On Thursday 27 October 2011 members of Strabane History Society were treated to a most enjoyable evening at the home of Society President Mr. Pat Gillespie. The large crowd were treated to an evening of nostalgic viewing of the collection of unusual bicycles and cars.
The Strabane History Society (SHS) has been involved in a short film looking into the life of one of Ireland’s most notable writers, Brian O’Nolan (aka Flann O’Brien) and his strong connection to Strabane.
Entitled ‘Is it about a bicycle? The story of Brian O’Nolan’, the documentary looks back into the famous author’s life. We find out about who his parents where, what his childhood was like in Strabane and what his life in Dublin was like thereafter. It features Kevin O’Nolan, Flann’s nephew, who shares his memories of his famous uncle and we see locations of where the author lived and frequented such as Jack O’Rourkes Bar in Dublin.
It is presented by Michael Kennedy, Treasurer of SHS, and is directed by Katherine Kirk. The YouTube link of the film is below. It lasts approximately 25 minutes. We hope you enjoy it.
The Strabane History Society will be holding an event on Thursday 29 September 2011 to mark the centenary year of the birth of one of Strabane’s most famous sons, Flann O’Brien. It will be held in the Strabane Community Library from 7.30pm.
It will comprise of a short film by Michael Kennedy and Johnny Dooher of the Strabane History Society will be followed by a presentation featuring news reports and photographs from Strabane and the wider world in the year of Flann O’Brien’s birth.
The admission is free and everyone is welcome.
The Strabane History Society’s event is not the only event planned as there are a whole host of other events celebrating the life and works of Flann. For full programme of events during the week click here to see brochure.
Furthermore, the Ulster History Circle will be unveiling a blue plaque in memory of Flann O’Brien on Saturday 1 October 2011 in the Bowling Green area of Strabane. If you would like to find out more details about this particular event and even about Flann O’ Brien himself check out the Ulster History Circle’s Press release.
We hope to see you there and celebrate with us.
Welcome to the Strabane History Society’s website. We are currently working on the website so please forgive the mess for now. We hope to have a brand new website up and running by Thursday 29 September 2011.
Incidently, the header picture is a painting of the Strabane town scene painted over 100 years ago. Do you notice anything odd about the picture? In particular, the bridge?
Bye for now!
