Summer school to honour Hillery
Former president Patrick Hillery, who died in April, is to be honoured at a summer school in his native Co Clare.
The legacy of the former Government Minster and EU Commissioner will be discussed by academics at the Merriman Summer School in Ennis.
The doctor-turned-politician from Miltown Malbay, who served two terms in Aras an Uachtarain, was a patron of the Summer School for 30 years.
This year’s event is entitled 'From Brian Boru To Patrick Hillery: Continuity And Change In Irish History And Society'.
A spokeswoman added: “A commemorative section, President Hillery’s Ireland, will review the achievements and legacy of President Hillery and his era.”
The Merriman Summer School, is named after Brian Merriman who wrote the racy 18th century poem The Midnight Court, and runs from August 17-23.
Highlights of this year‘s programme include a a discussion on sexuality in the Midnight Court compared with the norms in modern society.
Economist Marc Coleman will address population growth and the regional economy while Trinity College history lecturer Prof David Fitzpatrick will speak on the War of Independence in Clare.
Lectures will be interspersed with music sessions, set dancing and poetry readings.
Since established in 1967, the Summer School aims to promote interest in Merriman and in the history and traditions of Thomond region, which covered Co Clare and parts of Co Tipperary and Co Limerick.
The annual event also celebrates the Irish language, history, literature, dance and music in general.
