of Caherlistrane – A Screening of Sporting and Cultural Events from the Past 40 Years. Join us 8.30pm Wednesday the 17th of August upstairs in the function room at the Caherlistrane GAA Community Centre. Mark it in the calendar – all welcome!