LECTURES ON IRISH FOLK CUSTOMS AND FOLK LORE

Death and Burial Customs in 19th Century Ireland

Family history researchers wishing to understand how their ancestors lived are discovering the study of folklore and the traditions of their people. Much of the research on folklore in Europe has been academic and highly analytical lacking a living voice for the 21st century. Sean O’Duill has studied the 1937 Irish Folklore Commission Schools Project and brings to life the voices of the children who wrote the essays describing death and funeral customs in the 19th century. In this lively and very entertaining lecture, he communicates the traditions of the Irish, some of which are universal throughout Europe, explaining rituals which were brought to America by the immigrants and still live in the memory of Americans today.

Matchmaking and Marriage Customs in 19th Century Ireland

Family history researchers wishing to understand how their ancestors lived are discovering the study of folklore and the traditions of their people. Much of the research on folklore in Europe has been academic and highly analytical lacking a living voice for the 21st century. Sean O’Duill has studied the 1937 Irish Folklore Commission Schools Project and brings to life the voices of the children who wrote the essays describing matchmaking and marriage rituals in the 19th century. In this lively and very entertaining lecture, he communicates the traditions of the Irish, some of which are universal throughout Europe, explaining traditions which were brought to America by the immigrants and still live in the memory of Americans today.

Additional topics available from a range of subjects on Irish Folk Lore. Proposals available upon request.

Biography

Sean O’Duill is a fluent Irish speaker from Louisburgh, Co. Mayo. He teaches in St. Declan’s College, Cabra, Dublin and has published several articles in Irish and English on Irish folklore. Sean lectured at the 4th Irish Genealogical Congress in Trinity College Dublin and is a leader of the National Genealogical Research Trips to Ireland (1999-2002). His research into Irish Folklore has developed a series of lectures which have been of great interest to family historians in Ireland. This will be his first speaking engagement in the United States.

PAST LECTURE EXPERIENCE:

1998 Louisburgh, Co. Mayo, Ireland Bi-Centennial Symposium

1999-20001 National Genealogical Society Research Trips to Ireland

2001 4th Irish Genealogical Congress, Trinity College, Dublin Ireland

2002 Wexford Family History Society, Wexford, Ireland