The History Show on KCLR

The History Show S01E01: The Contextualisation of Kilkenny, Ireland, and the World in 1922

KCLR — Mon, 05 Sep 2022 19:11:55 +0100

In this introductory episode of The History Show, we explore the contextualisation of Kilkenny, Ireland, and the world in 1922.

Sinead McCoole, Curator of Mná 100, an online resource that’s part of the National Commemorations Unit speaks about the national and international context in 1922.

Historian Eoin Swithin Walsh tells us about the state of affairs in Kilkenny in 1922.

Ryland House’s Ann Neary explains what people ate in Kilkenny at the time, and how they cooked it.

Oral Historian Adrian Roche outlines some of the marching bands in Kilkenny at the time, and we hear about the major stories from the Kilkenny People in January 1922.

The History Show S01E02: Unearthing Some Lesser-Known and Untold Stories from Kilkenny 100 Years Ago

KCLR — Wed, 07 Sep 2022 09:16:54 +0100

In this episode of The History Show, we unearth some lesser-known and untold stories from Kilkenny 100 years ago.

Historian and author Orla Murphy tells us about the interment of Kilkenny Men in Ballykinlar, following the publication of her brochure and article on the event over the past few months.

Executive Librarian with Kilkenny County Council Declan MacAuley explains the work of Kilkenny Libraries during this Decade of Centenaries.

Damien Brett speaks about his family’s involvement in the Great War and its aftermath.

As we continue our weekly look through the local papers, we’ll be revisiting the Kilkenny People from February 1922.

And in the next part of our Kilkenny in 1922 timeline series with Historian Eoin Swithin Walsh, we hear more about the famous ‘Battle of Kilkenny’.

The History Show S01E03: Kilkenny Military Executions and Irish Peasant Songs

KCLR — Wed, 07 Sep 2022 11:22:17 +0100

In this episode of the History Show, researcher of Kilkenny Military Heritage and former commandment at James Stephens Barracks, Larry Scallan, takes us on a tour of the military prison at the facility, and the very spot in which it is believed that John Murphy and John Phelan were executed.

Also on the programme, filmmaker Kevin Hughes speaks about his upcoming picture ‘Dear Mother’, which depicts the Kilkenny military executions, based on the letter penned by John Murphy to his mother

Also, a look back in time, as we listen to some of the most popular Irish peasant songs of 1922.

The History Show S01E04: Museum Tour at the Kilkenny Facility and the Final Piece of the 1922 Civil War Timeline in Kilkenny

KCLR — Mon, 19 Sep 2022 15:50:47 +0100

Researcher of Kilkenny military heritage and former Commendent at James Stephens Barracks, Larry Scallan, appears again on this week's show; this week he’s bringing us on a tour of the museum at the Kilkenny facility and Historian Eoin Swithin Walsh gives us his third and final piece of the 1922 timeline in Kilkenny, as the Civil War gets underway.

The History Show S01E05: Roles of Women During the Civil War

KCLR — Fri, 23 Sep 2022 10:58:48 +0100

On this week's edition of the History Show, Ann Tierney, the President of Kilkenny Archaeological Society, profiles three women with Kilkenny links that played pivotal roles throughout the decade. Kilkenny theatre artist Ita Morrissey on her community theatre production “The Untold Tales of Freedom”, highlighting the role of women at the time. John outlines some facts, firsts and inventions from around the world, 100 years ago. Finally, for this week’s edition of “It Said in the Papers”, we look back at the Kilkenny People from Saturday May 13th, 1922.

The History Show S01E06: The Significance of Women During Civil War, Military Treasures, and a Look Back on Some Issues 100 Years Ago

KCLR — Wed, 28 Sep 2022 11:41:39 +0100

Kilkenny-based visual artist Carrie Lynam tells us about how she and others in her community are remembering the women that were involved with Cumann na mBan. Ann Tierney, the President of Kilkenny Archaeological Society, is back to tell us more about the Kilkenny women who marched against conscription in 1918.Retired commandant Larry Scallan tells us about some more treasures from the Kilkenny military barracks museum, and a new cinema for Castlecomer is just one of the many pressing issues discussed in the Kilkenny People from June 24th 1922 – we’ll hear more about it and some other important stories from the time during our weekly look back at 'It Said in the Papers'.

The History Show S01E07: We Explore the Villlage of Windgap, the Fashion Trends, and Women in the Time Leading Up to the War of Independence

KCLR — Thu, 06 Oct 2022 15:26:45 +0100

On this episode of 'The History Show', we visit the village of Windgap, on the centenary of its grotto, as we learn more about the many historical elements to the area. Fashion Historian, Blogger and Writer Ruth Griffin, gives us an insight into the fashion trends and clothing in Kilkenny. Historian Eoin Swithin Walsh gives us an overview as to how women participated both in front of, and behind the scenes in the time leading up to the War of Independence, and John reviews a war-time special edition of the Kilkenny People from Wednesday July 5th, 1922.

The History Show S01E08: 'The Burning of Woodstock' Radio Play, Attires Worn to the Dance Halls in Kilkenny, and Windgap's Last Post Office

KCLR — Fri, 14 Oct 2022 14:42:43 +0100

On this week's episode of The History Show, John speaks to Kilkenny-based Writer and Director Gillian Grattan, about the upcoming radio drama 'The Burning of Woodstock' on KCLR. Joseph O' Neill speaks about his uncle John Moran who was accidentally killed at Kilkenny Military Barracks. And fashion writer Ruth Griffin outlines the fashion brands to be seen on Kilkenny's High Street in 1922.

The History Show S01E09: The history of Woodstock House and Gardens, Lady Louisa Tighe, revisiting the burning of Woodstock

KCLR — Wed, 19 Oct 2022 23:00:00 +0100

On this edition of the History Show, John speaks to Inistioge native Eddie Cody about the history of Woodstock House and Gardens. Our resident Historian Eoin Swithin Walsh provides us with the context leading up to the burning of Woodstock in July 1922. We hear more about Lady Louisa Tighe, her passing, and the gifting of Woodstock to Coillte, and, we take a brief listen back to 'The Burning of Woodstock' radio drama that aired on KCLR recently.

The History Show S01E10: The History, Folklore and Legends at Woodstock House and Gardens, Coolbawn Ambush Commemoration, and a Look Back to Our Series

KCLR — Wed, 02 Nov 2022 15:29:39 +0000

On this final episode of The History Show, we hear once again from Eddie Cody from Inistioge, about the history, folklore and legends at Woodstock House and Gardens. Kilkenny Executive Librarian Declan MacAuley speaks about the Coolbawn ambush, and how the heritage office commemorated the event last year. And finally, we listen back to some of the more memorable moments from the past ten episodes, in a series retrospective.

The History Show S02E01: A Look Back at Kilkenny Heritage Week 2023

KCLR — Fri, 22 Sep 2023 08:30:05 +0100

In this first episode of a new season of the History Show, John looks back on a successful Heritage Week 2023 in Kilkenny. He speaks to a number of guests who played various roles in the organisation of the week, including the Heritage Officer at Kilkenny County Council Regina Fitzpatrick, Oral Historian Tomás MacConmara who spoke about Kilkenny's Decade of Centenaries Oral History Project, and PhD student at the UCD School of Archaeology Daniel O'Mahoney, who gave a guided tour of the long lost medieval town of Newtown Jerpoint.

The History Show S02E02: Kilkenny in 1923 Part One, Tullahought's Famine Memorial, Kilkenny's Historic Streetscapes Tour

KCLR — Wed, 27 Sep 2023 19:37:44 +0100

On this edition of the History Show, retired Commandant at James Stephens Barracks Larry Scallan, recounted the guided tour of Kilkenny that he gave as part of Heritage Week 2023, telling the story of Kilkenny 100 years ago. Local historian Eoin Swithin Walsh gave an in-depth guide through the calendar year of 1923 – as the Irish Civil War came to its conclusion, what was happening nationally, and locally in Kilkenny? Richard Walsh, the Secretary of Tullahought Community Development, told listeners about the famine memorial that was recently unveiled in the village, as well as taking a look at the effect that the famine had across county Kilkenny.

The History Show S02E03: Kilkenny's Mass Paths, The General Election of 1923 and Phil Barron's House

KCLR — Wed, 04 Oct 2023 19:47:57 +0100

In this episode of the History Show, John speaks to Pat Reid of the Heritage Council about a scoping project that he's undertaking to identify and map every mass path in Co. Kilkenny. Eoin Swithin Walsh is back for part two of his Kilkenny in 1923 retrospective, focusing mostly on the general election held in August of that year. Finally, Helen Kealy-Dunne, the owner-caretaker of Phil Barron's House in Clogh, Castlecomer, tells us about the history of the house, and its restoration works.

The History Show S02E04: Kilkenny's Tithe War and the Carrickshock Affair, John Fitzgerald's "Invaders", and Phil Barron's House

KCLR — Thu, 12 Oct 2023 08:36:36 +0100

On this episode of KCLR's History Show, history enthusiast and the nephew of the famous Fr Pat Delahunty of Callan, Noel Delahunty speaks about the Tithe War and the Carrickshock Affair of 1831. Author John Fitzgerald tells us about his new novel “Invaders”, which is set in mid-17th Century Cromwellian Ireland, and features Callan and Co Kilkenny in very prominent roles. And finally part two of our chat with Helen-Kealy Dunne, the caretaker-owner of Phil Barron’s House, the coal miner’s thatched cottage once owned by her great-uncle, which is now a popular tourist destination in Clogh, Castlecomer. We hear about how the recent open day at the house went, and how the local community got involved.

The History Show S02E05: A Reflection on the Decade of Centenaries and Kilkenny's Holy Wells

KCLR — Thu, 19 Oct 2023 11:09:33 +0100

In this episode of KCLR's History Show, John chatted to Associate Professor of History at Dublin City University’s School Of History And Geography & member of the National Expert Advisory Group on Centenary Commemorations, Dr. William Murphy, as he reflected on the Decade of Centenaries – the successes, the controversies, and the lessons learned. Also, Senior Archaeologist with Shanarc Archaeology, Grace Fegan, told us all about the study that she and her colleagues are currently undertaking, as they attempt to survey all of the Holy Wells in county Kilkenny.

The History Show S02E06: Filmmaker Kevin Hughes and Irish Sporting Lives

KCLR — Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:18:32 +0100

On this episode of KCLR's History Show, we hear from Kilkenny-based filmmaker Kevin Hughes, who tells us more about his short film “Come Back”, which launches soon, and tells the story of the deaths of three men – each of whom died close to peace time at the end of the Irish Civil War. John also spoke to Historical Researcher & Editorial Assistant with the Dictionary Of Irish Biography Terry Clavin, who told listeners about a book he co-wrote, titled “Irish Sporting Lives”, which profiles some our nation’s most successful sportspeople who have passed on. Terry outlines some of the profiles from the book, including the Ballyragget woman who took American tennis by storm in the 1890’s.

The History Show S02E07: Kilkenny's Haunted Histories and the IRA Siege of the Hugginstown RIC Barracks

KCLR — Thu, 02 Nov 2023 15:07:08 +0000

In this edition of KCLR's History Show, the owner of Kilkenny Haunted Dark Tours, Sharon Kavanagh, gives us an insight into some of the most historic and spooky tales from across the county. In the first of two parts, Sharon will be telling us about the lady in white who haunts Kilkenny Castle, and also about the priest who famously supposedly haunts Rothe House. Local Historian and Chairperson of Gairdin an Gorta Famine Memorial Garden, Willie Barron tells us about the 1920 IRA siege of Hugginstown RIC barracks, which marked the third successful attack on such a barracks of the War of Independence. And finally in Part Two of our spooky chat with Sharon Kavanagh, we’ll learn more about the Kytler Witch Trial, and how it came to pass that the first witch burning in all of Europe, took place in our very own native Kilkenny.

The History Show S02E08: The Restoration of Deerpark Mill, "The Countess", and Thomple Teghàn

KCLR — Mon, 13 Nov 2023 16:09:58 +0000

On Episode 8 of the History Show, we hear about the history and restoration of Deerpark Mill in Mullinavat, Co Kilkenny from the man who carried out the restoration works, John Dunphy. John is a member of the famous Dunphy family, which has seen no less than five generations be at the helm of the mill throughout the years. Also on the show, Writer, Director and Theatre Producer Gillian Grattan, on her latest radio play which will be broadcast here on KCLR in the coming weeks. “The Countess” tells the story of the life and times of Lady Desart, we hear how the play came together, and the research that Gillian undertook in preparation for the piece. And finally, in the first of two parts, Thomastown man Joe Doyle told us about the history of Thomple Teghàn, a historic, medieval graveyard in Grennan. As well as telling us a bit more about its history, Joe also explained the historical significance of the inscriptions written on the nine headstones that remain in the graveyard.

The History Show S02E09: The Restoration of Deerpark Mill Part Two, The Centenary of the 3rd Infantry Battalion, and Inscriptions at Thomple Teghàn Part Two

KCLR — Fri, 17 Nov 2023 08:41:07 +0000

On this, the penultimate episode of Series Two of KCLR's History Show, part two of our chat with Mullinavat man John Dunphy, on the history and restoration of Deerpark Mill. John is a member of the famous Dunphy family, which has seen no less than five generations be at the helm of the mill throughout the years. John tells us more about the project, as well as the open day held there recently. Commandant Retired Larry Scallan tells us about the 100 year centenary of the 3rd Battalion here in Kilkenny. We hear about the significance of the occasion, the highs and the lows of the last 100 years, and the history as to the establishment of the oldest infantry battalion in the state. And finally, part two of our chat with Thomastown man Joe Doyle, as he tells us more about the inscriptions on the gravestones at Thomple Teghàn, a historic, medieval graveyard in Grennan. Joe explains more about what the inscriptions mean, and about their historical context.

The History Show S02E10: Inscriptions at Thomple Teghàn Part Three & Last Voices of the Irish Revolution

KCLR — Sat, 25 Nov 2023 14:41:19 +0000

In this, the final episode of the current season KCLR's History Show, we hear the third and final part of our chat with Thomastown man Joe Doyle, as he concludes his series on the inscriptions on the tombstones at Thomple Teghàn, a historic, medieval graveyard in Grennan, Co Kilkenny. Also, radio documentary-maker Tom Hurley on his new book “The Last Voices of the Irish Revolution”, telling the story of 20 people who lived during the Irish Civil War, and who had lived into the early years of the new millennium. What memories had they, what were their stories, and how did they reflect on those turbulent times?