Irish Historical Society Explores Animal Heritage and Climate Impact

The South Kilkenny Historical Society recently resumed its lecture series with a presentation by John O’Halloran titled “A Rare Breed: The Irish and Their Animals Through History.” Held at the Parish Hall in Mullinavat and streamed via Zoom, the lecture attracted a diverse audience eager to learn about the historical significance of various farm animals in Ireland.

O’Halloran, an archaeologist who also manages a farm with his family, discussed the roles of goats, sheep, cows, and dogs throughout Irish history. He emphasized the urgent efforts to prevent the extinction of certain traditional breeds. “I took over the farm from my grandmother, who practiced a simple system of suckler cows,” he explained. “Initially, traditional breeds were improved by British breeds in the 1960s and 1970s, but over time, they were replaced by limousines, a non-native breed.”

During the lecture, O’Halloran shared a transformative experience at the farm of Tom Keane, where he witnessed exceptional biodiversity centered around the Droimeann Cattle, a traditional Irish breed. He described this visit as a “lightbulb moment,” revealing the unique adaptability of Droimeann cattle compared to non-native species. “That year had the worst weather we had seen for a long time,” O’Halloran recalled. “While the non-native breeds struggled and wouldn’t eat the grass, the Droimeann were consuming brambles, nettles, and rushes without hesitation.”

The discussion following the lecture was lively, touching on important topics such as climate change, organic agriculture, and agricultural policy. The chairman of the society expressed gratitude to O’Halloran for delivering an enriching lecture that not only covered animal heritage but also included numerous references to significant historical events and figures.

He also acknowledged the support of Kilkenny County Council for funding the event under the Community Event Grant and Community Local Enhancement schemes. The efforts of the organizing team were recognized for promoting the lecture series effectively.

Looking ahead, the next lecture on October 30, 2023, will feature Conor Brady, who will present on “A Hundred Years of Ireland’s National Police Force: 1925 – 2025.” This year marks the centenary of the merging of An Garda Síochána and the Dublin Metropolitan Police, making it a significant milestone in Irish law enforcement history. Brady, an accomplished author and former editor of The Irish Times, brings a wealth of knowledge to the topic, having previously served as Commissioner with the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission and as an Associate Professor of Journalism at the University of Galway.

The South Kilkenny Historical Society continues to foster knowledge and appreciation of local heritage through its engaging lecture series, shedding light on both historical and contemporary issues affecting the community.