History seminar to include talk from Tipperary historian about 'Revolutionary Women of Tipperary'

A history seminar taking place on May 10 will host three speakers at the event, including Tipperary historian Noreen Higgins McHugh.

This year Knocklong History will host their annual history seminar on Saturday, May 10th, at 10.00 am, in Knocklong Community Centre. The first speaker will commence at 10.30 am, John Crotty will present his research in his book “Spike Island, The Rebels, Residents and Crafty Criminals of Ireland’s Historic Island.” Dr. Noreen Higgins McHugh is the second speaker on her recently published book “Revolutionary Women of Tipperary 1914-1923.”

The third and final speaker is Martin Moore who will present on Revolutionary North Kerry. The seminar will be chaired by Pat Walsh of Knocklong History Group. There will be a Cumann na mBan uniform on display on the day.

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John Crotty

John Crotty is an Irish writer hailing from Cappoquin, County Waterford. A frequent traveller and history hunter, John has travelled over sixty countries seeing many of the world’s wonders. On his return from travelling John managed an Irish wonder, Spike Island, which is the subject of his first book, 'Spike Island - the rebels, residents and crafty criminals of Ireland's historic island'.

Further titles on Irish history are due for upcoming release. On the day John will reveal some new research he has uncovered on a Limerick prisoner from the 1860s, who was Ireland’s premier jailbreaker in the 19th century.

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Noreen Higgins McHugh

Noreen Higgins McHugh is author of “Tipperary’s Tithe War 1830-1838” and “A Guide to Tracking your Tipperary Ancestors”. She has spent many years researching her new book which is the basis of her presentation “Revolutionary Women of Tipperary 1914-1923”, she was inspired by her ancestor Maureen Power a member of Cumann na mBan in Tipperary. The
book tells the story of Cumann na mBan in County Tipperary and part of East Limerick during the revolutionary years. It outlines the activities of the Cumann na mBan during the War of Independence, Truce and Civil War. Noreen also explores the links between the Cumann na mBan and the Irish White Cross and its links in the USA.

The book will be available to purchase on the day. Noreen wanted to highlight the sacrifices of a previous generation of Irish women who fought for the cause of Irish freedom.

Martin Moore

Martin Moore is a Listowel native now living in Tralee. Martin has published on a wide range of history in North Kerry from the Tudors to the War of Independence. He will present from his book “When Freedom’s Sword was Drawn” which examines a ten week period during the War of Independence in North Kerry when six events happened in a ten kilometre radius that were all
linked. Moore has also written “Deeds Not Words” about the Fitzmaurice family in Tudor times in North Kerry, their connection to the Earl of Desmond, an escape from Limerick jail and their involvement in many well known wars. As well as writing books, Moore conducts history tours and engages in historical re-enactments, he will be participating in the Art O’Neill pursuit on May 9th, a run that follows in the footsteps of Red Hugh O’Donnell’s escape from Dublin Castle to safety in Glenmalure, Co. Wicklow.

The Knocklong History Seminar would not be possible without the continued sponsorship of local businesses. We acknowledge the support of Mitchelstown Credit Union, D-Pack, Tigín Honey, Dan Dooley Car Sales and Hinchy’s Car Sales over the years. We welcome a new sponsor aboard this year, The Creamery Bar, Hospital, we wish them continued success coming up to their first year in business. Admission is €10. These are non partisan events and all are welcome to attend. The seminar will commence at 10.00 am and conclude at approximately 13.00. Our speakers will bring War of Independence history to the public and also touch on a wider range of history.