I’ve been a member of the Irish Genealogical Research Society for 14 years and spent a large subset of that time on the Ireland Branch committee and the Council which runs the organisation, only stepping back when I began my Masters. As a then young genealogist, who still had another full time job, I benefitted immensely from the collective experience of the members, both professionals and hobbyists alike, who were always happy to offer advice. In that time, I coordinated projects like the latest website design, oversaw the annual events programme for the Ireland Branch, attended regular Council meetings in London as well as doing several lectures for the Society, and I published 3 scholarly articles for the journal, The Irish Genealogist.
Yesterday, we celebrated 90 years of the IGRS at a special day conference held in the National Library of Ireland. There were four presentations from Dr Julian Walton, John Grenham, Collette O’Flaherty and Dr Brian Gurrin. It was a lovely day spent with a large group of genealogy-enthuasists. More of this kind of thing please.
Another part of the day was the presentation of awards to former and present volunteers as recognition for their work in the society. I was delighted to receive the Valued Service Certificate, awarded to me in 2023, but not actually presented until now, for a variety of reasons.
Here’s the citation from The Irish Genealogist (2023). Yes, it is an old picture!
Here’s to another 90 years of the IGRS.