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The next lecture in our Spring Series will be delivered by Military Historian, Matt McNamara on Thursday 24th April.

Matt McNamara was born in the Military Families Hospital, Curragh Camp.

He joined the Defence Forces in 1985 and is currently serving in the Irish Air Corps and has served on several peacekeeping missions in Eastern Europe, Middle East, Africa and Central Asia.

In his spare time, he researches Curragh Local History and Irish Military History and is a member of the Curragh Local History Group.

He recently completed a certificate course in Local History with Maynooth University History Department and his presentation is based on his minor thesis “The Curragh, Crime, Punishment and Reform under The Crown”.

Laois Heritage Society will be hosting a seminar on punitive and rehabilitative measures of the Curragh in the 18th Century. The Curragh was a key part of the 18th-century Turnpike Road system.

The military, in response to alcohol misuse among soldiers, promoted temperance by establishing soldiers’ homes and temperance associations. The seminar, hosted by Matt McNamara, will discuss the initiatives aimed to help soldiers break the cycle of alcohol dependence, and will discuss the reformative measures offered during Crown rule in the 18th Century.

The talk will take place Thursday April 24th at 8pm in the Midlands Park Hotel. Admission is free for members of the Laois Heritage Society, or €5 for non-members.

For further information please contact PRO Oisin Neeson info@laoisheritagesociety.ie