Ireland's Genealogical Gazette (Nov. 2009)
Michael Merrigan
The November 2009 issue of 'Ireland's Genealogical Gazette' the
monthly newsletter of the Genealogical Society of Ireland is available
to view by clicking on the following link:- http://www.docstoc.com/docs/15547176/
Featured in this issue:
+ The Last Chief Herald of Ireland?
+ Honorary Herald Appointed
+ Early Gaelic Sources & Literature (www.fourcourtspress.ie )
+ Population Decline or 'Ethnic Cleansing'?
+ GSI Website & Archival Services
+ A Fitting Tribute
+ James Scannell Reports...
+++ Vanishing Names
+++ Dublin's Viking Wall
+++ National Library Book
+++ Death of Werner Heubeck
+ Sources (launch of http://sources.nli.ie )
+ GSI Lectures & News
+ Presidential Inauguration
+ Annual Review of the Membership Packages
+ Diary Dates
+ Celebrating Nineteen Years (2)
+ Arms & Emblems Register
+ Guild of One-Name Studies
+ GSI Journal
Regards,
Michael Merrigan
General Secretary
Genealogical Society of Ireland
www.familyhistory.ie
Graham Milne
wrote:
> A Chairde,
>
> The November 2009 issue of 'Ireland's Genealogical Gazette' the
> monthly newsletter of the Genealogical Society of Ireland is available
With reference to the article 'The Last Chief Herald of Ireland?, I am
afraid that there are many people in the establishment who wish to see
the end of heraldry in Eire. Being cowards they prefer death by
starvation rather than straightforward murder but there is no doubt
about what they are up to. I predict that they will win - in the short
term - but history has a habit of turning on those who try to destroy
her.
Greg
wrote:
> A Chairde,
>
> The November 2009 issue of 'Ireland's Genealogical Gazette' the
> monthly newsletter of the Genealogical Society of Ireland is available
I found the article "The Last Chief Herald of Ireland?" to be
something of an unfortunate lid being placed on the OCHI. If, as you
have said Michael, Ireland has an old respect for heraldry, it just
doesn't seem right then that the country would have allowed this and
would have done something long ago to protect the office. Arms are
indeed a money making venture for the country / the National Library
and it has a lot to do with Irish pride (I would think) and genealogy.
Scotland is undergoing hard times these days as well . . .
I really hate to see it going this way. Like the article however, I
think that if things keep up, the OCHI will cease to exist.
Michael Merrigan
Greg, a Chara,
The Genealogical Society of Ireland has been endeavouring to highlight
the absolute necessity for legislative reform of the State's delivery
of heraldic services since 2000 and indeed, published the 'heads of a
bill' to achieve such in 2002. This culminated in the publication of
the Genealogy & Heraldry Bill, 2006.
Unfortunately, the 'office' of the Chief Herald of Ireland and certain
vested interests were totally opposed to the Bill and viewed its
proposed structures and regulatory regime as unnecessary. In their
view, and that of their supporters in Ireland and abroard, the status
quo was to be defended irrespective of the difficulties encountered by
the 'office' of the Chief Herald during the last two decades of the
20th century.
One simple aspect of the Bill would have ensured the appointment of a
Deputy Chief Herald to undertake the duties and powers of the Chief
Herald of Ireland in his/her absence or in the current circumstances.
This would have allowed for a continuance of the delivery of heraldic
services and provided heraldry with a secure future as an important
part of the cultural heritage of our Republic.
Currently Senator Alex White's 'National Cultural Institutions
(Amendment) Bill, 2008' is on the Order Paper of Seanad Éireann (Irish
Senate), however, stated government policy on the amalgamation of the
National Library, National Archives and the Irish Manuscript
Commission will allow the Minister to place any resolution of the
'heraldic mess' on the very, very long finger indeed.
It is unfortunate that the very people who sought to defend the status
quo at all costs may have actually achieved just that with the
possible demise of the State's heraldic services. This, no doubt,
gives rise to many questions.
Graham Milne
wrote:
>
> - Show quoted text -
But I notice that the Genealogical Society of Ireland has appointed a
herald and is setting up a register of arms. I think you must step
into the breach. Well done.
Graham Milne
>
> > - Show quoted text -
>
> But I notice that the Genealogical Society of Ireland has appointed a
> herald and is setting up a register of arms. I think you must step
>
> - Show quoted text -
PS Get all the authentic Irish chiefs/nobs to support you and that
will give it sufficient authority. The ancient Irish earls undoubtedly
had the right to grant arms and to create barons and knights. Why not
get it going again? That would be great fun! Who would be best
qualified to do this? Duke of Leinster? Stuff the bolshy plebs in your
parliament I say!
PPS The Countess of Sutherland created a baron not that long ago
(1990s) so if she can do it I am sure some Irish nobs can!