Four more Irish newspapers join the BritishNewspaperArchive

It's been good to watch the BritishNewspaperArchive adding to its Irish collection this month. There have been a number of gaps filled in the holdings of several individual newspapers (blogposts here and here), a new addition (The Enniscorthy Echo, blogpost here) and in the last few days, another four brand-new additions.

The new titles are:

• Constabulary Gazette, 1897-1922
• Free Press (Wexford), 1905-1912, 1916
• Kerry Evening Star, 1913-1914
• Wexford and Kilkenny Express, 1875-1884, 1886-1896, 1903-1905, 1907

While most of this month's new titles have been local and regional papers, some of which also included items of national news, the Constabulary Gazette stands out as a specialist publication. It was the official organ of the Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC) – Ireland's police force from 1822 to 1922 – and was launched in April 1897.

It was a weekly, published on Saturdays and costing tuppence (2d), and its audience consisted of some 13,000 men who made up Ireland's police force.

Each issue featured news of promotions and transfers, memorials to officers and/or their families, examples of cases involving grey areas of legal jurisdiction, portraits of RIC officers and letters from them, crime fiction short stories and jokes. There was also an educational section that aimed to improve its readers handwriting, and their understanding of English grammar, arithmatic and geography.

As always, Irish additions to the BNA automatically join the Irish Newspaper Collection of FindMyPast, the BNA's sister company.

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Irish Genealogy, History and Heritage events, 30 June - 16 July

Friday 30 June "Spies and Robbers beware!" The execution of civilians suspected of spying by the Anti-Treaty IRA, with Padraig Óg O'Ruairc. 1pm–3.30pm. In-person venue: People’s Museum, Pery Square, Limerick City. Free. Last of the Treaty Discussions Lunchtime Series which accompanies the National Archives touring exhibition on the signing of the Anglo Irish Treaty in 1922. Lecture followed by a Q&A with all previous speakers from this Treaty lecture series, and LCCC Archivist Jacqui Hayes. Tea, coffee and sandwiches will be provided. Need to book.

Friday 30 June: Changing Ireland: Stories from the Collection 1900-2020, with Orlaith Styles and Muiris Wade, curatorial researchers from the National Museum of Ireland's Art & Industry division. This exhibition explores Irish history from 1900 to 2020, and the speakers will offer a behind-the-scenes look at the work needed to launch an exhibition. Free. Need to book. Meet in reception area at NMI, Collins Barracks, Benburb St, Stoneybatter, Dublin 7 at 11:20am.

Saturday 1 July: Virtual Treasury 101 Research Showcase: Into the Past + Back to the Future marking the 101st Anniversary of the Four Courts Blaze. 1:30pm–5pm. Venue: Thomas Davis Lecture Theatre (Room 2043), TCD Arts Bldg, College Green, Dublin 2 (use Nassau Street Gate).
Optional pre-event demonstation: How to use the Virtual Treasury, with Dr Ciarán Wallace. In-person venue: Jonathan Swift Theatre (Room 2041a), Arts Bldg, Trinity College, Dublin 2. Free. Need to book.

Tuesday 4 July: The Irish and the American Civil War, with Darrell Rivers. An online event hosted by the London Irish Centre Lecture Series, marking the 160th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg. 7:30pm. The talk will be recorded and available to watch for two weeks. Tickets €7 / €5 concs. Details.

Tuesday 4 July: Declaration and Dissent: The American Revolutionary War, a celebratory online event marking PRONI's centenary and complementing the current public display at PRONI of the Declaration of Independence. Mark Thompson, curator of the latter, will explore stories behind the Declaration, and PRONI archivist, Brett Irwin, will look at some surprising archives relating to the conflict that can be found in PRONI’s collections. 4pm. Free, but booking required.

Tuesday 4 July: The Fife and Drum Band Tradition: Limerick and Clare, with Dr Derek Mulcahy. A hybrid event hosted by the Kilrush and District Historical Society at 8pm in the Teach Ceoil on Grace Street, Kilrush, Co Clare. KDHS lectures are free to members, EUR5 for non-members, payable on the night only. New members are welcome. The annual membership fee (July-June) is EUR20. Also available online. Details.

Wednesday 5 July: Making Sense of a United Ireland, with Professor Brendan O’Leary exploring and analysing key issues surrounding Irish unity. An in-person event aty IIEA, 8 North Great George's Street, Dublin 1. 1pm to 2pm. Free. Need to book. All welcome.

Saturday 8 July: National Library of Ireland's Reading Rooms and Readers Ticket Office open to in-person visitors from 9:30 to 1pm. Kildare Street, Dublin 2.

Sunday 9 July A New Look at Old Road– a Traveller Pride Event @ National Museum of Ireland - Country Life, Castlebar, Co Mayo. In-person event featuring a preview of a series of recordings from Elders in the Travelling/Mincéirí community, exploring the archives, and a traditional lashul/ flower making workshop. Free. All welcome. 11am to 2pm. Refreshments included. No need to book. Details.

Tuesday 11 July: Dunnes of Brittas, with Kevin Akers. An online talk hosted by the Genealogical Society of Ireland. 8pm. Free. All welcome. For zoom link, email Membership @ familyhistory.ie. Talks will be posted on YouTube asap after the event.

Wednesday 12 July Public holiday in Northern Ireland. All repositories and many businesses closed.

Thursday 13 July Public holiday in Northern Ireland. All repositories and many businesses closed.

Thursday 13 July: Director's Tour of the National Library of Ireland. Meet new Director Dr Audrey Whitty on this in-person tour of the Library, its magnificent Reading Room and more, and explore its links to some of Ireland's greatest writers and thinkers. Venue: NLI, 7/8 Kildare Street, Dublin 2. 6pm to 7pm. Meet in Front Hall. Entry free and no booking required. Details.

Enniscorthy Echo joins BritishNewspaperArchive database

The latest Irish addition to the BritishNewspaperArchive (BNA) is The Echo and North Wexford and General Advertiser, which was published on Wednesdays from offices in Abbey Square in the Wexford town of Enniscorthy from 1902.

So far, only editions published from February 1905 to August 1906 are available to search and view.

Still to join the online holding are the 1916 and 1917 editions. By this time, the paper had become The Echo and South Leinster Advertiser and was being produced in Enniscorthy's Slaney Place.

This title, as all others in the BNA database, also joins the Irish Newspaper Collection of FindMyPast, the BNA's sister company.

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Today's FindMyPast Friday upload is a purely Irish affair

Today's FindMyPast Friday is a bumper three-part package for Irish researchers. For those of us with ancestors on the lower rungs of the social ladder, the most exciting element of the bundle may be the updating and upgrading of FindMyPast's 1911 Irish census. There are also two brand-new collections for those whose family history is sprinkled with posh dudes who had money to protect.

No Results for Glendalough on the NAI site

Ireland: Census 1911
During the transcription phase of the National Archives of Ireland's Census 1911 digitisation project*, the imaged census returns of some individuals were overlooked.

The result was that although the images of their returns are online at the NAI's free genealogy site, their names and other details have not been transcribed and therefore not indexed, leading to great frustration when researchers can't find their ancestors from, say, Vicarstown in County Offaly, despite knowing the exact spot where they were living in 1911.

In this new, updated collection, FindMyPast has transcribed the details of some 5,843 of the 'missing' individuals from the NAI's online images and added them to their database.

For an example, take a look (right) at the 'No Results?' screen returned for a search for a census return from the Glendalough DED.

Then look (below) at the first page of search results for Glendalough in FindMyPast's enhanced collection. Hurrah! A link to the image held on the NAI's site is included with each transcription.

FindMyPast say they have also improved the searchability of their 1911 Census collection, which is now the most complete Irish census record-set available online.

For a list of locations imaged but not transcribed/indexed in the original NAI census project, see John Grenham's 2017 blogpost 'The strange afterlife of the census microfilms'. Whether all of these 'missing' batches appear in FindMyPast's updated collection, I haven't had time to check.

*It went live in August 2009.

Ireland, Genealogical Office Manuscripts, Marriages
This new collection holds records of just over 9,000 marriages (18,000 indexed names) spanning 1732–1800. It includes marriage licences from the Dublin diocese as well as marriage notices that appeared in Exshaw's Magazine and Hibernian Magazine between 1771 and 1800. Such licences and anouncements were usually the preserve of the well-heeled.

The materials were compiled by Irish genealogist Denis O'Callaghan Fisher (1809-1869), and have been transcribed for the first time by Findmypast. While an image of the original record is not included in this online collection, an image of it can be viewed by selecting the 'Original Source' subheading within each transcription.

Ireland, Genealogical Office Manuscripts, Wills
This set of Irish Wills contains some 10,501 rare records compiled by Sir William Betham and Denis O'Callaghan Fisher in the 18th and 19th centuries. They span 1596–1866.

FindMyPast's description: 'Over the course of his life, William Betham transcribed thousands of Prerogative Wills into notebooks. Held in the National Archives of Ireland, they are also available on Findmypast. From these notes, he compiled pedigrees - which is what this fascinating new collection is made up of. 'O'Callaghan Fisher built on Betham's work, transcribing Diocesan wills (mostly from Dublin, Cork, and Cloyne), which were also compiled into pedigrees. We have brought these two men's contributions together into one handy collection, allowing you to explore Irish wills in richer detail than ever before.'

Links to the original records are included with each transcription.

_______________________________

Sample of the first page of 249 results from a search for Glendalough in FindMyPast's enhanced
1911 census collection. You won't find these online anywhere else.

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The Summer edition of Irish Roots Magazine has been published

The Summer edition of Irish Roots magazine has been published, and is, as always, an informative read full of articles about Irish genealogical sources, Irish political and social history, DNA, overcoming brickwalls, and how-to guidance for family historians.

Here's a run-down of the main features in the new issue:

• What’s In A Name? Examining Variants Of Irish Family Surnames
• Local Resources For Tracing Your County Clare Ancestors
• Origins And History Of Many Surnames From County Clare
• Helpful Techniques For Connecting The Dots In Your DNA Research
• Making The Most Of Your Visit To The Public Record Office Of Northern Ireland
• Useful Information On How To Publish Your Family History As A Book
• What’s New? Review - Keep Up To Date With The Latest Irish Genealogy Record Releases
• Australian Irish Connections; Immigrants Lured By Gold To 1850's Victoria, Australia

There are also comments and observations on the Irish genealogical community, news from Irish societies and organisations, letters to the Editor, a selection of current books for your shelves, questions from readers and answers from professional genealogists, and much more.

Irish Roots is published quarterly and is available in print and digital formats, in single issues or on subscription, and in gift packs. To find out more, and to download a sample copy of this new edition, click the cover image.

Ancestry's FindAGrave Index for Ireland passes 1m milestone

The UK & Ireland FindAGrave Index, 1300s-Current has been seeing regular additions over the past nine months. It now holds a total of 17,412,192 entries, an increase of more than 2.7million since last August.

Of these additions, some 101,000 entries relate to burials of individuals who may have been born on the island, died there, or both. All 32 historical counties are represented in the new total number of entries – 1,074,916 – for Ireland.

Total entries for Britain are:

• England: 13,612,154
• Scotland: 1,691,502
• Wales: 476,031

Some of the above content contains affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission if you buy via these links. This does not affect the price you pay as a consumer, but it does contribute to keeping Irish Genealogy News online. See Advertising Disclosure tab above.

Killian Homeplace becomes new IFHF centre for County Longford

The Irish Family History Foundation are delighted to announce that the Killian Homeplace Family History Centre has been appointed as the County Longford centre for the IFHF. The Killian Homeplace, winner of the '2013 All Ireland Pride of Place' award in the Diaspora category, is located in Fermoyle, just outside Lanesborough in County Longford.

Founded in 1998 by Joan Killian Gallagher, the centre is housed in a meticulously restored cottage and is a sustainable tribute dedicated to the memory of her great, great grandmother, Anne Furey Killian, who against all odds, purchased the farm from the Land Commission in 1893. She was 82 years old and had been widowed for over 30 years.

Joan reconnected with Killian cousins in Longford and Roscommon in 1996 when she took her father to the Notre Dame Navy game in Dublin.

This was the beginning of a journey of joy and discovery that Joan hopes to share with those in search of their own family history and place of origin in County Longford.

It is this life changing cultural and educational exchange that is the mission of The Killian Homeplace.

Its team of dedicated researchers and experienced genealogists are looking forward to working with members of the global diaspora as well as the local community in putting together their own County Longford family history and finding their place of origin.

You can see what Longford records are online at Roots Ireland and learn more about the new centre here. The County Longford Centre will be open initially on Friday afternoons from 1pm–4pm and on Saturday mornings from 10am–1pm, in addition to hours by appointment. Opening hours will be extended as demand increases.

Contact details:

Address: The Killian Homeplace, Fermoyle, Lanesborough, Co Longford, N39 RY93.

Website: www.thekillianhomeplace.com

Email: longfordroots @ thekillianhomeplace.com

Phone: + 353 (0) 86 395 2557

New dedicated-GRONI computer terminals installed at PRONI

Excellent news just in from the Public Record Office of Northen Ireland: Replacement computer terminals with dedicated connection to the General Register Office of Northern Ireland have been installed in PRONI's Search Room and are now up and running.

It's been a long wait. The old terminals – installed in 2016 – gave up the ghost sometime in mid-2022, and replacements were expected to be available by the end of the year. Then it went ominously quiet. I stopped pestering PRONI and GRONI some months ago, assuming the replacements were not a priority.

At long last, there are again four terminals fully connected at PRONI's Titanic Boulevard offices in Belfast, making the trip out to Stranmillis, where GRONI has been based for eight years, unnecessary for most genealogists.

Researchers using the database on the Internet are restricted to historical birth, marriage and death records under the 100-75-50-year rule, but access via the GRONI/PRONI computers does not have these restrictions. Records can be searched right up to current registrations.

It is a pay-to-search service and requires users to register with GRONI. You can see exactly what is available here, and scrolling down to the GRONI Public Search Room section.

In view of the long delay in getting the new terminals up and ready, there is likely to be pent-up demand for access in PRONI's Search Room. In response, PRONI is asking that customers limit use during busy times to 20 minutes per person.

Irish genealogy, history and heritage events, 19 June - 2 July

Monday 19 June: Malone House, with Alun Evans. A hybrid event hosted by the North of Ireland Family History Society, Larne Branch. Venue: Larne Museum and Arts Centre, 2 Victoria Road, Larne, BT40 1RN. 7:15pm–8:45pm. All welcome. Details.

Thursday 22 June Charities and charitable acts recorded in the Registry of Deeds. An in-person Culture Club event. Venue: The Registry of Deeds, Henrietta Street, Dublin 1. 12pm. Details.

Thursday 22 June: PRONI 100: Celebrating a Century, a hybrid event to mark the 100th anniversary of the repository's establishment and to celebrate its past, present and future. Host: The Public Record Office of Northern Ireland, Titanic Boulevard, Belfast. The free event will be held at PRONI from 12pm – 1:30pm, but will also be available online. Booking is essential and you can choose either the in-person or online option.

Friday 23 June: People and Places, an in-person exhibition tour. Includes a selection of photos taken 1858-2001 showcasing the breadth of photography in the NLI's collection that relate to the history of cities, villages and townlands across the island, and the people who inhabit them. 11am. Venue: National Photographic Archive, Meeting House Sq. Temple Bar, Dublin 2. Booking.

Friday 23 June: The Anglo-Irish Treaty – public responses (or lack of) of loyalists and unionists in Limerick, with Dr. Brian Hughes. An in-person event. Part of the Treaty Discussions Lunchtime Series which accompanies the National Archives touring exhibition on the signing of the Anglo Irish Treaty in 1922. Venue: Istabraq Hall, Merchants Quay, Limerick City. 1pm–2pm. Free. Details.

Saturday 24 June: National Library of Ireland's Reading Rooms and Readers Ticket Office open to in-person visitors from 9:30 to 1pm. Kildare Street, Dublin 2.

Tuesday 27 June: National Archives of Ireland Reading Room will be closed to the public until 2pm.

Tuesday 27 June: The early censuses of Ireland and their surviving original returns, with Dr Brian Gurrin. An online lecture hosted by the National Archives of Ireland. Free. All welcome but need to book. 6pm.

Tuesday 27 June: Gaining International Recognition - Joining the League of Nations, an in-person event with Conor Moore. Part of the Ireland in 1923 lecture series. Venue: Dublin City Library and Archive, Pearse Street, Dublin 2. Free, and all welcome, but registration required; send email to historians @ dublincitycouncilculturecompany.ie. 6:30pm.

Thursday 29 June: All Dublin City Libraries branches will close from 1pm for staff training.

Friday 30 June "Spies and Robbers beware!" The execution of civilians suspected of spying by the Anti-Treaty IRA, with Padraig Óg O'Ruairc. 1pm–3.30pm. In-person event. Venue: People’s Museum, Pery Square, Limerick City. Free. Last of the Treaty Discussions Lunchtime Series which accompanies the National Archives touring exhibition on the signing of the Anglo Irish Treaty in 1922. Lecture followed by a Q&A with all previous speakers from this Treaty lecture series, and LCCC Archivist Jacqui Hayes. Tea, coffee and sandwiches will be provided. Need to book.

Friday 30 June: Changing Ireland: Stories from the Collection 1900-2020, an in-person event with Orlaith Styles and Muiris Wade, curatorial researchers from the National Museum of Ireland's Art & Industry division. This exhibition explores Irish history from 1900 to 2020, and the speakers will offer a behind-the-scenes look at the work needed to launch an exhibition. Free. Need to book. Meet in reception area at NMI, Collins Barracks, Benburb St, Stoneybatter, Dublin 7 at 11:20am.

Saturday 1 July: Virtual Treasury 101 Research Showcase: Into the Past + Back to the Future – marking the 101st Anniversary of the Four Courts Blaze. 1:30pm–5pm. Venue: Thomas Davis Lecture Theatre (Room 2043), TCD Arts Building, College Green, Dublin 2 (entrance via Nassau Street Gate). Optional pre-event demonstration: How to use the Virtual Treasury, with Dr Ciarán Wallace. In-person venue: Jonathan Swift Theatre (Room 2041a), Arts Building, Trinity College, Dublin 2. Free. Need to book.

Ancestry adds two Northern Irish record-sets from PRONI

Two of the Public Record of Northern Ireland's free-to-access online collections are now accessible via Ancestry as a 'Web' collection. They are the Northern Ireland, Valuation Revision Books, 1864-1933 collection (with both search – by both search and browse options) and the Northern Ireland Freeholders Records collection (a search index with 129,894 entries linked to PRONI's site).

This gives these records, which are currently searchable and viewable in PRONI's ecatalogue, much greater exposure, and should allow an increased number of researchers to gather more information about their Northern Irish ancestors. The Revision Books in Ancestry's collection have also been name-indexed, rather than being searchable only by place, which is an excellent bonus of this latest development. It holds 3,193,180 entries.

Ancestry's 'Web' collection can be searched and viewed for free. You don't need to subscribe or even be registered.

I suspect we'll be seeing some more of PRONI's collection joining the Ancestry database in due course.