CHAS stalwarts stand down after sterling service
Incoming CHAS president Helen Doyle with outgoing president Richard Codd
TWO stalwarts of the Carlow Historical and Archaeological Society (CHAS) committee have stepped down following long and distinguished service.
Martin Nevin, author and former CHAS honorary president, and Mgr Brendan Byrne, a noted local historian, former PP for Tullow and diocesan administrator, both announced their decision to leave the committee of CHAS at the society’s recent AGM in the Seven Oaks Hotel.
Leighlinbridge native Martin has committed a great part of his life to history, heritage and education. His work with CHAS over 40 years, in particular with the society’s annual journal , has enlightened and informed generations of Carlow’s rich and interesting history.
Mgr Byrne’s intellect and insight has also had a hugely positive impact on CHAS over the decades. His leadership, wisdom and dedication was noted by CHAS members, who thanked him sincerely for his work on the committee, The AGM was well attended, while the newly-elected committee graciously acknowledged Martin and Mgr Brendan for their decades of commitment.
Helen Doyle was elected honorary president after outgoing incumbent Richard Codd’s three years had completed. Helen has been a committee member of CHAS for a number of years, taking on the role of PRO and secretary before being nominated for president at the AGM this year.
From Bagenalstown, Helen is a final-year PhD student with the history department at Maynooth University. Her area of research is 19th-century mental illness and her PhD study investigates the impact of the on committal numbers to Irish district lunatic asylums from 1838 to 1898.
Helen is also a postgraduate teaching assistant and works with academic writing support at Maynooth University.
See CHAS’s website at www.carlowhistorical.ie or on Facebook, where people can familiarise themselves with the society’s activities, future lectures, other upcoming events and find out how to join the society.
