Romans Invade Ireland

The following is a parable about how history is written on the internet. Let’s imagine you have a web page and you want people to visit it. How could you get the history scoop of 2014? Well you could go and bribe some doctorate students, ask for an interview with a wanw professor, research an area to death and pontificate… ( Read more... )

I did not preregister for Convergence this year, but did so at the door ($$), and am glad I did.( Read more... )

A history of Ireland in 100 objects

... by the 1420s the area called the “land of peace” - that is, under secure English administration - was confined to Dublin, Meath, Kildare and Louth. By the 1470s, this area was being referred to as the Pale.

Campaign over 'offensive' town name

From Beachcombing, who notes that "Effin" is named after St. Eimhin, which makes perfect sense if you understand Gaelic spelling rules.

Bog Bodies - Kingship and Sacrifice

The King Must Die

Mathematicians invent a new way to pour stout

From Hangwomen.
It is reputed that in 1780 a middle aged woman from Co. Kerry called Elizabeth Dolan or McDermott was sentenced to death at Roscommon for the murder of her son. The town’s normal hangman did not turn up for the execution of Elizabeth and her 24 fellow condemned prisoners who were members of the “White Boys” so Elizabeth is reputed ( Read more... )

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After skipping it Saturday I spent most of Sunday with colgaffneyis at the St. Paul Scottish Ramble. This was a good time.

( food and drink )

Unlike a lot of people, I actually worked on Friday. The office was very quiet. Then I took three days off.

( Saturday )