Filed under News …

Land Ownership in Ireland Part 1

The result of decades of land sub-division, as a result of the Act of 1704, and a rapidly increasing population, along with the suppression of the woollen and linen cottage industries which had once flourished, had resulted in the great majority of tenants, especially along the West coast, being left with tiny subsistence landholdings. Continue reading →

The Woman Who Lives Beside Ballymacpeake Mass Rock

The Woman Who Lives Beside Ballymacpeake Mass Rock

by Michael Boyle The Woman Who Live Beside Ballymacpeake Mass Rock There are no half measureswith her. Even in gettinga cupán tae in yer hand.But the full spreadof fancy sandwichesand sweet cake at the table.Oh herself and the girlswill never pour ye outan ordinary a wee Black Bush.You’ll get a fill of the glassand then … Continue reading →

Irish Melbourne on the Kulin lands, 1835-2024

Irish Melbourne on the Kulin lands, 1835-2024

this talk offers six snapshots from the 190 years of the Irish and their descendants who settled in Melbourne on the lands of the Kulin nation. Short overviews are offered of settler and Indigenous histories, followed by stories about Sir Charles Gavan Duffy, my great-grandfather John Noone, Archbishop Daniel Mannix, and Uncle Wayne Atkinson.  Continue reading →

A New History of Irish Showbands

A New History of Irish Showbands

The showband era also witnessed intense competition among bands vying for audience attention and record deals. This competitive environment fueled innovation and creativity, leading to the emergence of new musical styles and trends within the showband scene. Continue reading →