The New Year has begun and Spring is just around the corner. The 1st of February marks St. Brigid’s Day and the very ancient Celtic festival of Imbolg. Both herald in the awakening and new beginnings that Spring brings with it.
As a passionate genealogist I always encourage people to ‘do your family tree’ - and Spring is the perfect time to start! So I would like to share with you some exciting news about my latest venture (and adventure!):
Beginning in mid February 2022 I will be running a short course in Irish genealogy. The course will be online via Zoom so you can access it from the comfort of your own home, wherever in the World you may be. Here’s the details:
A SHORT ONLINE COURSE IN IRISH GENEALOGY will commence on Wednesday 16th Feb. 2022 and will run for 10 weeks, consisting of one 2.5 hour class each Wednesday. The classes will be LIVE VIA ZOOM.
- The course will be run within a friendly, inclusive atmosphere and is suitable for both beginners and more advanced students of Irish family history.
- It is open to all and welcomes those living here in Ireland as well as members of our Irish diaspora, wherever in the World you may be (and our mighty Irish diaspora are just about everywhere!).
- Students will acquire up-to-date skills and knowledge, including plenty of Tony’s top tips, hints and shortcuts, to enable them to confidently and competently research their family history.
- They will gain an understanding of Irish genealogical sources including the Four Pillars of Irish Genealogy
- Participants will learn how to gather and collate their findings in a logical and interesting way.
- They will investigate immigration records and the paper trail following the leap ‘across the Atlantical Sea’ (as Percy French once sang)
- They will explore how to locate an emigrant’s elusive place of origin in Ireland.
- They will enjoy some case studies as well as some Show and Tell!
- Most classes will include a powerpoint presentation and a basic knowledge of computers and the internet is advised.
- The course will not include written assignments.
- A certificate of attendance will be available for those who complete the course.
It is envisioned that timewise there will be two options each Wednesday for joining the class namely 10.30am to 1pm GMT or alternatively 6.30pm to 9pm GMT (I will give two identical live & interactive classes each Wednesday) so each participant can choose which time slot best suits their own situation. Classes will be recorded and shared within the group the following day so participants also have the added option of watching a video recording of the class at their own time and pace.
The course will cost €250. It will go ahead subject to a positive uptake.
Should you wish to join the course, view the course content or have any other queries or comments (which I welcome) just drop me an email at tony@tonyhennessygenealogy.com and I will get back to you promptly.
A little bit about myself, Tony Hennessy MAGI:
I have been involved in the world of genealogy for over 35 years. I have been a self-employed, professional genealogist for almost 20 years, working mostly from my home here in Annestown, Co. Waterford
I have been teaching, for the past eight years, on genealogy courses at University College Cork and University of Limerick. I also teach at City Colleges Dublin. I have run 10 week evening courses in genealogy in Waterford since 2010. I also give talks online and in person on the subject.
I specialize in drawing bespoke family tree charts. My family trees have been presented to the former Mayor of Boston Marty Walsh (now US Secretary of Labour), former Mayor of Chicago Richard M Daley & Senator Bernie Sanders among many others.
I am a member of Accredited Genealogists Ireland, the accrediting body for Irish genealogy, since 2012. I am a member of the National Library of Ireland Genealogy & Heraldry Committee.
Testimonials:
"Tony Hennessy is an experienced and efficient genealogist with an intimate knowledge of the sources for Irish genealogy and their availability. He is a gifted communicator whose lectures and courses are widely esteemed and enjoyed. I can recommend him unreservedly."
—Julian C. Walton, MA, HDE, FIGRS, Historian in Residence at Dunhill Mullti-Education Centre, Co. Waterford.
"Tony's unique approach in delivering this course opened up a world to me, giving me the proper skills in gathering and researching my family history. I learned about who I am, embraced my culture, and family and their traditions. It is an amazing gift to be able to guide someone to discover where they came from and just how unique their ancestors were and what they have passed onto you."
—Emer Ward Powell, Former course participant
"Tony Hennessy has been central to the teaching staff of the NUI Diploma in Genealogy at UCC and the UL Certificate in History of Family and Genealogical Methods since their inception in 2011-12.
He has been a very effective teacher and researcher and his presentations and practicals are much enjoyed by the students. His teaching style is very accessible and filled with valuable and colourful case studies. I would have no hesitation in recommending him as a teacher, guest lecturer and researcher."
—Dr David J. Butler, Academic Director, The Irish Ancestry Research Centre (IARC) Providing Genealogical Educational Services to UCC NUI Diploma in Genealogy and University of Limerick Certificate in History of Family and Genealogical Methods
Thank you kindly
Tony Hennessy MAGI