Historian Diarmuid Ferriter will turn his attention to Ireland’s recent past in a talk at the Methodist Hall, Kinsale, on Friday, October 3rd, at 7pm, as part of the town’s Words by Water Literary Festival.
Ferriter, in addition to holding the esteemed position of Professor of Modern History at UCD, is also a regular contributor to print, radio and television media.
Recognised as one of the foremost historians of his generation, Ferriter is set to examine Irish history through the prism of his latest publication.
Entitled The Revelation of Ireland 1995 to 2020, the book deals with many of the challenging episodes of that period, including the peace process, the 2008 economic crash, Ireland’s relationship with the wider world, and the state’s failure to live up to the promise of a republic.
Ferriter suggests that the failure to deliver for all the children of the nation may well have its roots in those who secured Ireland’s independence.
Joining the Dublin-based historian is Belfast-born Peadar Thomson, currently working at the War Crimes Tribunal in The Hague.
Clancy has recently published Lost Gaels: Remembering the Members of the GAA Killed During the Conflict in Ireland.
It is a unique and comprehensive account, recalling the many ordinary lives lost during the Troubles and the subsequent pain suffered by their loved ones, including Clancy’s own family.
Local journalist and Chairperson of Kinsale Cultural and Heritage Society, JJ Hurley, who has been chosen to facilitate the evening’s talk, says he is very much looking forward to it.
“I was thrilled to be asked by the organising committee to facilitate this talk — it’s an honour,” JJ said.
“Both works are very much connected as we examine our recent history and ask the question: what’s important to us?
“Rising house prices, growing discontent among large sections of our society, widening inequality, and the failure to deliver on the promises of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement are all going to be discussed at Friday’s event.”
While the event has been well subscribed, some tickets are still available and can be purchased at www.wordsbywater.ie.
Diarmaid Ferriter historian set for Kinsale Literary Festival