Australasian Journal of Irish Studies Online Series
This series publishes online open-access pieces that make a scholarly contribution to Irish Studies, but are outside the scope of academic journals. These might include conference papers, scholarly notes or creative works. We accept submissions that have not been published elsewhere and are up to 5,000 words in length (or equivalent). The Editors of AJIS will make the final decision on acceptance.
For submissions please email: ajiseds [at] gmail.com
For queries please contact one of the editors:
Philip Bull
Frances Devlin-Glass
Dianne Hall
Elizabeth Malcolm
Chris Murray
AJIS ONLINE SERIES
2019: 1 Pauline Peel: “The Day We Celebrate” St Patrick’s Day, Warwick, Queensland 1872-1972
Abstract: Warwick, Queensland’s St Patrick’s Day celebration and its signature procession, endured as a prominent feature of the town’s calendar from 1872 to 1972. Drawing on personal memory, oral interviews, and a rich archive of 100 years of local newspaper reportage, the article considers the history and evolution of the celebrations. Opening with the author’s childhood memories of St Patrick’s Day in Warwick, the author explores the successful adaptation of the celebrations for multi generations of people of Irish Catholic heritage. The “Irish nationalist” period of the 1880s – 1921, and the post World War 2 anti-communist, strongly religious period are given as examples of this success. The important role of the local Parish Priests and the Hibernians is discussed. Particular reference is made to the narratives associated with St Patrick’s Day dinners, luncheons and processions.
Pauline Peel is an independent scholar with a particular interest in family and local history. Pauline’s Catholic Irish Australian roots go back to Warwick, Queensland in the 1860s. In 2018 she published The Family from Elagh Hill, a history of her paternal Irish Australian family. The book explores their origins in Co. Tyrone and their transition and life as farmers in the Warwick district. Pauline has a passion for local history and community. She has been a senior public servant in local and state government.
Abstract: This paper draws on the oral history of Mary O’Seighin (née Talty) whose grandparents migrated from County Clare in 1883. From bullock cart to railway work and the iconic engine Faugh-a-Ballagh, we trace the story of an Irish migrant family as they strive to build a better life for themselves and their children. We follow them across the Great Dividing Range into the fertile land of the Darling Downs, to Swan Creek, Killarney, Warwick and Toowoomba as they rise from life under canvas to land ownership, service in the Great War, enduring love of family and immersion in Irish culture in a community that was thoroughly Irish.
Pat Ryan migrated to Australia from Ireland as a young graduate some forty years ago and has developed an extensive knowledge of the Irish in Australia in this time. As an oral historian and longstanding member of Oral History Queensland Inc, she has published accounts of Irish migration to Australia, including the Warwick district. She was a long-time broadcaster and presenter on the Radio 4eb Irish Program. She is also an accomplished researcher, policy writer and community worker.
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