OLD DUNDALK SOCIETY AGM Secretary Report 2025
Once again, the past year has been a busy one for The Old Dundalk Society the following is a resume of our many activities throughout the past year.
March – Spring Lecture
We held a very interesting lecture, ably presented by Tony Martin in March. Tony brought us through a period from 1929 until the standing down of the FCA in 2005. Some very interesting photos were included which emphasized the important role that the FCA played in support of the Army. Tony served in A Coy 8th Battalion of that period.
April – 2nd Spring Lecture – In conjunction with The County Louth Archaeologial and Historical Society.
Speaker Tommy Burns a renowned historian – in particular around the life and times of St Oliver Plunkett, guided the audience through the history of the Saints life. The Lecture formed part of the historical event focusing on the life and times of St Oliver. covering a period from St. Oliver’s birth in Louhcrew, Co. Meath, becoming a Priest and later the Archbishop of Armagh leading a persecuted Catholic Church and later hanged, drawn and quartered based on false accusations. Tommy has compiled many books and literature on the Saints life to date.
May – Spirit Store – The Dundalk Bay Tragedy of 1936
This lecture was in the Spirit Store a poignant venue for the subject matter titled “The Dundalk Bay Tragedy of 1936” which focused on the very sad event which lost the lives of James Woods and John Lamb two Dundalk harbour pilots and how the local community set up a disaster fund to support the grieving families. The presentation was spearheaded by Frank O’Callaghan with contributions from close family relatives. It was clearly a sad and emotional experience for these relatives which resonated around the packed audience. Various reminiscences were shared after the event alongside the rippling waters of the Quay.
Annual Summer Excursion – June
A highly popular annual event, this year with a full bus on board, the excursion visited the famous Russborough House in Co. Wicklow which included access to the Beit Museum plus visits to Glasnevin Cemetery, Church Of Ireland Collon concluding with dinner in The Valley Inn, Dunleer. Positive comments from members included “a brilliant day,” -“very interesting places of interests” – “lovely meal” – “when is the next one?”
June- Merryweather Fire Engine
This presentation was given by one of our members -Jim Kerley who outlined the history of the “Merryweather” and its journey from fighting fires not only in Dundalk and surrounding areas but assisting other firefighters in faraway locations. The highlight was the presence of the “Merryweather” itself on display at the rear of the Museum where attendees could be captured on the many mobile phones present alongside this historicial mode of transport as well as getting an opportunity to “ring that bell” The society were delighted to have as its guest Michael Fryer representative from N.I.
August – Town Talk – Titled “Law and Order from 1800 to the foundation of the State in 1922”
This event was given by local historian Michael Dowdall a member of our society. Michael gave a very fine talk on the locations of important sites associated with the period from the early 1800’s to 1922. The talk included stop sites which included Crowe St, Anne St, Garda Barracks and finally the finale in Oriel Centre which is housed the Old Dundalk Gaol. This event was held in conjunction with the 2025 Heritage Week Event. A rapturous question and answer session
followed which included very interesting remissness from the attendees. The lecture was followed with some very welcome light refreshments being served.
October – Autumn Lecture – “Getting the Light”
This event was particularly interested as it took place when the evenings were now beginning to close in forming a connection to “getting the light”. The talk was given by Tony Rice who brought a wealth of experience from his professional background with the ESB focused on the early days of electric power in the 1800’s to the early 30’s. It included the highly important phase of the Rural Electrification Scheme which was a major turning point for those living in rural areas. Tony shared some magnificent slides on men climbing on ladders which seemed to be a perilous task so that “getting the light” to rural community was a necessity. Tony presented many lectures in the past using the DKIT facility pertaining to this very subject.
November – 2nd Autumn Lecture – “The Greatest Prison Escape in Irish History” -The Catalpa Rescue.
This presentation was given by a very influential historian both here in Ireland and abroad in particular the U.S.A. The presenter for the evening, Marcus Howard has a wealth of knowledge within historical events connected to Ireland and in this instance captured the imagination of those present with his detailed monologue of the events surrounding this subject. This event was of great interest as it marked 150 years since the mission began.
His presentation captured in graphic detail the events surrounding this historical escape, adding the hardship endured by the prisoners but ending with some surprises that enabled the escape to take place. His presentation was greatly appreciated by a standing ovation from those present after his closing remarks.
November – Fun Quiz
Friday the 4th of November was the final event for the Old Dundalk Society of 2025. Attendees enjoyed an evening of quizzing which helped to widen their knowledge of Dundalk plus their general knowledge if they “didn’t quite get it right”. The quizmaster for the evening was Peter McKevitt who as usual did an excellent job and at times entertaining the quizzers with his witty quips and a bit of singing. There were lots of spots prizes on offer too as well as light refreshments. The society wishes to acknowledges the many spot prizes donated by business as well as personal donations.
St. Patricks Graveyard Project
This is an ongoing project which was launched on the 5th of December 2024 in conjunction with LC.C. Jim Kerley one of our society members has been instrumental in progressing this project going forward. Thousands of hits on the website are reported at our monthly meetings as well as an important assistance to those seeking information on family burials etc.
The Old Dundalk Society Team wish to thank its members and friends and wider public who attended the many events held throughout the year and if you were unable to attend this year then we hope to welcome you to some of our many events planned for 2026.
Marie Flynn,
Honorary Secretary,
Old Dundalk Society
