Rathkeale Historical Society

Rathkeale and District Historical Society was founded in 1994 by Patrick Coleman, a local historian. It was one of many such societies that blossomed throughout Ireland in the 1980’s and 1990’s – the product of a very strong revival of interest in the local history of towns and communities around Ireland.

Lectures and talks on topics of local interest are held fortnightly on a Friday night at the Community Arts Centre (over the library.)

Recent topics included:

• The Life and Times of Brendan O Regan (founder of Shannon industrial estate) given by Brian O’ Connell and Cian O Carroll.
• Richard Hayes Nazi Code Breaker (originally from Abbeyfeale) by Marc McMenamin.
• History of the Peoples Bakery in Rathkeale by Joe Binchy.

In January each year, the first talk is always given by local historians. This is a hugely popular night that included:

• Miriam Kelly on Rathkeale Brass Band
• Seamus Lyons on As I Walk Down Rathkeale in the 1950s
• Jim O Riordan on Ms Cooke of Cappagh

Attendance at the meetings is free but if you would like to join and be in included in their mailing list, you may do so for a nominal sum.

The Society Facebook page will keep you up to date about their activities. You can also share your photographs and memories of Rathkeale and the surrounding areas.

© 2019. Page content provided by Anita Hawkes of the Rathkeale and District Historical Society. Edited by David Lamont of the Rathkeale Community Council.