"People will not look forward to posterity who never look backward to their ancestors"
The above society, founded in 1994, has grown steadily over the years with a current membership of 70. Meetings are held on the third Wednesday of each month in the Conyngham Arms Hotel at 8 p.m. The society has an ongoing programme of events and projects which includes talks/lectures on local history topics. New members are always welcome.
Slane parish provides a rich heritage containing within its bounds ancient pagan monuments at Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth with the Christian site on the Hill of Slane and St. Erc's Hermitage on the bank of the Boyne. Over the years sub-committees have researched many subjects including Slane Races, 1798 Rebellion, Slane in the 1940's as well as Senior Citizens anecdotes and memories of bygone days. The latter has been videoed and recorded for posterity. Another sub-committee had a plaque erected at the house in Slane Village where Dean Cogan was born. He compiled the first history of the Diocese of Meath. Last year a sub-committee was formed to research the life of locally born sculptor and painter John Cassidy. This culminated in an exhibition of his works in October 2004. Two historical journals have been published to date. The first one entitled "150th Anniversary of Slane National School" which deals with the history of the school since its foundation in 1847 was published in 1997. "The Old Frequented Ways", published in 2000, contains articles on the local history and folklore of Slane. It was written by the members of the society and can be purchased from any of the officers. Field trips and outings, to places of historical interest, are organised during the summer. At Christmas a visit to the theatre or concert hall is enjoyed. Sometimes a dinner in a local restaurant or hotel fits the bill.
The officers of the society for 2008 are;
President Ita Mahon
Chairperson Claire Ring
Vice Chairperson Michael Kelly
Secretary Sheila Crehan Woodview Slane Co.Meath
Treasurer John Ryle
Audio Visual Operator Lil Sears
P.R.O. William Locke
