Report of the Dundalk Seminar on 11 October

Hidden Histories, Joint Seminar 11 October 2014, Dundalk, Co Louth

By Larry Breen

A large audience of sixty or more people were not disappointed with a most interesting, informative, entertaining and enjoyable seminar at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Members from societies representing both the Federation of Local History Societies and the Federation for Ulster Local Studies were treated to excellent presentations covering a wide range of topics by an impressive list of speakers. Professor Brian Walker talked about WW1 in the decade of commemorations, Padraig Yeates on the effects the war had on the people of Dublin, Quincy Dougan on militant anti home rule outside of Ulster in 1914, Dr. Brian Hall on the unique experiences of wartime County Louth and finally Dr Des Marnane on the song “It’s a long way to Tipperary” and its impact on the First World War. The seminar concluded with a rendition of the song by all present. The seminar proved to be another great success for the joint efforts of both federations working together.

Participants settle down for the Seminar

Johnny Dooher, FULS, introducing the Keynote Speaker, Professor Brian Walker	Professor Walker speaks on “WW1 in the Decade of Centenary Commemorations”
Larry Breen, FLHS, introduces Padraig Yeates	Padraig Yeates speaks about “Dublin a City in Wartime”
Quincy Dougan speaks about “Militant Irish Anti-Home Rule Outside Ulster”	Michael Gaynor introducing Dr Donal Hall
Dr Donal Hall on “The unique Experiences of Wartime County Louth”
JJ Woods introducing Dr Des Marnane	Dr Marnane on the song ‘It’s a long Way to Tpperary’ – its impact on the First World War

Dr Walker makes a point in the round-up session