Upcoming conference on Westmeath historians

Westmeath Archaeological and Historical Society hosts its ninth annual conference on Saturday, March 28, in Mullingar's Greville Arms Hotel. The theme of this year's conference is Westmeath Writers - The Historians who shaped the county's identity.

Historians from all parts of the county are included, and seven speakers with specialist knowledge of their subjects will deliver papers commencing at 9.30am. The south of the county is particularly well represented, with contributions on Billy English (Dr Harman Murtagh), Jerry Sheehan (Dr John Sheehan), Kitty Flynn (Ciara O'Hara) and Vera Hughes (Dr Anne Byrne). Many of these scholars knew each other and shared sources and ideas. Fr Paul Walsh (Dr Nollaig Ó Muraile) and Leo Daly (Ruth Illingworth), dominated the northern shores of the Lake County and their contributions were equally significant.

This conference is timely as the county continues to make steady progress on the heritage front. Westmeath now has several specialist officers curating its heritage, including Martin Fagan who was recently appointed to the archivist post for the county. The conference celebrates the civic-mindedness of the many historians who paved the way for the many resources available to today's practitioners.

It's an all inclusive package which includes lunch, teas/coffees, brochure and admission to all of the lectures for just €40. All welcome.