HomeAGM 2008 - Secretary's Report 2005
LAOIS HERITAGE SOCIETY
Cumann Sean Dailiochta Conndae Laoise
Secretary’s Report for 2009
Laois Heritage Society can look back on another very busy and productive year. Thanks to the hard work of its members and through our members work with Laois Heritage Forum, the mission of the Society is being carried out through its involvement in a wide range of heritage related projects.
A vital part of the work of the Society relates to the monitoring and protection of important archaeological, architectural and historical sites, particularly those under threat. Although the element of threat to some sites has been reduced due to the slowdown in the building boom, there is always a need for the public and particularly groups such as ours to be ever vigilant.
Due to the work of groups such as ours there is a growing awareness of the importance of this work because thousands of years of history can be brutally destroyed by the use of modern equipment in a matter of hours and even minutes. It is so important too that the lovely villages and towns of County Laois retain their distinctive character.
Not only is there a growing awareness but also growing support from the general public. This is also reflected in the strengthening of the laws governing the requirements of developers and others to ensure that heritage related aspects of the site and the project are addressed fully before any demolition or construction is sanctioned.
The natural habitat and wildlife are also important aspects of our heritage. Laois Heritage Forum has been engaged for many years in various worthy programmes in this regard. This year the Forum has secured funding, despite the cutbacks, for its Laois Habitats Survey Phase V and for a publication on Wildlife Awareness in Schools. It is also involved, among other things, in creating an archive of oral history and placenames.
This is due in no small measure due to the help and encouragement of Laois Heritage Officer, Catherine Casey. She has been doing a wonderful job since taking up her appointment in the county. We thank her for that and also congratulate her and her husband, Joe, on the arrival of a little daughter, Anna, during the year. Thanks too to her replacement during her leave of Angela McEvoy who has been extremely busy attending Forum matters and is ever helpful to members who share this interest.
Dunamase
It is vital that planned work on Dunamase continues. It is an ongoing programme and an ongoing concern. Value for money in this, as in all heritage projects, is of the essence. The Society appreciate the cooperation between those involved in the work and those in charge who are at all times courteous in welcoming visitors to the site.
Portlaoise Heritage Trail
Portlaoise Heritage Trail is up and running now for more that a year and has added significantly to the positive way in which the towns historic past is viewed by visitors and townspeople alike. There are lovely informative plaques on 26 sites and there is a beautiful information brochure to guide people on the Trail. While many individuals and small groups are to be seen taking an interest in these sites, our President, Michael Parsons, has led numerous walks during the year and we sincerely thank him for that.
We were hoping that progress could be made on providing a similar Heritage Trail for Portarlington. We have managed to get a commitment that Laois Heritage Forum would help us with this project. Unfortunately the funding cutbacks has delayed getting a timeframe in place but this remains an important project on our agenda.
Stradbally Courthouse
The Society members are very pleased that the planned restoration of Stradbally Courthouse has been given the green light. It is great that this historic building is being restored to its former glory. While we are delighted to see that the library and arts activities are to be catered for there, we are hopeful that some space may be found to provide a base for our Society. Our Society performs a very important function in the county, and has done so for over half a century, but we a need a permanent base to enable the Society to function as it should. I would like to thank our Vice-Chairman, James Deegan, for his help in trying to ensure that the space so badly required for a base for our Society will be provided.
Ridge Graveyard
Thanks to the work of Kathleen O’Brien and her team, the old Ridge Graveyard looks really good. This is not an easy task because of the layout of the site. Laois Hire is to be commended for supplying strimmers. Our committee member, Noel Hume, with the help of a few other people, has been busy in recording information on the gravestones there.
While on the subject of graveyards The Society are conscious that work on Old St Peters has not yet begun. A sub-committee was set up to talk to the appropriate bodies involved. It is hoped that 2010 will see a start on ensuring the site is maintained in a fitting and respectful manner with a long term view of easy maintenance.
Bord na Mona Journal
Bord na Mona decided to present our Society with a beautiful Journal caturing the history of the Coolnamona Works over the period of the 60 years of its existence. It is a very important record of the industrial history of the county. The Journal is currently on loan back to Bord na Mona, for the purposes of display in exhibitions they have mounted to record the company’s history at their Dublin HQ and elsewhere.
Lectures
We have had some splendid talks and speakers during the year.
Our distinguished member, P.J. Goode, launched his book on the O’Dempseys, in Mount St Annes, Killenard to a packed house in April. Other events included Dr Kieran O’Conor, NUI, Galway, spoke on “Anglo Norman Earthwork Castles in County Laois; Architect, Richard McLoughlin, spoke on the “Architectural History of Portlaoise”; Dr Micheal O Siochru of TCD spoke on “Cromwell in Ireland”; Mountmellick author Tom Phelan, who is based in New York, spoke about his best-selling book, “The Canal Bridge” and our esteemed PRO, Ronnie Mathews, delighted us with the after dinner presentation following our annual Christmas Dinner in the Heritage Hotel in December.
National Heritage Week in Laois was a week full of wonderful heritage related events throughout the county and Society members were involved in a number of them. Among the events to recall during Heritage Week was the lovely visit we had to Rosenallis. This was hosted by another eminent member, Roy Meredith, who with his wife, Joyce, and family and friends gave us such a wonderfully warm welcome. Roy’s talk on the Friends Burial Ground and on Rosenallis was hugely enlightening and entertaining.
Thanks to all these eminent people for honouring our Society with their presence during the year.
Annual Tour
The annual trip for 2009 took place to the historic city of Armagh. We had a big turnout, as always, and it took in a number of important national sites as well as both cathedrals. Thanks sincerely to Andy McQuillan, for his brilliant role in organising the event.
Congratulations
Congrats to Society member and renowned archaeologist, Martin Doody, on the publication of his book on Ballyhoura Hills, which is a beautiful and academic work of importance and which received high praise by the book critics. Also congrats to Jackie Hyland and Teddy Fennelly for their contributions in the book to celebrate the 125th Anniversary of Laois GAA. There were also some other very interesting and worthwhile works published by people in their own areas. Well done to you all.
Sympathy
To all those members and friends of the Society who suffered bereavements during the year. Sincere condolences.
Thanks
On a personal level I wish to thank our committee and officers for their hard work and help during the year. A special word of appreciation to Chairman, Teddy Fennelly, whose help was invaluable and to Ronnie Mathews, a Trojan worker who helped so much. Thanks also to our President, Michael Parsons, Vice-Chairman, James Deegan, treasurer, Jim Fleming, and Asst. Sec, Andy McQuillan for all their advice and help.
Mary Lalor,
Hon Sec
Officers elected for 2010
The AGM of Laois Heritage Society was held in the Heritage Hotel, Portlaoise on Monday, 1 February, 2010.
The following officers were elected:
President: Michael Parsons
Vice-Presidents: Frank Meehan and Jack Hyland
Chairman: Teddy Fennelly
Vice-Chairman: James Deegan, MCC
Hon Sec: Mary Lalor
Asst Sec: Noel Hume
Treasurer: Jim Fleming
PRO: Ronnie Mathews
Committee: Winifred Cox, Kathleen O'Brien, Dan Connolly, Tom Cox, Sarah Sherlock, Roy Meredith, Michael Dowling, Andrias MacCuilleann, Fr Jack Walsh, Martin Doody, Margot Coogan, Christina Delaney, Canon Sean O'Doherty, Jim Keller, Catriona Foley, Michael Cobbe.
Journal No 5
Laois Heritage Society intend to publish Journal No 5 in 2010. The Chairman of the Journal sub-committee, Jack Hyland, appealed for articles and contributions to be sent in as soon as possible. Material should be original and it is recommended that is should have some relevance to County Laois. Please send material to Mary lalor, Hon Sec., Laois Heritage Society, The Heath, Portlaoise, Co Laois. Phone 057 86 46541. Inclusion in the Journal is at the discretion of the Journal sub-committee.
Cumann Sean Dailiochta Conndae Laoise
Secretary’s Report for 2009
Laois Heritage Society can look back on another very busy and productive year. Thanks to the hard work of its members and through our members work with Laois Heritage Forum, the mission of the Society is being carried out through its involvement in a wide range of heritage related projects.
A vital part of the work of the Society relates to the monitoring and protection of important archaeological, architectural and historical sites, particularly those under threat. Although the element of threat to some sites has been reduced due to the slowdown in the building boom, there is always a need for the public and particularly groups such as ours to be ever vigilant.
Due to the work of groups such as ours there is a growing awareness of the importance of this work because thousands of years of history can be brutally destroyed by the use of modern equipment in a matter of hours and even minutes. It is so important too that the lovely villages and towns of County Laois retain their distinctive character.
Not only is there a growing awareness but also growing support from the general public. This is also reflected in the strengthening of the laws governing the requirements of developers and others to ensure that heritage related aspects of the site and the project are addressed fully before any demolition or construction is sanctioned.
The natural habitat and wildlife are also important aspects of our heritage. Laois Heritage Forum has been engaged for many years in various worthy programmes in this regard. This year the Forum has secured funding, despite the cutbacks, for its Laois Habitats Survey Phase V and for a publication on Wildlife Awareness in Schools. It is also involved, among other things, in creating an archive of oral history and placenames.
This is due in no small measure due to the help and encouragement of Laois Heritage Officer, Catherine Casey. She has been doing a wonderful job since taking up her appointment in the county. We thank her for that and also congratulate her and her husband, Joe, on the arrival of a little daughter, Anna, during the year. Thanks too to her replacement during her leave of Angela McEvoy who has been extremely busy attending Forum matters and is ever helpful to members who share this interest.
Dunamase
It is vital that planned work on Dunamase continues. It is an ongoing programme and an ongoing concern. Value for money in this, as in all heritage projects, is of the essence. The Society appreciate the cooperation between those involved in the work and those in charge who are at all times courteous in welcoming visitors to the site.
Portlaoise Heritage Trail
Portlaoise Heritage Trail is up and running now for more that a year and has added significantly to the positive way in which the towns historic past is viewed by visitors and townspeople alike. There are lovely informative plaques on 26 sites and there is a beautiful information brochure to guide people on the Trail. While many individuals and small groups are to be seen taking an interest in these sites, our President, Michael Parsons, has led numerous walks during the year and we sincerely thank him for that.
We were hoping that progress could be made on providing a similar Heritage Trail for Portarlington. We have managed to get a commitment that Laois Heritage Forum would help us with this project. Unfortunately the funding cutbacks has delayed getting a timeframe in place but this remains an important project on our agenda.
Stradbally Courthouse
The Society members are very pleased that the planned restoration of Stradbally Courthouse has been given the green light. It is great that this historic building is being restored to its former glory. While we are delighted to see that the library and arts activities are to be catered for there, we are hopeful that some space may be found to provide a base for our Society. Our Society performs a very important function in the county, and has done so for over half a century, but we a need a permanent base to enable the Society to function as it should. I would like to thank our Vice-Chairman, James Deegan, for his help in trying to ensure that the space so badly required for a base for our Society will be provided.
Ridge Graveyard
Thanks to the work of Kathleen O’Brien and her team, the old Ridge Graveyard looks really good. This is not an easy task because of the layout of the site. Laois Hire is to be commended for supplying strimmers. Our committee member, Noel Hume, with the help of a few other people, has been busy in recording information on the gravestones there.
While on the subject of graveyards The Society are conscious that work on Old St Peters has not yet begun. A sub-committee was set up to talk to the appropriate bodies involved. It is hoped that 2010 will see a start on ensuring the site is maintained in a fitting and respectful manner with a long term view of easy maintenance.
Bord na Mona Journal
Bord na Mona decided to present our Society with a beautiful Journal caturing the history of the Coolnamona Works over the period of the 60 years of its existence. It is a very important record of the industrial history of the county. The Journal is currently on loan back to Bord na Mona, for the purposes of display in exhibitions they have mounted to record the company’s history at their Dublin HQ and elsewhere.
Lectures
We have had some splendid talks and speakers during the year.
Our distinguished member, P.J. Goode, launched his book on the O’Dempseys, in Mount St Annes, Killenard to a packed house in April. Other events included Dr Kieran O’Conor, NUI, Galway, spoke on “Anglo Norman Earthwork Castles in County Laois; Architect, Richard McLoughlin, spoke on the “Architectural History of Portlaoise”; Dr Micheal O Siochru of TCD spoke on “Cromwell in Ireland”; Mountmellick author Tom Phelan, who is based in New York, spoke about his best-selling book, “The Canal Bridge” and our esteemed PRO, Ronnie Mathews, delighted us with the after dinner presentation following our annual Christmas Dinner in the Heritage Hotel in December.
National Heritage Week in Laois was a week full of wonderful heritage related events throughout the county and Society members were involved in a number of them. Among the events to recall during Heritage Week was the lovely visit we had to Rosenallis. This was hosted by another eminent member, Roy Meredith, who with his wife, Joyce, and family and friends gave us such a wonderfully warm welcome. Roy’s talk on the Friends Burial Ground and on Rosenallis was hugely enlightening and entertaining.
Thanks to all these eminent people for honouring our Society with their presence during the year.
Annual Tour
The annual trip for 2009 took place to the historic city of Armagh. We had a big turnout, as always, and it took in a number of important national sites as well as both cathedrals. Thanks sincerely to Andy McQuillan, for his brilliant role in organising the event.
Congratulations
Congrats to Society member and renowned archaeologist, Martin Doody, on the publication of his book on Ballyhoura Hills, which is a beautiful and academic work of importance and which received high praise by the book critics. Also congrats to Jackie Hyland and Teddy Fennelly for their contributions in the book to celebrate the 125th Anniversary of Laois GAA. There were also some other very interesting and worthwhile works published by people in their own areas. Well done to you all.
Sympathy
To all those members and friends of the Society who suffered bereavements during the year. Sincere condolences.
Thanks
On a personal level I wish to thank our committee and officers for their hard work and help during the year. A special word of appreciation to Chairman, Teddy Fennelly, whose help was invaluable and to Ronnie Mathews, a Trojan worker who helped so much. Thanks also to our President, Michael Parsons, Vice-Chairman, James Deegan, treasurer, Jim Fleming, and Asst. Sec, Andy McQuillan for all their advice and help.
Mary Lalor,
Hon Sec
Officers elected for 2010
The AGM of Laois Heritage Society was held in the Heritage Hotel, Portlaoise on Monday, 1 February, 2010.
The following officers were elected:
President: Michael Parsons
Vice-Presidents: Frank Meehan and Jack Hyland
Chairman: Teddy Fennelly
Vice-Chairman: James Deegan, MCC
Hon Sec: Mary Lalor
Asst Sec: Noel Hume
Treasurer: Jim Fleming
PRO: Ronnie Mathews
Committee: Winifred Cox, Kathleen O'Brien, Dan Connolly, Tom Cox, Sarah Sherlock, Roy Meredith, Michael Dowling, Andrias MacCuilleann, Fr Jack Walsh, Martin Doody, Margot Coogan, Christina Delaney, Canon Sean O'Doherty, Jim Keller, Catriona Foley, Michael Cobbe.
Journal No 5
Laois Heritage Society intend to publish Journal No 5 in 2010. The Chairman of the Journal sub-committee, Jack Hyland, appealed for articles and contributions to be sent in as soon as possible. Material should be original and it is recommended that is should have some relevance to County Laois. Please send material to Mary lalor, Hon Sec., Laois Heritage Society, The Heath, Portlaoise, Co Laois. Phone 057 86 46541. Inclusion in the Journal is at the discretion of the Journal sub-committee.
