Oct
31
10:30
Wells and Wellbeing: Holy wells, Healing Reputations and Water Properties
Dr Bruce Misstear Adjunct Professor in Hydrogeology & Fellow Emeritus, TCD
- 📅Thursday, October 31, 2024
- 🕥10:30 - 12:30
- 🏟Bray Golf Club(map)
Although sacred wells and springs occur throughout the world, Ireland is unusual in having so many. Some of these holy wells probably date from pre-Cristian times whereas others are more recent. Many holy wells are still visited regularly, especially on the saint’s day (the patron or pattern day). Beliefs in the healing powers of holy wells are widespread, with pilgrims seeking cures for problems such as eye diseases, warts and rheumatism. Based on his recent research and book, Bruce will talk about the distribution of holy wells across the different landscape settings in Ireland and the beliefs and rituals associated with these wells. He will discuss the chemical make up of the waters and examine whether there are potential links between the water properties and the reputed cures. Bruce will end his talk by highlighting the need to preserve these fascinating cultural features for the benefit of future generations.
Dr Bruce Misstear is a Fellow Emeritus of Trinity College Dublin, where he has taught hydrogeology and environmental engineering for 30 years. He has worked on groundwater projects in UK, Africa, Middle East and Asia, as well as in Ireland. He is the author or co-author of 200 publications, including his recent book “Wells and Wellbeing: The Hydrogeology of Irish Holy Wells” which was published by Geological Survey Ireland in 2023. Bruce is a former Secretary General of the International Association of Hydrogeologists.
Nov
14
10:30
Sarah Purser - Artist and Influencer in 20th Century Ireland
Áine Andrews, Artist
- 📅Thursday, November 14, 2024
- 🕥10:30 - 12:30
- 🏟Bray Golf Club(map)
Nov
28
10:30
Diplomacy and Identity
Former Ambassador Bobby McDonagh
- 📅Thursday, November 28, 2024
- 🕥10:30 - 12:30
- 🏟Bray Golf Club(map)
In this talk to our Bray Heads U3A group, former Irish Ambassador, Bobby McDonagh, will be drawing on his own impressive diplomatic career, to illustrate the ways in which diplomacy and identity are closely interlinked. In particular, he will b e highlighting three principal diplomatic arenas in which he was involved, where identity has played a particularly important role: the European Union; the United Kingdom and its relations with Ireland; and the Northern Ireland peace process.
Bobby was educated at Gonzaga College Dublin and Balliol College Oxford.
During his diplomatic career, he served as Ireland’s Permanent Representative to the European Union, and as Ambassador to the United Kingdom, to Italy and to Malaysia. He also held several senior positions at Department of Foreign Affairs HQ in Dublin, including as Deputy Secretary General. He worked in the cabinets of two European Commissioners and was an official of the European Parliament.
Since retirement in 2018, he qualified as an executive coach at UCD’s Smurfit Business School and subsequently completed the advanced coaching course at the School. He now works as an executive coach and has a growing practice.
He is also a public commentator, including as a regular contributor to the Irish Times, on a wide range of international issues including the European Union and British-Irish relations. He has written extensively about the European Union.
He is married with four daughters and twelve grandchildren.
Jan
09
10:30
Deportation of Women to Australia
Joan Kavanagh
- 📅Thursday, January 9, 2025
- 🕥10:30 - 12:30
Jan
23
10:30
Don Moore
- 📅Thursday, January 23, 2025
- 🕥10:30 - 12:30
Feb
06
10:30
Wicklow Gaol
Carmel Uí Cheallagh retired recently from her post as Senior Executive librarian in the Lexicon Library. She has had adult short stories, poetry and biographical pieces published in numerous publicat
- 📅Thursday, February 6, 2025
- 🕥10:30 - 12:30
Thousands of men, women and children passed through the gates of Wicklow Gaol. Common criminals and and Irish rebels alike endured painful punishment, corrupt gaolers and horrendous conditions. During major events in Irish history, including the 1798 rebellion, the Great Famine and the Civil War many local and national heroes were imprisoned within its walls.
Some prisoners were executed there; others were transported to faraway lands.
One hundred years after its closure, Wicklow Gaol has a history to tell that it is not for the squeamish, so step inside if you dare…..
Feb
20
10:30
The Quakers in Ireland 1624-2024
Dr. John McCormick
- 📅Thursday, February 20, 2025
- 🕥10:30 - 12:30
Apr
17
10:30
Noreen Casey
- 📅Thursday, April 17, 2025
- 🕥10:30 - 12:30
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