Monthly Archives: March 2014

World War One memorial ceremony in Dublin

Theresa Villiers visits Dublin for WW1 memorial event   Theresa Villiers and Irish Arts Minister Jimmy Deenihan unveiled the memorial   I attended this event as  chairman of the Somme Association and a member of the Northern Ireland World War … Continue reading

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Jemmy Hope- The Shankill Revolutionary

At a time when the two sections of the community in Northern Ireland are hopefully approaching the end of their long nightmare, and endeavouring to find common ground between their differing though inter-related identities, it is especially useful to explore … Continue reading

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Suzanne Wylie is appointed Chief Executive of new Belfast council

  Belfast City Council’s Director of Health and Environmental Services Suzanne Wylie has been appointed as the Chief Executive of the new Belfast council that will come into operation on 1 April 2015. The Belfast Statutory Transition Committee (STC) agreed … Continue reading

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The Appalachian Revolution

As the Scotch-Irish Cultural Revolution gains momentum in Appalachia, it is important to consider its intellectual epicentre, The College of William and Mary, in Williamsburg, Virginia. The college’s Williamite legacy pre-dates the formation of the Orange Order in Ireland .   Privately founded in 1693 … Continue reading

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Ulster and Scotland Conference

25 March 2014, 18:00, Europa Hotel, Belfast Ran to 26 March 2014 This Conference was held under the auspices of the Ulster-Scots Academy (MAG) and the Ulster Historical Foundation.  I attended with Helen Brooker (Pretani Associates) Chair of the original Ulster-Scots … Continue reading

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The Music of the Mountains

On Saturday, 17th October, 2009 I gave a speech at the Spirit of the South Award Dinner in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. This is what I said: Let me introduce myself in Tsalagi -Cherokee, as in this area they were once … Continue reading

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Blue Plaque for Jemmy Hope: ‘A Man of No Property’

The Ulster History Circle and the Ulster-Scots Agency request the pleasure of your company at the unveiling of a blue plaque JAMES (JEMMY) HOPE at Mallusk Cemetery, Park Road, Mallusk, Newtownabbey onMonday 24 March 2014 at 11.00 a.m Refreshments afterwards … Continue reading

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Funeral Services of John Redmond: March 1919

On March 9 in 1919, three days after he died in London, the remains of one of Wexford’s most famous sons, John Redmond, were brought home to the Model County. News of his death caused great sorrow everywhere and even those who … Continue reading

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Death of Glasnevin historian Shane MacThomais

Colourful tour guide, passionate about preservation of cemetery’s legacy, passed away today Shane MacThomais surveying his beloved Glasnevin Cemetery in 2010. Image: Niall Carson/PA Images archive. SHANE MACTHOMAIS, the high-profile resident historian for Glasnevin Cemetery, and a great friend North … Continue reading

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The Last General Absolution of the Munsters at Rue du Bois by Matania

    The Last General Absolution of the Munsters at Rue du Bois by Matania depicting the regiment on the eve of the Battle of Aubers Ridge in May 1915   Chevalier Fortunino Matania (16 April 1881 – 8 February … Continue reading

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