Delving into the history with The Other Clare

THE latest volume of The Other Clare will be launched on Friday night at the Oakwood Arms.

It’s the 34th volume of the publication, which is published every year by the Shannon Archaeological and Historical Society. The first volume was published in 1976, a year after the foundation of the society. Its initial focus was on exploring the rich archaeological and historical heritage of South Clare, but its terms of reference were quickly expanded to include all of Clare.
Over the years, features of the publication have included cover drawings by Hilary Gilmore, while contributors have touched on many aspects of the county’s history, archaeology and folklore.
Olive Carey is currently serving as chairperson of the society and has been involved with it since 1984, in a variety of roles.
While the society is Shannon-based, she says it also draws members from further afield.
“We would have around 100 to 120 members. There would be people from all over Clare and now we would even have people from Australia and the US. Often they join to get copies of The Other Clare sent to them automatically every year.”
While publishing the journal is one of its main activities, it also holds activities throughout the year.
“We would also have a series of lectures in the winter and outings in the summer, so we would be quite busy as a society. This year we went on outings to Athenry and to the Doorus peninsula in South Galway.”
The society has an annual weekend outing, while lectures are also organised.
“Until last year we would have always had our winter lectures in Shannon but this year we are running them jointly with the Clare Archaeological society and they’re being held in the Museum in Ennis.”
The next one will be held on December 7 in Ennis, she said. “It’s on the theme of boat nausts, which is a neglected aspect of Irish maritime history. It involves taking up boats from the sea and the people who have been coming to speak have been working on an island in Galway Bay, near Kinvara.”
There are also plans for a few lectures after Christmas. “On January 4 there’s a lecture on medieval Clonfert. That’s followed by another one in February on the Knights Templar.”
The AGM of the Shannon Archaeological and Historical society will take place at the Oakwood Arms at 7pm on Friday night. This will be followed by the official launch of Volume 34 of The Other Clare by Minister for Defence Tony Killeen at 8pm, also in the hotel. Anyone interested in joining the society can contact Olive at 085 7107581.