Projects & Events

Miriam O'Donovan Lecture

As part of our society’s endeavours to learn more of Dáibhí de Barra, another success, and well attended event was held at the Community Centre, where UCC lecturer Miriam Uí Dhonnabháin, an Irish language scholar and singer whose particular interest is the study and preservation of old manuscripts, gave a fascinating lecture to a captive audience in relation to her studies into two of de Barra’s works; a number of whom where not local. One couple travelled from Limerick, while two descendants of Carrigtwohill, now living in Australia were also in attendance.

Miriam told of how de Barra’s manuscripts are now being studied in universities by Irish language scholars and historians worldwide.

Dáibhí de Barra Prayer Book

The first part of Miriam presentation was the telling of how de Barra’s prayer book was donated to the State Library of Melbourne by Rev John Barry D. D. of Watergrasshill, who was in Melbourne from 1856 to 1863 whose history while here was shrouded in controversy. There is no evidence yet to suggest any relationship, although, it is generally believed very likely.

Dáibhí de Barra account of Tithe Wars battle at Rossmore

Miriam’s next told us of de Barra’s fist hand account of the battle at Rossmore during the Tithe War era.