Write a commentNewry and Mourne Museum are holding an event exploring the role of Nationalists during the period 1912–1923, including the First World War. It's on Saturday 18th of April from 2pm to 5pm.
An excellent line-up of speakers has been arranged, including Dr Eamon Phoenix, Dr Dónal McAnallen and Dr Eoin Magennis.
Dr Phoenix, who is head of Lifelong Learning at Stranmillis College, Belfast, will speak about “Northern Nationalism, the Great War and the 1916 Rising”. In particular, he will be looking at the threat of partition from 1914, Redmond, Devlin and recruitment, the Easter Rising and the North, and the rise of Sinn Féin in Ulster, including south Armagh down to 1918.
Until recently the widely documented participation of numerous GAA men in the Irish revolutionary movement of 1913–1921 has led to a general understanding that members of the association had no connection to the First World War. Dr Dónal McAnallen, the Ulster GAA Cultural Education and Outreach Officer, in his talk on “The Ulster GAA and the First World War”, will reveal that dozens of Gaelic players from the province actually joined regiments of the British army and fought in Europe between 1914 and 1918. His talk will explore the peculiar circumstances of the hidden history of these forgotten volunteers.
Finally, Dr Eoin Maginess will speak about the post-war period in a talk entitled “Frank Aiken and the Troubles in South Armagh”. A historian based at InterTradeIreland in Newry, Dr Magennis has a particular interest in the history of County Armagh and is editor of the journal of the Armagh Diocesan History Society, Seanchas Ard Mhacha. His talk will focus on Frank Aiken’s early years and his involvement from his teens in the War of Independence and Civil War between 1918 and 1923. It will touch on events in South Armagh and Aiken’s command of the 4th Northern Division of the IRA from 1920 to 1924.
There is no charge to attend the event but as space is restricted pre-booking is essential. To reserve a place please telephone 028 3031 3173 / 3182.
Newry and Mourne Museum is open to the public seven days a week with admission free of charge. For opening hours, information on events and exhibitions, other services and bookings please phone 028 3031 3178 or visit www.bagenalscastle.com
