IRA Supper Dance Held at Caherguillamore House on St Stephen's Night, 1920 This week (week 8) our suggested reading from the Grange Parish Book focuses on the supper dance held by the Old IRA at Caherguillamore House on 26 December 1920. St Stephen's Day, falling on 26 December each year, has long been a special day in Ireland. While the custom of small groups of adults and children 'Following the Wren' has declined significantly over the decades, the custom is still honoured in many areas, particularly in rural Ireland. Groups, dressed up and painted for the occasion, move from house to house, where they perform music, song and dance, for which hospitality in one form or another is the r

As we approach the Winter Solstice, which will occur on Friday, 21st December, we thought it would be appropriate to suggest the article titled The Grange Stone Circle for reading. The history of this ancient stone circle could not be adequately told without reference to both the summer and winter solstices. Sadly, the author of the article, Tim Casey, passed away suddenly in May 2018 - Rest In Peace, Tim. The stone circle is located on the Casey farm, and Tim welcomed many visitors over the years who came from near and far to gaze upon the magnificent structure and to partake in a unique experience. Tim recounted the history of the site to many attentive visitors - he was passionate about t

Grange Guild - Irish Countrywomen's Association This week (week 6) our suggested reading from the Grange Book is an article titled Grange Guild - Irish Countrywomen's Association written by Gretta Purcell, President and Public Relations Officer of the Grange Guild. Gretta charted the history of the ICA nationally as well as the foundation and history of the Grange Guild. The activities of the guild over the years are set out in some detail. The article is both interesting and informative. The following are extracts from Gretta's article: "In April 1965, Sheila Dillon, (now Mrs Sheila Fitzgerald) was appointed assistant teacher at Grange National School. She had previously worked in Clogherhe

We wish all Grange locality residents, Grange people overseas and throughout Ireland, people with Grange connections, people of neighbouring parishes, friends of Grange and everybody who visits this website a Very Happy and Peaceful Christmas and a Prosperous New Year. We hope that Santa Claus will bring lovely presents to all of the little folk. We are conscious that this Christmas may be a lonely and sad time for those whose loved ones passed away since Christmas 2017 especially. Despite any sadness, we hope that you will find some measure of acceptance and peace over the festive season, as well as renewed strength of mind to bring into the New Year. A New Year, 2019, is on the horizon! W

Grange National School 1867-1967 This week (week 5), our suggested reading from the Grange Book focuses on the former national (primary) school in Grange where pupils were taught for over a century. The school opened in 1867 and closed in 1967 on foot of government policy. The two teachers on the closing day, 03 July 1967, were Thomas Lynch, Principal, and Sheila Dillon. Master Lynch retired after a long and illustrious career. Sheila (who subsequently became Mrs J Fitzgerald) moved to a teaching post in Bruff NS, where many pupils of the former Grange NS were enrolled. Two articles which are very closely linked are the suggested reading. One, written by Miriam Gallagher, charts the school