News

The ONeill Country Historical Society is pleased to announce the following talks during the forthcoming months.

Wednesday 28th February at 8.00 pm – lecture room at Benburb Priory The Origins of the Irish People from the Earliest Times to the last of The Gaelic Chieftains. Part Two: From the First Irish Settlers to the Birth of … Read More



Talk on Wednesday 29th November at 8pm – O’Sullivan Beare, the last Irish Chieftain

The O Neill Country Historical Society’s final talk of the year will be given by Michael Harnett. Michael sits on our committee and, until very recently, was the society’s treasurer. Michael comes from the Waring family and still lives in … Read More



Talk on Wednesday 27th September @ 8pm The history of the purchase of Benburb Castle Estate in 1946

Our next talk of the year is on the history of the purchase of “Benburb castle estate” in 1946 by Moy-based priests on behalf of Clonfeacle parish and the subsequent sale of the property to an American-based religious order, the … Read More



Dr Darragh Curran will deliver our next talk on Wednesday 30th August 2023 @ 8pm at Benburb Priory

The O’Neill Country Historical Society’s next talk will be given by Dr Darragh Curran. Darragh will look at the political contests and sectarian clashes in this post-famine decade. This leads into the period 1860-1894 detailed in Michael Mc Loughlin’s book … Read More



The passing of our esteemed President, Professor John McGurk, 9th August 2023

It is with great regret and sadness we learn of the death of our esteemed President, Professor John McGurk. John passed away peacefully on Wednesday 9th August 2023 in Friars Lodge Nursing Home, Ballinrobe, Co Mayo. May his gentle soul … Read More



The Blackwater River – Talk on Wednesday 26th July 2023 at 8pm by James Kane

Our next talk of the year is, The Blackwater River, which flows through three counties, Co.Armagh, Co.Tyrone and Co.Monaghan, that has been used for thousands of years as the motorway of the day. Please join us at The Benburb Priory … Read More



THE ULSTER CANAL – An updated article on The Ulster Canal by James Kane, has been added to our History section



Invite to tour of Navan Centre & Fort, Armagh on Saturday 29th July 2023

Navan Centre and Fort is a place where myth and reality meet. It is one of Ireland’s most famous and important archaeological sites, the legendary Emain Macha. Legends say that Macha, the goddess of war and fertility, scored the earth … Read More

Navan Centre and Fort 81 Killylea Road Armagh BT60 4LD
29 Jul 2023, 1 pm - 4 pm


The importance of the Donnelly Sept within the O’Neill’s of Tyrone (Ó Néill Mór) and the extended family grouping termed the, Ceneal Eoghain (Cenéil nEógain)

Benburb Priory Library on Wednesday 28 June 2023 at 8.00 pm The O’Neill Country Historical Society’s next talk is on, The importance of the Donnelly Sept within the O’Neill’s of Tyrone (Ó Néill Mór) and the extended family grouping termed … Read More



Brendan McAnallen RIP

It is with great regret and sadness we learn of the passing of Brendan McAnallen, founding member and past Chairman of The O’Neill Country Historical society and historical journal DÚICHE NÉILL . Brendan was a frequent contributor to the journal … Read More