LECTURES

We are pleased to present lectures from leading academics in the field of Irish history and Gaelic heritage and culture. Included is our series of ‘In Conversation Series’ discussions, where we relax in the manner of a fireside chat and explore more deeply the the knowledge and expertise built over many years of research by our special guest speakers and friends, contributing to greater and wider understanding of the cultural significance of the accredited Irish clans and historic families of Clans of Ireland – Finte na hÉireann.

LECTURE SERIES

Cultural Summit 2024

Risteárd Ua Cróinín – Archaeologist and Conservation Officer (Rt’d)

The Restoration of Historic Buildings with Practical Actions and Common Sense

A presentation by Risteárd Ua Cróinín, Archaeologist and Conservation Officer (Clare County Council ret.) of case studies and techniques in historic preservation. This lecture focuses on the Dysert O’Dea Castle and Archaeology Centre – Caisleán Uí Dheá near Corofin, County Clare with which Mr Cróinín was involved during the 1980s. The castle website is https://dysertcastle.ie/

Risteárd takes part in our ‘In Conversation Series’ which followed this presentation and can be viewed below and explores the challenges and opportunities in conserving and restoring historic properties.

Cultural Summit 2024

Dr. Joe Mannion

Part 1, Anglicizing Tudor Connacht, The expansion of English rule in the lordships of Clanrickard and Hy Many

Preview and presentation of Dr. Mannion’s acclaimed book “Anglicizing Tudor Connacht, The expansion of English rule in the lordships of Clanrickard and Hy Many” Dr Joseph Mannion is Chairperson of The Mannion Clan Association and an Historian. Dr. Mannion is also the former Chair / Cathaoirleach of Clans of Ireland – Finte na hÉireann. The book is available through Four Courts Press and in bookshops. https://www.fourcourtspress.ie/books/…

Cultural Summit 2024

Dr. Joe Mannion

Part 2, Q&A Session – Anglicizing Tudor Connacht, The expansion of English rule in the lordships of Clanrickard and Hy Many

Dr Joe Mannion, Chairperson of The Mannion Clan Association, discusses his newly published book “Anglicizing Tudor Connacht, The expansion of English rule in the lordships of Clanrickard and Hy Many” and in this Part 2 video answers questions following his Clans of Ireland Cultural Summit presentation in April of 2024. The book is available through Four Courts Press and at bookshops https://www.fourcourtspress.ie/books/…

Cultural Summit 2024

Dr. Rachel Moss, TCD

Building Gaelic Ireland in the Late Middle Ages

In this lecture Dr Rachel Moss, Architectural Historian at Trinity College Dublin explores the social hierarchy of Gaelic Ireland. Dr. Moss is an Irish art historian and professor specialising in medieval art, with a particular interest in Insular art, medieval Irish Gospel books and monastic history. She is the current head of the Department of the History of Art at Trinity College Dublin, where she became a fellow in 2022. Moss has written extensively on the sources and iconography of medieval Irish art, its materials, methods and political and cultural settings.

Following the lecture, Dr. Moss joined Luke McInerney for our In Conversation Series where the themes from her presentation are explored in more detail. The recording can be viewed below.

Dr Moss’ profile at TCD can be found here: https://www.tcd.ie/research/profiles/…

Cultural Summit 2023

Malissa Shiels

No Mean Diplomat

Malissa Shiels, winner of the 2022 Chiefs and Clans essay competition, presents on her winning composition, “No mean diplomat the gift exchange practices of Shane O’Neill, a Renaissance Gaelic lord”. Following her presentation Malissa joins Clans of Ireland Vice-Chair Luke McInerney for a conversation and questions on the subject.

Cultural Summit 2023

Dr. Simon Egan

Kerns, Galloglass and Caterans

Dr. Simon Egan, Lecturer at the School of History, Anthropology, Philosophy and Politics, Queen’s University Belfast presents ‘Kerns, Galloglass, Caterans: Warfare in the Late-Medieval Gaelic World. Dr. Egan explores the background of the importance of warrior elites in Gaelic Ireland and Scotland and how they influenced the balance of power in this often turbulent age. The lecture is followed by a discussion with Luke McInerney, vIce-Chair of Clans of Ireland.

Cultural Summit 2023

Dr. James O’Neill

A Miserable and Beggarly War

Dr James O’Neill is an archaeologist, author and a graduate of the Queens University Belfast History Department. His important book, ‘The Nine Years War, 1593–1603; O’Neill, Mountjoy and the military revolution’, published by Four Courts Press in 2017, has revised the account and understanding of the Nine Years War and an important reassessment of the military dimensions of that War, as positioned in the wider context of European political and military history.

In this presentation and discussion Dr. O’Neill dispels the myths of Tyrone’s rebellion.

IN CONVERSATION SERIES

Cultural Summit 2024

Risteárd Ua Cróinín in conversation with Luke McInerney (Director, Clans of Ireland – Finte na hÉireann

The Conservation of Historic Buildings – Case Studies and Techniques.

In this discussion Clans of Ireland – Finte na hÉireann Board member Luke McInerney explores the challenges and opportunities in conserving and restoring historic properties with renowned Archaeologist and Conservation Officer (Clare County Council ret.) Risteárd Ua Cróinín.

This discussion looks at case studies and techniques in historic preservation. Particular focus is given to the Dysert O’Dea Castle and Archaeology Centre – Caisleán Uí Dheá near Corofin County Clare with which Mr Cróinín was involved.

Cultural Summit 2024

Dr. Rachel Moss in conversation with Luke McInerney (Director, Clans of Ireland – Finte na hÉireann

Building Gaelic Ireland in the Late Middle Ages

In this discussion Clans of Ireland – Finte na hÉireann Board member Luke McInerney explores deeply the themes of Dr. Moss’s lecture including the social differences amongst the Gaelic ruling elite.

Rachel Moss is an Irish art historian and professor specialising in medieval art, with a particular interest in Insular art, medieval Irish Gospel books and monastic history. She is the current head of the Department of the History of Art at Trinity College Dublin, where she became a fellow in 2022. Moss has written extensively on the sources and iconography of medieval Irish art, its materials, methods and political and cultural settings.

October 2023

John Minahane in conversation with Luke McInerney (Director, Clans of Ireland – Finte na hÉireann

The Irish Tradition

In this discussion Clans of Ireland – Finte na hÉireann Board member Luke McInerney is joined by writer and translator John Minahane.

Minahane gives a wide ranging overview of the what has been termed ‘the Irish tradition’. The conversation encompasses the cultural and literary achievements of the Irish since the 6th century. The assimilation of Latin learning of the church, introduced to Ireland in the 5th century, along with the native Irish tradition is discussed, especially in relation to the relationship between poets and churchmen. The activities of the learned class in Ireland is discussed (poets – the filidh; the historians – seanchaidhthe) and how the art of poetry and its practitioners changed over the course of the medieval period.

Cultural Summit 2023

Mike Fitzpatrick in conversation with Michael O’Crowley (Director, Clans of Ireland – Finte na hÉireann

The transformation of a surname association into multiple clan organisations

In this discussion Clans of Ireland – Finte na hÉireann Board member Michael O’Crowley is joined by Mike Fitzpatrick to discuss the move from a surname association into territorially distinctive multiple Irish clan organisation.

The discussion includes an examination of the methods used to conduct historical and genealogical research to identify where a name originates and how the name is associated with a particular territory.

November 2021

Part 1 – Launch of the Clans of Ireland – Finte na hÉireann and Standing Council of Irish Chiefs and Chieftains Anthology

Luke McInerney (Director, Clans of Ireland – Finte na hÉireann) in conversation with Anthology contributors

Friday 19th November 2021 saw the launch of the anthology entitled, ”Gaelic Ireland (c.600-c.1700) Lordship, saints and learning”, (Wordwell Books), editors Luke McInerney and Dr Katharine Simms. The launch was hosted by the Clans of Ireland Cathaoirleach, Gearóid Ó Ceallaigh, and Luke McInerney, Vice-Chair of the Clans of Ireland. This opening video (Part One) features addresses by these Board Members, and an excellent fireside discussion with some of the anthology contributors. The anthology is available to order here: https://wordwellbooks.com/Clans

November 2021

Part 2 – Launch of the Clans of Ireland – Finte na hÉireann and Standing Council of Irish Chiefs and Chieftains Anthology

Aspects of Gaelic castles and tower houses in late-medieval Ireland by Martin Breen

Part Two of the launch of the anthology ”Gaelic Ireland (c.600-c.1700) Lordship, saints and learning” (Wordwell Books), editors Luke McInerney and Dr Katharine Simms. The launch took place on Friday 19th December 2021 and was hosted by Gearóid Ó Ceallaigh, Chair of the Clans of Ireland, and Luke McInerney, Vice-Chair of the Clans of Ireland. The anthology is available to order here: https://wordwellbooks.com/Clans

This video (Part Two) features a wonderful and informative presentation by our guest speaker Martin Breen.