The Old Dundalk Society to present lecture on history of Dowdallshill

As part of its Autumn Lecture series, The Old Dundalk Society says it is pleased to announce a lecture entitled “Up The Hill” which will present the history of the Townland of Dowdallshill at 8pm on Thursday 24 October at An Táin Arts Centre.

The lecture will include Maps Through the Ages relating to the area, details on the Townland of Dowdallshill, the establishment of the Dundalk and Dowdallshill Race Course in 1889, the construction of St. Patrick’s Graveyard from 1891 and the early history of the Dundalk and Dowdallshill Coursing Club which was established in 1916.

It will also cover the history of Dowdallshill GF&AC, established in 1886 and one of the oldest Gaelic Football clubs in Ireland, which incorporated Gaelic Football, a most successful Athletic Club back in the 1960’s and the outstanding concept of the Christmas Morning Run to the old Dundalk Workhouse on the Ardee Road and later to St. Oliver’s Hospital, Dundalk.

The occasion will cover memories and stories as recalled by present and former residents of Dowdallshill and bring back happy, and maybe even some sad stories from bygone days.

On the night a number of old photographs from the archives and family albums of local people will be featured which will help recall the past and add to the occasion. The event will generate nostalgia, offer the opportunity for current and past residents and friends from Dowdallshill to meet up again, in some cases after many many years.

The lecture will be presented by Frank O’Callaghan, a member of The Old Dundalk Society, and a former resident of Dowdallshill. There is no admission fee to attend the lecture but voluntary contributions are welcome on the night. Attendees are asked to be seated by 7.55pm on the night.