Historian to give illustrated talk in Shinrone this evening

Shinrone Heritage Group is inviting members of the public to join them this evening (Friday, May 17) for a fascinating illustrated talk by historian Stephen Callaghan on the life of Warner Hastings, 15th Earl of Huntingdon.

This free talk is taking place at 7.30pm in Cloughmoyle School House, Shinrone, (R42 YN97).

It's entitled, The Earl of Huntingdon, scandal, militia and the War in South Africa.

Warner Hastings was a senior officer in the local militia (Leinster Regiment), who was implicated in various scandals, including the Birr Barracks affair, and was openly criticised by one of his own soldiers in the local press for not going to war!

Speaking to the Offaly Independent ahead of tonight's event, Ger Murphy of Shinrone Heritage Group noted this was a very interesting family and that Warner had married Mary Westenra, an only child, with the couple living thereafter at Sharavogue House.

It was Warner who commissioned the nationally-important Mary Lowndes window, which is now on display in St Mary's Church, Shinrone.

As Ger noted, "While the house is long demolished the Lowndes window acts as a reminder of the connection between the Hasting family and wider community in which they lived in the early twentieth century".

Ger emphasised that all are very welcome to attend the free talk this evening.