“Activism, assassinations, cricket and labour”- Laois library will hold variety of historical talks

Portlaoise Library are commencing their summer series of historical talks this July.

The talks, all pertaining to local history in Laois, will take place every Wednesday evening at 7pm.

Library staff have expressed their delight at this years line-up, and look forward to seeing you there.

Wednesday July 3-  ‘The Story of Cricket in Laois from 1833 to 2023’ with James Bennett.

The first talk is by Laois native and cricket enthusiast James Bennett and is a talk based on James Bennett’s recent publication of the same title. 

The talk will describe and analyse the evolution of cricket from its elitist origins to its present status as an inclusive sport in Laois, examining the links between cricket and the social, political and cultural history of the county.

Wednesday July 10- “Women’s Activism in Laois from 1914 to 1923” with Regina Dunne.

Regina will provide an overview of the various women’s groups in Laois who were actively supporting their local community, their country and their fathers, husbands, brothers and neighbours who fought in the Great War.

Her current research focuses on the United Irishwomen and their activities. In addition, she showcases some of the Bureau of Military History records to show an overall image of women’s history in Laois during this period.

Wednesday July 24- ‘Kevin O’Higgins, his Friends and Enemies’ with Arthur Matthews.

Well known author and actor Arthur Mathews will give a talk based on the speaker’s latest publication of the same title.

A native of Stradbally, Kevin O’Higgins was prominent in the War of Independence, but would later be associated with the passing of the Army Emergency Powers Resolution, which authorised internment, military courts, and executions as legal instruments for the national army.

Admired by some for his achievements in law and order, he was so hated by others that he was assassinated in 1927.

Wednesday July 31-‘Land and Labour in Laois from 1904 to 1924’ with Terry Dunne.

This talk will look at labour and agrarian protest in Laois in the years just before and during the First World War and the Irish Revolution.

Terry Dunne is co-editor of a new collection of essays published with Four Courts Press, entitled Spirit of Revolution: Ireland from Below, 1917-1923. He has researched and written on a wide variety of Laois related historical topics.