Title: ‘This Is Your River’ (Film) Speaker: Dodder Action Group Also a few members of the KHS will speak for one minute on what the Dodder means to them. Time: @ 7:45 PM Location:Iona Pastoral Centre
Screenshot of Duncan Stewart from ‘This Is Your River’ Film by Greenstem Films.Dodder Action Group
The River Dodder is one of Dublin’s great natural treasures – and Dodder Action is the volunteer group stepping up to look after it. From its source in the Wicklow Mountains to its mouth at Grand Canal Dock, the Dodder flows through neighbourhoods like Firhouse, Templeogue, Rathfarnham, Milltown and Ballsbridge, providing a green corridor for walkers, anglers, dog‑lovers, cyclists and wildlife.
Dodder Action brings local residents, community groups and partner organisations together for regular riverbank clean‑ups, conservation projects and “citizen science” monitoring along the entire length of the river. Their volunteers remove litter, support tree‑planting and habitat projects such as Stepping Stone Forests, and promote a cleaner, healthier river for everyone to enjoy.
Capacity is built every year by the Dodder Action committee. In 2017, a Capacity Building partnership was started with Dublin City Council (Local City Authority) supported by Dublin Bay Biosphere and Local Authorities Water & Community Office (LAWCO)
Title: Daniel O’ Connell 1775 – 1847 Speaker: Patrick Geoghegan, Professor of History at Trinity College. Presentation: 40 min. video followed by 10-15 mins. discussion. Time: @ 7:45 PM Location:Iona Pastoral Centre
Dear members, This should be an interesting format so do attend.
Attendance at the last talk was a little down, hence the takings of the evening did not cover the costs. A considerable number of subs have not yet been renewed.
Looking forward to seeing you all. Thanking you, Aoife
Subs: €20 individual, €30 couples. No cheques please. Money in named envelope.
Prof. Patrick Geoghegan – Trinity College Dublin
Professor Patrick Geoghegan is a leading historian at Trinity College Dublin, specializing in eighteenth and nineteenth century Ireland, particularly the Anglo-Irish relationship during this period. He has authored five monographs focusing on key historical figures and events such as the Irish Act of Union, the Robert Emmet rebellion, and Daniel O’Connell’s political and legal career, reshaping views on constitutional nationalism and republicanism. He has been teaching at Trinity since 2001 and is noted for innovative teaching methods, winning the Provost’s Teaching Award in 2009.
He has contributed extensively to public history and outreach, presenting the award-winning “Talking History” on Newstalk radio, which is widely popular in Ireland. He also wrote the text for the multi-award-winning O’Connell exhibition at Glasnevin Cemetery. Beyond teaching, he served as Senior Lecturer/Dean of Undergraduate Studies at Trinity, where he developed new admissions policies and outreach programs, including one to increase students from Northern Ireland.
In 2025, Professor Geoghegan was appointed Director of the Trinity Long Room Hub Arts and Humanities Research Institute, a key position showcasing his leadership in humanities research. He is also a Vice-President of the Irish Legal History Society and the College Historical Society, where he has been commissioned to write a history for its 250th anniversary.
Source: perplexity Ai
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Daniel O’Connell (1775–1847), known as “The Liberator,” was a pivotal Irish political leader and lawyer who championed the rights of Ireland’s Roman Catholic majority in the early 19th century. He is most famous for leading the campaign for Catholic Emancipation, which culminated in 1829 with the right of Catholics to sit in the British Parliament after over a century of exclusion under the Penal Laws. O’Connell founded the Catholic Association in 1823, mobilizing mass grassroots support across Ireland through peaceful, legal means to achieve this emancipation.
Born near Cahersiveen in County Kerry to a Catholic farming family, O’Connell was adopted by a wealthy uncle and educated in France and later in law in England and Ireland. His experiences during the French Revolution shaped his firm commitment to non-violence in political struggle. After the 1801 Act of Union abolished the Irish Parliament, O’Connell sought to repeal this union to restore Irish legislative independence, but despite his efforts and leadership of Irish MPs in Westminster, this goal was not achieved.
O’Connell’s political career included advocating for broader liberal reforms such as the abolition of slavery, rights for Jews and other minorities, penal reform, trade union rights, and secret voting. He was the first Catholic Lord Mayor of Dublin since the late 17th century. Despite setbacks including imprisonment in 1843, his campaign style—mass meetings known as “monster meetings”—influenced political mobilization beyond Ireland.
He died in 1847 in Genoa, Italy. O’Connell remains a complex and highly influential figure in Irish history, hailed for his non-violent activism and political achievements while also facing criticism and internal divisions within his movement in later years. His legacy endures in Irish public life, including the naming of Dublin’s main street, O’Connell Street, in his honour.
Quote from a letter to Isaac Goldsmid dated 11 September 1829, O’Connell wrote:
“To my mind it is an eternal and universal truth that we are responsible to God alone for our religious belief — and that human laws are impious when they attempt to control the exercise of those acts of individual and general devotion which such belief requires.”
He expressed the view that religious belief is a matter solely between an individual and God, and condemned any human laws trying to govern such belief as blasphemous and tyrannical. This quote is part of his advocacy for freedom of conscience and civil rights for Jews, among others. Source: wikiquote
Prof. Patrick Geoghegan Icon Lecture Series – The Little Museum of Dublin
Talk Main Themes & Points
Daniel O’Connell’s Legacy: Geoghegan recounts O’Connell’s pivotal role in Irish history as a champion of Catholic emancipation, civil rights, and peaceful resistance.
Statues and Symbolism: The talk begins with a reflection on the O’Connell statue in Dublin and the challenge of further commemorating his legacy.
Political Achievements: O’Connell was the first Catholic Lord Mayor in almost 150 years (1841), achieved emancipation in the 1820s, and represented multiple constituencies, notably Dublin City.
International Recognition: O’Connell’s support for abolition drew the praise of figures like Frederick Douglass and criticism from American slave owners. He spoke passionately against slavery, earning an international reputation for moral leadership.
Courtroom Bravery: Anecdotes show O’Connell confronting judges and legal adversaries, making himself a symbol of resistance for Irish Catholics repressed under British rule.
Dueling Controversies: Geoghegan discusses how O’Connell was both involved in and criticized for avoiding duels, highlighting his evolving rejection of violence.
Faith & Personal Struggles: O’Connell’s return to Catholic practice, moral wrestling over his actions, and efforts to maintain integrity amid controversies (such as financial quarrels and confrontations with Young Ireland).
Mass Movements & Reforms: His democratization of activism—crowdsourcing through penny subscriptions—and leadership of non-violent “monster meetings” are described as revolutionary for Irish self-determination.
Peaceful Revolution: O’Connell’s decision to cancel potentially violent protests, his subsequent trial and imprisonment, and the mass public support illuminate his commitment to change by peaceful means.
Impact & Reflection: The lecture closes with reflection on the modern reassessment of O’Connell, arguing his civil rights victories laid the foundation for Irish nationhood, and calling for further recognition of his legacy.
Title: The Sick and Indigent Roomkeepers Society Speaker: Felix Larkin. Time: @ 7:45 PM – AGM at 7:30 pm Location:Iona Pastoral Centre
Dear members, The agenda will start at 7.30 p.m. on Wednesday. The A.G.M. is:
Chairperson’s Introduction
Secretary’s report
Treasurer’s report
Proposals for talks this season
Suggestions for summer outing
A.O.B.
Many thanks to all the committee for all their support during the year and a big thank you to the Iona Centre and all the staff there. Thanking you, Aoife
Subs also due at this time,€20 individual, €30 couples. no cheques please money in named envelope
Felix M. Larkin Img. LinkedIn.com
Historian & former public servant Fellow of the Royal Historical Society (FRHistS) Treasurer, Irish Committee of Historical Sciences Former chairman, An Post Philatelic Committee (2016-24) Former academic director, Ivy Day Symposium (2022 & 2024) Former chairman, Sick and Indigent Roomkeepers Society (2012-16) Former academic director, Parnell Summer School (2013-15) Former chairman, Newspaper and Periodical History Forum of Ireland (2010-13)
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SIRKS – The Sick and Indigent Roomkeepers Society
The Sick and Indigent Roomkeepers Society, founded in 1790, is Dublin’s oldest surviving charity and has been providing temporary relief to the destitute poor at their own lodgings for over two centuries Historian Felix M. Larkin, a trustee of the Society, has been instrumental in its recent activities and public outreach. He served as the Society’s chairman from 2012 to 2016 and has continued to contribute as a director, stepping back into the chairman role briefly before handing over to Colette O’Daly Larkin has given lectures on the Society’s history and mission, including the opening Dublin charities & homelessness lecture at Christ Church Cathedral in the Irish capital. The Society, which originally focused on the parish of St Michan and expanded its reach in 1793, operates through four divisions and has historically relied on subscriptions, donations, and charity sermons for funding. Larkin has emphasised the Society’s focus on helping individuals facing temporary hardship, such as those burdened by unpaid utility bills, to prevent long-term cycles of poverty. The Society aims to celebrate its 250th anniversary in 2040, with ongoing efforts to secure its future through public support.
it is with great sadness that we heard of the passing of John Larkin on Wednesday. John was a long time member of the society, a committee member and gave some presentations at Christmas functions. You might remember too his daughter, Hilary speaking to the society.
Go gcumhdaí Dia agus na haingle é.
Information ragarding the funeral arrangements on Tuesday and house visitation are on RIP. Maybe some of you will be able to attend.
Aoife
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dilís.
Reposing at his son’s residence on Monday evening, 22nd September from 5pm – 7pm. Removal on Tuesday morning to St. Colmcille’s Church, Knocklyon arriving for 11am Requiem Mass followed by burial thereafter in Kilmashogue Cemetery.
Peadar Curren grew up in Dalkey and he has had a lifelong interest in the history of the locality. He has lectured extensively on the subject to several local history societies of which he is a member. He observed the archaeological excavations on Dalkey Island in the 1950s and he was a graduate of the Lord Mayor’s Local History course in 2016.
He frequently gives talks and leads discussions on the history and heritage of Marlay Park and its surrounding areas. He has delivered presentations on various aspects of Marlay Park, including its often overlooked features and historical development from a medieval grange to a Regency-era walled demesne, and later its transformation into a public park.
Curran has also explored the connections of notable figures to Marlay House, such as the stained-glass artist Evie Hone, who lived in the Dower House on the estate and established her studio in Marlay House. His presentations often focus on built heritage elements such as entrance gates, bridges with unique keystone motifs, and the history of the La Touche family’s mausoleum.
Awards: honorary doctorate, Trinity College Dublin (1953); honorary member of Royal Hibernian Academy (1955).
Principal works: Armorial windows and Pentecost (Blackrock College Chapel, 1937–41); My Four Green Fields (1939); Saint Brigid (Loughrea Cathedal, 1942); windows for St. Stanislaus College, Tullabeg, County Offaly (1942); windows for Church of the Immaculate Conception, Kingscourt, County Cavan (1947–48); Eton College Chapel, Berkshire, England (1949–52); St. Michael’s Church, Highgate, London (1954).
Background: Evie Hone was descended from a remarkable family of Flemish artists who settled in Britain and Ireland in the 16th and 17th centuries. One of them, Galyon Hone, completed the windows for King’s College in Cambridge. Another of her ancestors was the painter Nathaniel Hone (1718–1784). Nathaniel’s two sons, Horace and John Camillus, were also painters.
In 1937, Hone was received into the Catholic Church at Blackrock College Chapel in Dublin by its president Dr. John Charles McQuaid, who had commissioned windows for the college chapel from Michael Healy. McQuaid subsequently commissioned work from Hone and, when he became archbishop of Dublin in 1940, was an enthusiastic champion of her work.
Evie Hone, became a renowned Irish stained-glass artist, who lived and worked in Marlay Park, specifically in the Dower House located within the park’s courtyard, where she established her studio in Marlay House. She is best known for her work in stained glass, a medium she began exploring in 1933 after initially establishing a reputation as a painter in oils and gouaches. Hone joined An Túr Gloine, a prominent Dublin stained-glass cooperative, and remained there until its dissolution in 1944 following the death of Sarah Purser. After this, she set up her own studio at Marlay Grange, Rathfarnham, where she produced some of her finest works.
Her most celebrated piece is the large east window at Eton College Chapel, Windsor, completed in 1952, which covers 900 square feet and comprises over 40,000 pieces of glass, bringing her international fame. Other significant works include the ‘My Four Green Fields’ window, commissioned by the Irish government for the New York World Fair in 1939, which won first prize in its category. She also created windows for various churches across Ireland, including the Jesuit colleges at Tullabeg, Clongowes Wood, and Rockwell College, as well as the Church of St. Peter and Paul in Athenry.
Hone’s connection to Marlay Park is deeply celebrated, and events are held there to honor her legacy. A talk titled “Evie Hone, Stained Glass Artist of Marlay” was scheduled for 3 June 2025 at Marlay Park House, and another event on 30 April 2025 marked the 70th anniversary of her passing, taking place in the room next to her former studio. She died on 13 March 1955 while on her way to mass in Rathfarnham. Her artistic legacy, bridging modernist painting and stained glass, continues to be recognized, with her works featured in collections across Ireland, the UK and America.
Brendan was principle in Coláiste Éanna and Chairperson of the Board of Loretto High School, Beaufort. He was also heavily involved in a broad range of educational initiatives especially since his retirement including mentoring of newly appointed principles, emphasising excellence in teaching and learning, strategic short and medium term planning. Acting as an examiner for DCU in the role of placement tutor observing and evaluating student teachers in second level schools. Acting as an examiner for the Marino Institute of Education in the role of placement tutor observing and evaluating student teachers in the further education sector. Sitting on the Board of Directors of the Edmund Rice Schools Trust and chairing the Ethos Subcommittee. Sitting on the Safeguarding Committee of the Carmelite Order in Ireland. For more information please link here: Linkedin.com
Brendan is also writer and presenter of The Belly of Beast Podcast (GoLoud) On the 100th anniversary of the death of Michael Collins, this podcast tells the fascinating story of Ned Broy, the double agent who helped Collins change the course of Irish history. The story begins when a Dublin based history teacher named Brendan McCauley learns that he has bought Ned Broy’s original home. This starts a voyage of discovery concerning Broy and his critical involvement in Irish history.
Ned Broy. Image: Wikipedia.org
Eamon “Ned” Broy, born in 1887 and died in 1972, was a significant figure during the Irish War of Independence, acting as a double agent within the Dublin Metropolitan Police (DMP) and providing crucial intelligence to Michael Collins. He joined the DMP in 1911 and worked as a clerk in G Division, the intelligence branch of the DMP, where he copied sensitive files for IRA leader Michael Collins.
On April 7, 1919, Broy smuggled Collins into G Division’s archives in Great Brunswick Street (now Pearse Street), enabling Collins to identify “G-Men,” six of whom would later be killed by the IRA. This operation was less dramatic than depicted in the film “Michael Collins,” where Broy is inaccurately portrayed as having been arrested, tortured, and killed by SIS agents.
Ned Broy 1933. Image: rte.ie
Broy supported the Anglo-Irish Treaty of 1921 and joined the National Army during the Irish Civil War, reaching the rank of colonel. He later became the Garda Commissioner in 1933, a position he held for five years, and established the Auxiliary Special Branch within the Gardaí, nicknamed the “Broy Harriers”.
Clcik to enlarge images.
In recognition of his contributions, a monument was unveiled in his honor in 2016 at his graveside in Coolygagen cemetery, County Offaly.
Left image: Ned Bory’s grave. Middle image; Aine Broy, Ned’s daughter, at unveiling of the monument to her father Eamonn ‘Ned’ Broy in 2016. Right image: The Tri-Colour lowered and marched from Cooleygagen following the Broy memorial event in 2016.
Main bullet points:
Eamon “Ned” Broy: Born in 1887, died in 1972, served as a double agent within the DMP, provided intelligence to Michael Collins, and later became Garda Commissioner.257
Michael Collins: Irish revolutionary leader who received vital intelligence from Broy during the Irish War of Independence.257
Dublin Metropolitan Police (DMP): Police force in Dublin where Broy worked as a clerk in G Division, the intelligence branch, and copied sensitive files for Collins.257
G Division: Intelligence branch of the DMP where Broy worked and provided information to Collins.257
National Army: Military force Broy joined during the Irish Civil War, reaching the rank of colonel.27
Garda Síochána: Irish national police force where Broy served as Commissioner from 1933 to 1938 and established the Auxiliary Special Branch.27
Auxiliary Special Branch: Formed by Broy in 1934 within the Gardaí, nicknamed the “Broy Harriers”.27
Coolygagen Cemetery: Location of Broy’s graveside where a monument was unveiled in his honor in 2016.35
Michael Russell’s “The City of Shadows”: A detective novel where Broy makes an appearance, set partly in Dublin in the 1930s.
Title: Queen Victoria’s Visit to Killarney – August 1861 Speaker: Frank Tracy Time: 7:45pm Location: Iona Pastoral Institute
Via Aoife O’Tierney KPresenter: Frank has presented talks our society previously and produced the book on the Massay Woods some years ago.
Outing: this year’s outing will be on Saturday the 7th June. We hope to visit the Cistercian Monastery, Mount Saint Joseph, Damer House and the old Castle, then visit the Black Mills, which now houses the Celtic Cross from Saint Cronán’s monastery ruins nearby. Evening meal at the Céidin Hotel. More to follow.
————— Editor: limited post due to computer broadband issues. Sent by phone. —————
Title: Cornelius Ryan Speaker: Philip Lecane, Historian. Time: @ 7:45 PM Location:Iona Pastoral Centre
Presenter: Philip Lecane, Historian. This evening Philip takes us on a whirlwind tour of the life and times of Cornelius Ryan, but as Aoife O’Tierney recounts many members may recall Philip giving a ‘great talk’ on the sinking of the RMS Leinster in a previous talk.
Philip Lecane Historian
Philip moved to to Dun Laoghaire, County Dublin (known as Kingstown at the time of the RMS Leinster sinking) in 1984. He first became aware of the sinking when a number of references were made to it at local history society meetings. Surprised that so little was known about the event, he was drawn to research the story. In 2005, his book Torpedoed! The RMS Leinster Disaster was published. In 2003 and 2008 he chaired committees which planned very successful RMS Leinster commemorative events. He worked with Canadian Will Lockhart to create the website http://www.rmsleinster.com. In 2015, his book Beneath a Turkish Sky: The Royal Dublin Fusiliers and the Assault on Gallipoli was published. In 2018, on the centenary of the sinking, his book Women and Children of the RMS Leinster: Restored to History was published. A committee member of the Royal Dublin Fusiliers Association and Foxrock (County Dublin) Local History Club. He has also worked on a biography of Irish First World fighter ace George McElroy.
Cornelius Ryan (5 June 1920 – 23 November 1974) was an Irish journalist and author known mainly for writing popular military history.
Cornelius Ryan
Ryan was the son of a British soldier and an Irish-nationalist mother. His grandfather had been an irascible journalist in Ireland and young Connie soon determined journalism for his own career. Still in his early 20s, he was sent by a London newspaper to cover American G.I.s in Britain. At first he found it difficult, but later admitted that, “Among those brash, irreverent, confident [American] soldiers, I found my spiritual home.” He viewed D-Day from a ship in the invasion fleet.
He became one of the preeminent war correspondents of his time, flying fourteen bombing missions with the Eighth and Ninth US Air Forces and covering the D-Day landings and the advance of General Patton’s Third Army across France and Germany. After the end of hostilities in Europe, he covered the Pacific War.
Below a British Paté news reel of the ‘Longest Day’ – the D-Day landings on June 6th 1944.
After the war, he covered the establishment of Israel. He immigrated to the United States in 1947 to work for Time. He left Time in 1949, served briefly with Newsweek, and joined the Collier’s staff as an associate editor in 1950. During that same year he also married Kathryn Morgan and became a naturalized citizen of the United states. During Ryan’s association with Collier’s, he achieved international recognition for his journalistic reporting of the United States space program and introduced Wernher von Braun to the American public. In 1956, two of his articles, “One Minute to Ditch” and “Five Desperate Hours in Cabin 56″ gained him three national awards for distinguished magazine writing: the Benjamin Franklin award, the Overseas Press Club award, and the University of Illinois award.
He was awarded the Christopher Award for the best book on foreign affairs in 1959 and the Bancarella Prize (Italy) in 1962. Pursuing journalism in the United States after the war, he finally persuaded Reader’s Digest to underwrite his effort to write a book for the 15th anniversary of the Normandy invasion. He flung himself into the work, interviewing not only Americans, Canadians and British, but also French and Germans. He joined the staff of Reader’s Digest immediately following the publication of The Longest Day, continuing his career in journalism while beginning research on his second World War II battle book, The Last Battle, which was published in 1965.
In addition to his classic works He was especially known for his histories of World War II events: The Longest Day: 6 June 1944 D-Day (1959), The Last Battle (1966), and A Bridge Too Far (1974), he is the author of numerous other books, which have appeared throughout the world in nineteen languages. Awarded the Legion of Honor by the French government in 1973, Mr. Ryan was hailed at that time by Malcolm Muggeridge as “perhaps the most brilliant reporter now alive.”
Cornelius Ryan Photo Gallery: click image to enlarge. Click on the (i) Information icon, bottom right of gallery for further information on some images.
Source: Cornelius Ryan Last Battle Promotional Film via mrb6812 on YouTube
He was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1970 at age 54, and he began a program of chemotherapy. Meanwhile, he continued his research and writing on the third of his battle books, A Bridge Too Far. In July of 1973 he was awarded the French Legion of Honor in recognition of his contributions to the fields of journalism and historical writing. The following year A Bridge Too Far was published and he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Literature degree from Ohio University. During the publicity tour for his last book he re-entered the hospital and died of cancer on November 23, 1974.
The notes and tapes he made during his bout with cancer were compiled and edited along with his wife’s diaries and published in 1976 as A Private Battle.
Title: Arthur Griffith and Michael Collins in Contrast Speaker: by Catherine Scuffil and Liz Gillis Time: @ 7:45 PM Location:Iona Pastoral Centre
Catherine Scuffil has an MA in Local History from Maynooth University. She is currently the Historian in Residence for Dublin’s South Central area which includes the historic Liberties and some of the city’s oldest suburbs. Catherine has written a number of local history books and an abridged version of her MA thesis was awarded the Old Dublin Society’s silver medal in 2018. Source: History on Your Doorstep.
Liz Gillis is an author and historian from the Liberties. She has a Diploma in Classical Animation Studies and a Degree in Irish History. Liz currently works as a Researcher for the History Show on RTE Radio and has lectured at Champlain College since 2018. She was a Curatorial Assistant in RTE, specialising in researching the Easter Rising and a tour guide for many years in Kilmainham Gaol. Liz is the author of six books about the Irish Revolution. In 2018 Liz was a recipient of the Lord Mayor’s Award for her contribution to history. Source: Champlain College.
Michael Collins Photo Gallery: click image to enlarge. Click on the (i) Information icon for further information on some images.
Arthur Griffith Photo Gallery: click image to enlarge. Click on the (i) Information icon for further information on some images.
Arthur Joseph Griffith (Irish: Art Seosamh Ó Gríobhtha or Art Ó Gríofa; 31 March 1871 – 12 August 1922) was an Irish writer, newspaper editor and politician who founded the political party Sinn Féin. He led the Irish delegation at the negotiations that produced the 1921 Anglo-Irish Treaty, and served as the president of Dáil Éireann from January 1922 until his death later in August.
Commentary While both men were instrumental in the struggle for Irish independence, their visions for Ireland’s future differed. Griffith’s approach was more moderate and sought to find a compromise with Britain, while Collins was more radical and focused on achieving full independence. Despite their differences, they worked together during the negotiations of the Anglo-Irish Treaty and both died within ten days of each other in 1922, during the Irish Civil War.
Other references: Jock McPeake was the last person to speak with Michael Collins before he was shot during the ambush. Jock was the Vickers machine gunner in the armoured car in which Collins was travelling in and recounts those last moments when it came under fire on “its return journey from Collins’ home in Woodfield near Clonakilty. More details: independent.ie
Sliabh na mBan – The Jewel in the crown. By Bob Webster & Sister Veronica Treacy History of the famous armoured car used by Michael Collins, with further images.
Memorabilia from the 1916 Easter Rising. Photo Gallery: click image to enlarge. Click on the (i) Information icon for further information on some images.
Knocklyon History Society 
