One of the “foremost historical society’s in Ireland” is set to launch a very special commemorative 40 year anniversary event with the release of a silver medal designed by their Vice President and a special historical talk in a sacred Co Tyrone graveyard.
The O’Neill Country Historical Society, who are hosting the event, were formed back in 1985.
Its main aim is to research, record and publish the history of that area along the valley of the River Blackwater which straddles the border between counties Armagh and Tyrone.
It promotes knowledge and understanding of this area’s heritage and folklore through publications, lectures and seminars and interacts with other local historical groups and bodies with a view to promoting interest in our history.
Since its formation, the society has “awakened a new interest in historical study and has brought together people of different traditions and backgrounds to interpret, understand and mutually appreciate our diverse past”.
Now, to mark their 40th anniversary, current honorary Vice Chairman, Rev John Batchelor has designed a beautiful silver medal consisting of seven local historical images.
The face of the medal depicts Arthur Ó’Néill, the blind harper; a Holy Cross from the 8th or 9th century that sits within Old Eglish graveyard; General Eoghan Ruadh Ó’Néill; Benburb castle from 1834; Hugh Ó’Néill, Aodh Mór Ó’Néill and The Great Ó’Néill and the Ó’Néill crest.
The medal will be launched at the sacred Old Eglish graveyard in Tullysaran on Saturday September 24 where one and all will be greeted and treated to a talk on the significance of the medal and history of the church and graveyard.
Rev John Batchelor – of Dungannon – will lead the talk at 12 noon and will thereafter welcome attendees to a light lunch in Benburb at 1pm.
Medals can be purchased on the day for the price of £10, from Old Eglish (Tullysarran) or afterwards in Benburb Priory during teas/coffees.
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