Minister for Defence, Mr Tony Killeen, T.D. launched volume 34 of “The Other Clare”, the journal of the Shannon Archaeological and Historical Society on Friday evening.
Since its inception in 1976 the journal has been a repository for hundreds of articles relating to the history, archaeology and folklore of County Clare. The Society currently boasts in excess of 100 members.
The journal launch took place following the Annual General Meeting of the Society at the Oakwood Arms in Shannon.
Minister Killeen said “The Other Clare” has played and continues to play an exceptionally important role in promoting a better understanding and appreciation of County Clare’s cultural heritage.
H explained: “It is now possible to speak of the tradition which the journal has established for itself over the years. It is a tradition that has seen significant contributions on art and art history, manuscripts and folklore, in addition to the mainstream articles on Clare’s archaeology and history. It is a measure of the high esteem with which the journal is held that many academic and professional archaeologists and historians choose to publish the results of their research in The Other Clare.”
“Archaeological research can be said to have been in its infancy in the county during the early days of the journal’s existence. However, the important excavation of Clare’s most recognisable monument: the Poulnabrone Portal Tomb in the mid-eighties with an ensuing article in volume 18 of The Other Clare heralded the beginning of a new era of archaeological excavation and reporting in the county. The last two decades have seen an unprecedented explosion of information due to a combination of individual research projects, government sponsored projects such as the Discovery Programme’s investigation of the prehistoric archaeology of south-east Clare and the upgrading of our road infrastructure and other developments. Much of the results of these investigations have been brought to public awareness through the pages of The Other Clare.
“Clare has always had an abundance of gifted and enthusiastic local historians who have given us valuable insights into many unusual facets of our county’s history. While it is to be regretted that Clare does not have a third level amenity within the county the availability of history and heritage courses in third level institutions in Galway and Limerick ensures that those with an interest can pursue their studies in a structured way. Progress in the availability of on line resources also ensures that historical research is more easily undertaken now than ever before. In this regard the Clare County Library website is rightly regarded as being one of the most comprehensive and excellent websites in the country.
“There is no doubt that the county and the nation is facing and will face many challenges as we try to recover from our current severe economic difficulties. Now, more than ever, it is important that we take stock of all that has gone before. It is through remembering and valuing where and who we have been that we can gather the strength and courage to face the challenges that lie ahead”, Minister Killeen concluded.
Since its inception in 1976 the journal has been a repository for hundreds of articles relating to the history, archaeology and folklore of County Clare. The Society currently boasts in excess of 100 members.
The journal launch took place following the Annual General Meeting of the Society at the Oakwood Arms in Shannon.
Minister Killeen said “The Other Clare” has played and continues to play an exceptionally important role in promoting a better understanding and appreciation of County Clare’s cultural heritage.
H explained: “It is now possible to speak of the tradition which the journal has established for itself over the years. It is a tradition that has seen significant contributions on art and art history, manuscripts and folklore, in addition to the mainstream articles on Clare’s archaeology and history. It is a measure of the high esteem with which the journal is held that many academic and professional archaeologists and historians choose to publish the results of their research in The Other Clare.”
“Archaeological research can be said to have been in its infancy in the county during the early days of the journal’s existence. However, the important excavation of Clare’s most recognisable monument: the Poulnabrone Portal Tomb in the mid-eighties with an ensuing article in volume 18 of The Other Clare heralded the beginning of a new era of archaeological excavation and reporting in the county. The last two decades have seen an unprecedented explosion of information due to a combination of individual research projects, government sponsored projects such as the Discovery Programme’s investigation of the prehistoric archaeology of south-east Clare and the upgrading of our road infrastructure and other developments. Much of the results of these investigations have been brought to public awareness through the pages of The Other Clare.
“Clare has always had an abundance of gifted and enthusiastic local historians who have given us valuable insights into many unusual facets of our county’s history. While it is to be regretted that Clare does not have a third level amenity within the county the availability of history and heritage courses in third level institutions in Galway and Limerick ensures that those with an interest can pursue their studies in a structured way. Progress in the availability of on line resources also ensures that historical research is more easily undertaken now than ever before. In this regard the Clare County Library website is rightly regarded as being one of the most comprehensive and excellent websites in the country.
“There is no doubt that the county and the nation is facing and will face many challenges as we try to recover from our current severe economic difficulties. Now, more than ever, it is important that we take stock of all that has gone before. It is through remembering and valuing where and who we have been that we can gather the strength and courage to face the challenges that lie ahead”, Minister Killeen concluded.
