Journal Volume 4 2004

Chairperson's Introduction

Greystones is a rapidly changing and fast developing community. As we move forward it is essential for us to look back and reflect on the past. Only in understanding our heritage can we begin to value our complex modern society. Thus it gives me great pleasure to introduce this journal of the Greystones Archaeological and Historical Society, which presents a number of papers that examine our past.

Of course it is also important to look ahead and plan for the future, and I am delighted to say that we are now on the World Wide Web. You can find us at www.greystones.info. Sincere thanks are due to Frank Deignan for organising this. Information about our Society and articles from past journals are also located on this site.

The Society continues to have monthly lectures. Many of our guest speakers include professional archaeologists and historians such as Christian Corlett, Peter Pearson and Liam Hackett. Several of our speakers are well-informed local historians such as Pat Power, Liam Clare and Jim Scannell, who have a keen interest in their subjects and a wealth of knowledge to share with their audiences.

Some of the highlights of our summer outings and day trips, that explore our heritage, were the guided tour of St Enda’s School, an informative tour of Knowth and The Hill of Tara, and our most recent excursion to Trim Castle followed by a visit to Butterstream gardens.

Our four-day annual Spring trips continue to be a great success. In March 2002 we went to Donegal and in 2003 we travelled to Mayo. The latter event is reported in this journal. Many thanks are due to Aileen Short for her hard work in organising and coordinating these events.

This is the fourth journal that the Society has produced. Thanks to all our contributors for their support and to our committee members for their time and effort.

Geraldine Herrera – Chairperson

Greystones Archaeological & Historical Society