THE Dromore Diocesan Historical Society convened in the Parish Centre Newry for its AGM and an interesting lecture on "Newry Voices 1910-1914" given by Mr Martin Goss.
Secretary Frank McCorry gave a comprehensive account of the year’s activities: lectures by Sr Evelyn Kenny on the Irish Christian Brothers, Mr Harry Murray on Clergy of Shankill Parish, Lurgan, Dr Cormac Bourke on Irish Hand Bells and outings to Tull
ylish led by Plunket Campbell, to Drumbanagher led by John Campbell and to Struell Wells led by Finbar McCormick. In addition the annual St Patrick’s Night celebrations, organised by V. Rev. Dean Davies proved very successful, attracting over 40 members and guests.
The Society’s Journal published in December 2007 had proven popular and plans are in hand for the next issue in Autumn 2009. The programme of events for 2008-9 is almost complete and full details will be available shortly.
The financial status of the society was reported by the treasurer Dean Anthony Davies as “very healthy”.
Mrs Marie Cullen presided for the election of officers with Sr Evelyn again returned as Chairman, Kieran Clendenning as Vice Chair and Journal Editor, Frank McCorry as Secretary and Dean Anthony Davies as Treasurer.
The lecture which followed looked at events of the Home Rule Crisis period in Newry. Martin Goss drew extensively on research in the newspapers of the period with the Newry Reporter and the now-defunct Frontier Sentinel providing much of the information. In a talk illustrated by over 30 slides.
Fr Andrew McMahon proposed the vote of thanks for an enjoyable and memorable lecture which the attendance of around 50 members and guests had greatly appreciated.
The full article contains 283 words and appears in Lurgan Mail newspaper.
