Historical online talks with Dr Éamon Phoenix to take place in June
16th June 2020
Online talks and presentations, organised by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, with well-known Historian and Broadcaster, Dr Éamon Phoenix, are set to take place later this month.
The first event, ‘Belfast Remembered – From Plantation Town to the United Irishmen and the Industrial Revolution’ will take place on Wednesday 24 June 2020 at 3pm, and will bring people on a unique virtual historical tour of Belfast.
From the ancient fording-point at Béal Feirsde (‘the mouth of the sandbank’) through the entries of the early Plantation settlement of Sir Arthur Chichester to the radical 18th Century town – birthplace of the Irish Volunteers and United Irishmen, this tour will cover the historical development of Belfast, its industrial past, key historical figures and political, economic and cultural developments, all while making its way past historic landmarks and streets.
The second online event, ‘1945 Remembered – The Second World War and its impact on Northern Ireland and the Fermanagh and Omagh District Council area’ will take place on Tuesday 30 June 2020 at 7pm.
This special historical talk will explore the impact of the war on this area, from its politics and government to heavy industry and its role in the Allied war effort
The talk will focus on the unique experience of the Fermanagh and Omagh area including the strategic importance of Castle Archdale; the American base in Omagh; the secret ‘Donegal Corridor’ linking Lough Erne to the Atlantic; the role of Sir Basil Brooke (Fermanagh landlord and Stormont Prime Minister); the internment of veteran Fermanagh Nationalist MP, Cahir Healy and the cross-community relief at the ending of the conflict 75 years ago.
Speaking about the events, the Chairman of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Chris Smyth, said:
“Although it is not possible at present to hold events, talks and presentations in their usual format, these online talks and presentations with renowned historian and broadcaster, Dr. Éamon Phoenix, provide our residents with the opportunity to delve into our shared experiences and history.
The Council is committed to promoting good relations for everyone in the district. Shared history talks like these help to increase our knowledge and understanding of the past and help build mutual respect for each other. I encourage people to register for these online events.”
Both events are part funded by the NI Executive through their ‘Together Building a United Community’ Strategy.
To register for a free place for either event please email pauline.clarke@fermanaghomagh.com or telephone 0300 303 1777. Please note numbers are limited and allocated on a first come, first served basis.