Council to host a lecture series ‘Shedding Light on the Past’

As part of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council’s programme to reflect on the centenary of the foundation of Northern Ireland, the Council, in partnership with the Rural Community Network, is organising “Shedding Light on the Past”, a free online series of shared history lectures which will explore the years 1918 – 1922 through a programme of talks delivered by some of Ireland’s most eminent historians and academics.

The free, seven-week programme commences on Tuesday 21 September with a lecture by Dr Eamon Pheonix, on the topic: ‘Ireland Divided: The Birth of Northern Ireland 1918-22’, in conjunction with Northern Ireland Screen.

The remainder of the programme is as follows:

Tuesday 28 September: Professor Diarmaid Ferriter: ‘Sinn Fein and the Ulster Question 1918-22’

Tuesday 5 October 2021: Dr Russell Rees: ‘Edward Carson (1854-1935): Architect of Northern Ireland?’’

Tuesday 12 October 2021: Dr Margaret Ward: ‘Nationalist and Unionist Women and the Birth of Northern Ireland’

Tuesday 19 October 2021: Dr Alan Parkinson: ‘Belfast Violence and Border Troubles 1920-22’

Tuesday 26 October 2021: Dr Sinead McCoole: ‘Sir John and Lady Lavery and the Lavery Collection: A Portrait of Partition’

Tuesday 2 November 2021: Dr Éamon Phoenix: ‘Churchill’s ‘Dreary Steeples 1918-22’:

Speaking about the lecture series, the Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Errol Thompson, said: “The period between 1912 and 1922 featured many important moments in our shared history and it is right that we remember them based on historical accuracy, their impact and consequences, and through mutual understanding and respect in the context of an inclusive and accepting society.

The “ Shedding Light on the Past” series embraces a diverse range of topics, each with their own element of historical significance. I hope to virtually attend as many lectures as possible on this interesting and important period of our history and I would encourage as many people as possible to tune in.”

For further information on the programme or to book a place on any or all of the lectures, please email Good Relations on goodrelations@fermanaghomagh.com

The programme has received financial support from Fermanagh and Omagh District Council’s Good Relations programme assisted by The Executive Office.