We are very grateful to Emma Lyons who shared her research and insights on the important part played by the horse in Irish society down through the centuries. This interesting and very enjoyable lecture took place at the Lalor Centre in Baltinglass on Thursday 21 November 2024.
We learned that up until the middle of the twentieth century the hard-working horse played a pivotal role in the lives of people in West Wicklow, no less than in other parts of Ireland. Horses performed various tasks on farms and transported goods, building materials, fuel, animals and of course humans. The horse has also played an important role in human recreational activities including of course horse racing.
Emma is an independent historian and researcher who hails from West Wicklow and has family associations with our society. She holds a PhD from University College Dublin and has published on various topics.
Photo: Emma Lyons and John Glennon (Vice-Chairperson) on the night of the lecture.