Granard Area Historical Society

05/06/2026

Do you want to be on the right side of history!

09/05/2026

This is a great photo taken in Barrack Street back in the day. The man in the picture is understood to be Patsy Lynch and the photo was shared thanks to Tom Donnelly.

08/05/2026

For those that may be interested in this lecture, enjoy.

https://www.facebook.com/share/1dJLH2Q4TQ/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Our next lecture will take place on Tuesday, 26 May, when Mr John Sheehan will speak about 'Lough Kinale's Viking Age Silver Hoard: Co. Longford's only Viking hoard'. The hoard was discovered in the 1980s on Ballywillin crannóg in Lough Kinale, a lake that also produced an important early medieval book-shrine and chalice. Each of these finds formed part of a spectacular exhibition held in the National Museum of Ireland in 2025. The hoard featured over thirty pieces of hack-silver, deliberately cut up ornaments and ingots, and dates to the 10th century.

John Sheehan recently retired from lecturing in archaeology in UCC. He is an expert in early medieval Ireland and the Viking age.

The lecture will be at 8pm in Teallach Íosa, St Mel's Road, Longford.

07/05/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1B4hN77SP4/?mibextid=wwXIfr

THE LONGFORD-WESTMEATH LIST

Yesterday, I shared an image and the transcriptions listing the prisoners tried in South Tipperary in 1798. Here is the list from from counties Longford and Westmeath, in which Brigadier-General Charles Barnett was the officer-commanding of that district.

Francis Hoey - Resident of Newtownforbes, Co.Longford. 30 years of age. Had been sentenced to death after the Battle of Ballinamuck, having been a corporal who deserted the Longford Militia, presumably after the Battle of Castlebar, and joined the Franco-Irish forces. His sentence of death was remitted by Lord Cornwallis to military service abroad for life. Sent to New Geneva internment camp from Mullingar on 22 November, 1798.

James Lyons - Resident of Longford Town. 25 years of age. A Longford Militia deserter. Consented voluntarily to military service abroad for life to prevent a trial condemning him for having joined the Franco-Irish army. Sent to New Geneva internment camp from Mullingar on 22 November, 1798.

Thomas Wood - Resident of “Arthstock” Co. Westmeath. 25 years of age. No crime highlighted, however he consented voluntarily to military service abroad for life to prevent a trial condemning him. Sent to New Geneva internment camp from Mullingar on 22 November, 1798.

William Welsh - Resident of Bunbrusna, Co. Westmeath. 24 years of age. No crime highlighted, however he consented voluntarily to military service abroad for life to prevent a trial condemning him. Sent to New Geneva internment camp from Mullingar on 22 November, 1798.

Source: NAI-CSO-RP-620/3/28/20
Transcribed by: Colum Ó Ruairc

30/04/2026

22/04/2026

I was asked by Eugene to put this up on our facebooks page as his dad, Jim (RIP), knew a lot of people from Granard as he owned a farm in Rinroe, where he was from.

“Absolutely devastated about the passing to his eternal reward of my wonderful dad (Jim Masterson - who owned a farm at Rinroe, where his father Thomas grew up with his family). Our family are naturally heartbroken, but are truly grateful for the kind messages and support from relatives, neighbours, colleagues and friends. My dad lived a fulfilled and honourable life to the great age of 88. We almost lost him twice, in 1990 and two years ago, on both occasions he was given the last rites. We have been lucky to have him in our lives not only since, but each and every day. We sadly lost him this time around, but are comforted knowing he is at peace. He was devoted to my darling mum, who he was married to for nearly 62 years, and proud of the achievements of his children and grandchildren. His many illnesses in recent years were a struggle for him, but he was brave and dignified in dealing with them, and always kept his lovely sense of humour. He was a gentleman who always went out of his way to help others. God bless Dad
🙏😢💔

The death has occurred of James (Jim/ Shem) Masterson of Swords, Dublin Ireland, on 17/04/2026. You can view the full death notice and add your condolences here.

22/04/2026

This is a message from Gemma Hanly, with family connections in Granard.

“Hi , I'm wondering if this group can help me , I'm looking for any information on the smaller guy in the photo below, his name was Patrick Connelly he lived with the Strong family. I’m just wondering if anyone knows what happened to him? The other man is Patrick Tynan and the photo is understood to have been taken at Tynan’s house near where the Ulster Bank was. Patrick Connelly was a boarder with the Strong family on new road. I’m not sure when the photo was taken, possibly 1940s.”

19/04/2026

For those interested you can now access the newly released digital version of Census 1926. If you choose to have a look at this I hope you enjoy looking up who lives in you locality 100 years ago. The link is as follows;

The 1926 Census is being released in carefully planned phases to ensure accuracy and ease of use. Here’s what you can access today and what’s coming next.

13/03/2026

08/03/2026

Eat The Peach
(July 2025)
Filmed in 1985, released in 1986 the film "Eat the peach" tells the story of Connie Kiernan and Michael Donoghue who built their own wall in County Longford in Ireland. Riding in the film for actor Stephen Brennen was Charles Winter who retained the bike after filming and used it himself until recently as his own wall bike. I got to ride it in 2011 and 2012 and now it is in my garage for a bit of restoration, particularly to the engine. The bike is a 1981 CG125.

(November 2025)
The Honda CG125 is now restored in time for a 40th anniversary celebration of the film's release in March.

(March 2026)
My local arts centre, The Phoenix in Bordon, Hampshire is planning an exhibition of the bike and all the ephemera I have collected and will be showing the film most likely on Friday March 13th.

Information & Photos supplied by Alan Mercer.
Thank you Alan. 😊