Church records help us to go beyond merely collecting and harvesting the names and vital dates of ancestors. Through them, we enter a world of past generations, learning about their social networks, their living conditions, their political values, their social concerns and priorities, and the multiple layers of religious and ethnic mixes that have helped to make us the people we are in Ireland today. In this workshop, Patrick Comerford introduces parish records as a genealogical source, while warning of some of the common pitfalls, illustrated by a wealth of personal anecdotes.

Revd Canon Professor Patrick Comerford is Priest-in-Charge of the Rathkeale Group of Parishes and Precentor of Saint Mary’s Cathedral, Limerick. He is a former adjunct assistant professor at TCD, and taught church history and liturgy at the Church of Ireland Theological Institute. He blogs regularly at www.patrickcomerford.com, often on genealogical matters.

This is a free event. Due to high demand, booking is required - please follow the eventbrite link to reserve your place.

The Expert workshops are curated by Fiona Fitzsimons, (Eneclann /Irish Family History Centre), & hosted by the Royal Irish Academy.