The first event of the season at Thoor Ballylee is a talk by Joe Queally about one of the stranger episodes in Irish education – with real local resonances. The talk and accompanying documentary also features live music in support.

Joe Queally, a historian who lives locally, and the author of a book on the subject, explores what happened in the Fanore School Case (1914-1922) and explains why the case was so controversial, leaving bitter feelings long afterwards.

At the centre of it all was Michael O’Shea, Principal of Fanore National School, who was dismissed from his post in 1914 by the local parish priest, Fr Patrick Keran. The reason for his dismissal was, allegedly, his refusal to marry the assistant teacher in the school, despite the fact he was engaged to someone else. Joe Queally’s work has involved the examination of court records, the researching of oral history and uncovering previously unseen evidence from church records. All of this throws new light on the unusual events which his talk explores, which became a national scandal during tumultuous times in Irish history.

Traditional music from Emer Clancy and Jack Dileen accompanies the talk, which also features a documentary showing.

The Fanore School Case (1914-1922)

Joe Queally

8pm Friday 19 April

10 Euro (including general admission to the tower)

Booking details here on eventbrite