Major History Seminar in Kells to look at new perspectives on Politics and War in Meath 1913 to 1923 – May 31st
The recent launch of the new edition of Oliver Coogan’s groundbreaking Politics and War in Meath 1913-23 serves as an inspiration for a public seminar to be held in Kells on Saturday 31 May next, writes Danny Cusack. Coogan was a native of Navan and teacher at Dunshaughlin Community College. He passed away suddenly in May 2005 but he left us an important legacy in terms of the scholarship relating to this period. His book, originally published in 1983, serves as a touchstone and as a yardstick with which to assess what has been achieved in the thirty years since – and what still remains to be done.
Kathleen McKenna, centre, at work in Cadogan Gardens, London during the 1921 Treaty negotiations
As well as the more traditional themes of the 1914-18 War, the War of Independence and the Civil War, the seminar will consider social and labour issues such as the role of women and conflict between farmers and agricultural labourers. Within the wider context of the national Decade of Commemoration it is intended that this seminar, organised by Meath History Workshop, will make a contribution to furthering our understanding of events and conditions in Meath during these turbulent times.
The keynote speaker will be Dublin-based writer and journalist Pádraig Yeates, author of the definitive history of the 1913 lockout, and something of a general authority on the subsequent decade. Other speakers include Navan-born historian Peter Connell who will revisit some of the major themes of Oliver Coogan’s book and provide an overview of that turbulent decade; Kells-based historian Danny Cusack who will address class and labour issues, highlighting the case of Kilbeg man Thomas Harten, killed as a strike-breaker in Dublin towards the end of the lockout; Summerhill-based teacher Geraldine English who will look at the everyday experience of RIC men and their families during the years 1910-20, and Oldcastle-based community activist Tracey Holsgrove who will consider the neglected role of women in the independence struggle (including, for example, Oldcastle-born Kathleen McKenna who served as private secretary to Arthur Griffith TD during the 1921 Treaty negotiations).
The seminar will conclude with a panel discussion led by RTE Radio personality and Kells resident Myles Dungan.
All are welcome, especially those who may be engaged in their own research in their own locality. It is hoped that the seminar will inspire further such research around the county. Anyone planning to attend the seminar is encouraged to familiarise him/herself with Oliver Coogan’s book which is available for €15 from the Meath County Library and branch libraries.
The venue for the seminar which will run from 2pm to 5.30pm on 31 May is the Kells Peoples Resource Centre (corner of Carrick St and the Moynalty Road). No need to book, just turn up on the day. Entrance is €5 waged and €3 unwaged. Further information from Danny Cusack (085-7396938).