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30/09/2002
Ulster Covenant could boost tourism says Minister
Culture Minister, Michael McGimpsey, today said that making the details contained in the Ulster Covenant more accessible would give a huge boost to both cultural tourism and genealogical research.
The Minister was speaking at a preview of the Ulster Covenant Digitisation Project, currently underway at Northern Ireland’s Public Record Office, where the original signatures are held.
Mr McGimpsey said that the signing of the Covenant on Ulster Day, September 28, 1912, was a defining moment in Northern Ireland’s history. He added: “Whatever one’s outlook on our last ninety years, there can be no denying that this document captured a momentous period in our history. On that day, nearly half a million citizens seized the moment to bear witness to a crucial turning point in the annals of these islands.
“It was, and remains, an inspiring example of the people expressing their will and shaping their own destiny. As a piece of historical evidence, the Covenant must be made widely and easily available to anyone, anywhere, who wants to study it.”
The Minister pointed out that as well as signatures, the Covenant also contained the addresses of those who signed. He said: “This, along with the fact that women also signed a parallel Declaration, makes the Covenant a rich source of material to anyone interested in genealogical or sociological research.
“Together, these details form a deep well of historical information which any of us should be able to dip into."
Mr McGimpsey added that he was confident that by early 2003, when the information will be made available in the form of an electronic database, this objective would be much closer to fruition.
(MB)
The Minister was speaking at a preview of the Ulster Covenant Digitisation Project, currently underway at Northern Ireland’s Public Record Office, where the original signatures are held.
Mr McGimpsey said that the signing of the Covenant on Ulster Day, September 28, 1912, was a defining moment in Northern Ireland’s history. He added: “Whatever one’s outlook on our last ninety years, there can be no denying that this document captured a momentous period in our history. On that day, nearly half a million citizens seized the moment to bear witness to a crucial turning point in the annals of these islands.
“It was, and remains, an inspiring example of the people expressing their will and shaping their own destiny. As a piece of historical evidence, the Covenant must be made widely and easily available to anyone, anywhere, who wants to study it.”
The Minister pointed out that as well as signatures, the Covenant also contained the addresses of those who signed. He said: “This, along with the fact that women also signed a parallel Declaration, makes the Covenant a rich source of material to anyone interested in genealogical or sociological research.
“Together, these details form a deep well of historical information which any of us should be able to dip into."
Mr McGimpsey added that he was confident that by early 2003, when the information will be made available in the form of an electronic database, this objective would be much closer to fruition.
(MB)
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17 February 2016
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A blue plaque has been unveiled in honour of the achievements of Ulster Covenant author, Thomas Sinclair. The First Minister Arlene Foster, in association with the Ulster Scots Agency, unveiled the plaque as part of a series of projects being launched at an event at Sinclair Seaman's Church.
Blue Plaque Unveiled In Honour Of Thomas Sinclair
A blue plaque has been unveiled in honour of the achievements of Ulster Covenant author, Thomas Sinclair. The First Minister Arlene Foster, in association with the Ulster Scots Agency, unveiled the plaque as part of a series of projects being launched at an event at Sinclair Seaman's Church.
28 September 2012
Ulster Covenant 'Blood Signature' In Doubt
Tests carried out on behalf of the BBC show that an Ulster Covenant signature believed to have been signed in blood may not actually be genuine. It is widely believed throughout Northern Ireland that many of the signatures which appear on the Covenant signed by just under half a million people in 1912 were carried out using the signees’ blood.
Ulster Covenant 'Blood Signature' In Doubt
Tests carried out on behalf of the BBC show that an Ulster Covenant signature believed to have been signed in blood may not actually be genuine. It is widely believed throughout Northern Ireland that many of the signatures which appear on the Covenant signed by just under half a million people in 1912 were carried out using the signees’ blood.
04 December 2013
Flute Band Sentencing 'Draconian'
Nelson McCausland has described as "draconian" the sentencing of a flute band member to three months in prison for playing 'the sash' outside a Catholic Church. Thomas Beresford, of Strathearn Court, Holywood, was jailed for three months over the incident, which occurred in east Belfast on 29 September 2012.
Flute Band Sentencing 'Draconian'
Nelson McCausland has described as "draconian" the sentencing of a flute band member to three months in prison for playing 'the sash' outside a Catholic Church. Thomas Beresford, of Strathearn Court, Holywood, was jailed for three months over the incident, which occurred in east Belfast on 29 September 2012.
23 October 2012
Call For British-Irish WWI Commemoration
A report has called for a joint British-Irish approach to commemorating the First World War. The findings were presented to a meeting of the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly in Glasgow. Report author Frank Feighan TD said: "2012 is the first year in a decade which sees a number of very significant anniversaries in Irish and British history.
Call For British-Irish WWI Commemoration
A report has called for a joint British-Irish approach to commemorating the First World War. The findings were presented to a meeting of the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly in Glasgow. Report author Frank Feighan TD said: "2012 is the first year in a decade which sees a number of very significant anniversaries in Irish and British history.
01 October 2012
Griffin Defends Covenant 'F*nian' Comment
Nick Griffin continues to cause controversy over his decision not to apologise for comments he made following Saturday’s Ulster Covenant centenary parade. The BNP leader defended using the term "f*nian", a derogatory term for Catholics, on his Twitter account.
Griffin Defends Covenant 'F*nian' Comment
Nick Griffin continues to cause controversy over his decision not to apologise for comments he made following Saturday’s Ulster Covenant centenary parade. The BNP leader defended using the term "f*nian", a derogatory term for Catholics, on his Twitter account.
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will be cloudy. Also mainly dry at first this evening but then occasional outbreaks of rain developing overnight. Light southwest winds, and staying mild. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
