Borrisoleigh Historical Society to host talk on mass eviction of 470 people from parish

In May of last year, Borrisoleigh Historical Society hosted a lecture on the subject of a mass eviction that took place in the Cullohill district of the parish over 170 years ago.

On the morning of July 26, 1850, an array of various agents and agencies of the Crown assembled at Cullohill Cross and before the day concluded, a total of 470 people were evicted from their properties at the behest of landlords, brothers James and John Parker.

The fate of the dispossessed was either death from starvation and disease, the dubious sanctuary of the workhouse or the emigrant ship

The May lecture comprised of a basic account of what happened on that frightful day and the events that led up to it. That particular lecture provoked much debate and curiosity which prompted local man and historian, Jamie Groome to further research the subject.

His study has mostly centred on the aspect of the emigration aftermath of the evictions.

That research has unearthed a wealth of exciting information on some of those families that found new life in a new world, especially Australia.

This Wednesday, January 17, at 8pm in the local Community Centre in Borrisoleigh, Jamie will present on the findings that his in-depth and minute research has uncovered.

The title of his lecture, Borrisoleigh to Ballarat or Boorawa - Eviction, Emigration, Establishment - 1850 to 1860, and promises to be both interesting and informative.

While the spectre of the “Coffin Ship” has endured long and painful in Ireland’s history, little has been researched or written upon the subsequent fate of their misfortunate passengers on leaving from the ports of Ireland.

Jamie has done sterling service to the Borrisoleigh parish and community in reviving to memory the lost and forgotten of that traumatic period, The Great Hunger.

Jamie is at present studying history at University of Limerick and much of what he will present will form the basis for his forthcoming thesis in MA.

Admission: €5.