The heritage of Galway’s agricultural and veterinary development will be celebrated and explored in-depth at the upcoming conference titled “Harvesting our Heritage.” This insightful event will take place from 9am to 5pm on Thursday, July 11, at Mountbellew Agricultural College, Mountbellew, Co Galway (H53 WE00 ).
This conference will commemorate the 200th Anniversary of Hely Dutton’s Statistical Survey of County Galway as well as celebrating the life and legacy of Aleen Cust, a true visionary whose impact resonates to this day in the veterinary community. In addition to this the conference is a tribute to the enduring legacy of the Franciscan Brothers in the fields of education, agriculture and sustainable development especially their invaluable contributions to Mountbellew since 1820. Notably, in 1904, one hundred and twenty years ago, they established the pioneering residential Agricultural College in Mountbellew, a beacon of education and sustainable development.
Dr Edna Curley, Principal, Mountbellew Agricultural College stated “This year marks the commemoration of 120 years since the establishment of the prestigious Mountbellew Agricultural College, a testament to the dedication of the Franciscan Community and impact they have made in shaping future generations”.
Marie Boran, Special Collections Librarian, James Hardiman Library, University of Galway said “As we mark the 200th anniversary of Hely Dutton’s seminal Statistical Survey of County Galway 1824, we are pleased to invite scholars, historians, and enthusiasts to a conference that will bring a focus on this remarkable achievement. Hely Dutton, a renowned nurseryman and landscape gardener, holds a significant place in Ireland’s history as one of the principal landscape gardeners of his time”.
Donal Connolly, Aleen Cust Society said “Aleen Cust’s perseverance and trailblazing spirit continue to inspire generations of aspiring veterinarians, particularly women, to break barriers and pursue their dreams. Join us at the conference as we celebrate the life and legacy of Aleen Cust, a true visionary whose impact resonates to this day in the veterinary community”.
The lectures and key topics include the following: Improving landscapes: A brief examination of estate improvements in East Galway by Dr Christy Cunniffe; Benjamin Franklin, George Washington and the transatlantic influence of Galway’s demesnes by Professor Finola O’Kane, the School of Architecture, Planning and Environmental Policy, University College Dublin and Galway Agricultural Statistics and Farming Since the Famine by Sophie Emerson, Statistician, Agriculture Surveys, CSO.
In addition to this Dr John Flaherty will deliver a lecture entitled: ‘They were never as flush with money and they were buying Mercedes’. The advancement of the Irish veterinary profession during the first half of the twentieth century. While Dr Joanne Perry will speak about Galway’s first and last? Local Authority (Veterinary ) Inspector 1905-2024
This will be followed by the launch of a booklet on Aleen Cust by Chief Veterinary Officer Martin Blake. There will also be local heritage exhibitions and displays to be seen during the day.
Marie Mannion, Heritage Officer, Galway County Council said “Harvesting our Heritage” promises to be a comprehensive examination of the key developments that have shaped the landscape of Galway. It is an event aimed at anyone with a keen interest in the region’s rich heritage”.
This conference funded by the Heritage Office, Galway County Council, Atlantic Technological University and University of Galway and is assisted by the Aleen Cust Society, The Franciscan Brothers and various heritage organisations, vintage clubs and community groups in the county of Galway.
Spaces are limited and early registration is recommended. For more information and to register, please visit Eventbrite: Harvesting our Heritage Conference Tickets, Thu, Jul 11, 2024 at 9:00 AM | Eventbrite or contact Ita Gordon @ [email protected]
