On This Day, 72 years ago... Deaf Tailor seeks Deaf Worker

On This Day, 72 years ago:  

 

Source: http://irene.ie/archives/2496

 

 

A job offer specifically looking for a deaf tailor.

It may have been placed there by a Deaf tailor who wanted a Deaf co-worker alongside him.

 

 

 

Source: Irish Press Apr 29, 1948, p. 9.

Irish History Podcast: "A History of the Deaf Community in Ireland" - ISL version

"The Deaf community are rarely mentioned in general histories of Ireland. Prior to making this episode I knew almost nothing about their rich history. In this podcast I interview the historian Cormac Leonard from Trinity College Dublin. Cormac reveals a fascinating history of the Deaf Community in Ireland."

I was very honoured to be asked by Fin Dwyer of the Irish History Podcast to do an interview about my PhD research work. The podcast is available on audio, but here is an ISL version. The YouTube link also has CC closed captions. 

Thanks so much Fin for the opportunity to present about Irish Deaf History. I hope you all enjoy it. I would love any comments or questions.

1910: an Irish Deaf soccer derby - St Joseph's (Dublin) v. Belfast Deaf Mutes football clubs

A lovely article from 1910 about a football match between St Joseph's (Dublin) and Belfast Deaf Mutes football clubs. Picture shows both teams. Francis Maginn is in the photo.

Source: Sunday Independent, 5 June 05, 1910, p. 4

John Ambrose Neville - the Deaf Workhouse Messenger

Another vlog about the Deaf workhouse messenger, John Ambrose Neville (or 'John A' for short). The original Facebook vlog can be found here.

John kept strong connections with Cabra (including going to the yearly past pupils' retreat) but was also very interested in other Deaf people in workhouses.

In this vlog I talk about 2 examples where John tries to help out Deaf people who were on their own in workhouses.

1895: A signing Mayor in Derry Courthouse

1895: Michael Doherty stands in the Derry Police Court - and the Mayor signs to him!
But he doesn't understand what the Mayor is signing.

Why not...?

1850: A Deaf man attacks a priest in Dublin - vicious sectarian debate ensues

 

 1850: a Deaf man, Francis McMahon, educated in Claremont, viciously attacks two Catholic priests in a Dublin church during Mass. The story is all over the Irish newspapers for weeks, and reawakens a bitterness between Catholic and Protestant people in Ireland... #deafhistory

"I shall never forget that pleasant night": A Christmas back in Cabra for a Deaf Workhouse Inmate

A lovely letter written by Parsonstown (Birr) Deaf workhouse inmate and messenger John Neville.

John had been given permission by the Board of Guardians to visit Cabra for Christmas. He describes a drama in sign language performed by Deaf actors.

Source: Leinster Reporter, 26 December 1896, p. 2

Source: Leinster Reporter, 23 January 1897, p. 3""

John Neville's Patriotic Workhouse Poetry

See my original Facebook post here.

John Neville (Deaf inmate and messenger for Birr Workhouse) was a patriotic man who loved his country. He wrote a stirring poem about World War 1 on the walls of the workhouse - and desperately wanted to join the Irish Volunteers. Here is his poem:

Leinster Reporter 26 February 1916, p. 4

Meeting of Birr Guardians.

Source: Leinster Reporter 25 April 1914, p. 4

"A Good Hard-Working Creature": John Neville's Yearly Pilgrimage to Cabra

 See the original Facebook post here:

John Neville, a Deaf inmate and employee of the Birr workhouse, between at least 1886 and 1920, walked every year from west Offaly to Cabra in Dublin for the Deaf ex-pupils retreat. The Birr Guardians would contribute to a new set of clothes for him.

Midland Counties Advertiser, 1 July 1886, p. 2.

 


 

Leinster Reporter, 18 May 1918, p. 1.

 

Leinster Reporter, 3 July 1920, p. 1

 

 

John Neville - a fascinating Deaf character in Birr Workhouse, Co Offaly

For my original Facebook post, please click here.

An ISL update into even more information about John Neville, a Deaf man who lived and worked for years in Birr (Parsonstown) workhouse in Co Offaly - as well as a link to my own family history!