Irish Genealogy Research Society celebrates 75th anniversary
Steven Smyrl, left, (chairman, IGRS) and Fergus Gillespie (President of IGRS) with President McAleese who attended the anniversary celebration
At a reception recently to mark the 75th anniversary of the Irish Genealogical Research Society held in the National Library of Ireland, Dublin , the Minister for Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht Affairs, Mr Jimmy Deenihan TD, said there is enormous potential for Irish genealogy to contribute to roots tourism by attracting people from across the globe to visit the country of their ancestors. “So much information is now at people’s fingertips and it is opening up a world of relevant family history to new generations”, he added.
Irish genealogy and the study of family history has become a very topical subject, particularly with the on-line launch of the National Archives’ 1901 and 1911 Census database. The new Coalition Government has recognised the huge importance of genealogy in Ireland, and included the early release of the 1926 Census in its Programme for Government.
It is estimated that 50 million+ people make up the Irish Diaspora today.
The Irish Genealogical Research Society (IGRS) – the oldest society devoted exclusively to the study of Irish genealogy – is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. Established in 1936 in response to the loss of so many records in 1922, it now holds the single largest and most important collection of Irish genealogical books and manuscripts in private hands.
According to US Census figures for 2000, a total of 41 million Americans claim to be wholly or partly of Irish ancestry. This cohort represents more than one in five white Americans.
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Membership of the Association is open to all. For more information visit the website at www.igrsoc.org
Contact Details:
Hilary McDonagh
Tel: 087 240 8853
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