Thank you to Barbara Moore

After nearly 30 years as Convenor of Family History ACT’s Irish Special interest Group, Barbara Moore has announced that she is stepping down.

In February 1995 Barbara, who was already the Society’s Treasurer, brought forward to the Council a suggestion from members to form an Irish Special Interest Group and to think about organising a trip to Ireland. The idea was accepted and the Irish Group met for the first time in the Society’s Library in Narrabundah at 9.30am on Saturday 8 July 1995.

The group has been meeting at that time on the second Saturday of odd months ever since, and always with Barbara at the helm.

As Barbara notes, ‘15 of my 16 great-great-grand parents were Irish, and I had been lucky enough to visit Ireland a few times, so it just seemed the thing to do. On various occasions I have asked others members if they would like to be convenor, but they have declined or even said, “You do a good job, why change”.’

Since 1995 research practices have changed greatly and many more records have become available for those researching their Irish roots. Barbara has kept up with these developments and has gently guided many members from beginners to experienced researchers. Today, if a question about Irish heritage or research arises, the answer is always the same ‘Just ask Barbara, she will know.’

Throughout her years as Convenor, Barbara has relied on the support and assistance of her ’three amigos’ Peter Mayberry, Nick Reddan and the late Trish Downes. Family History ACT is pleased to announce that Peter and Nick will continue to Co-Convene the Group.

Family History ACT recognised and thanked Barbara for her long, dedicated and continuous service to the Irish Special Interest Group at our recent Annual General Meeting. Thanks for everything Barbara!

And Yes, the suggested trip to Ireland did take place in September 1996, with Barbara and Richard Reid jointly leading 16 intrepid members on a three week tour around 26 of the 32 counties in Ireland and including attendance at the Ulster Historical Foundation Conference that took place that year across Belfast, Derry and Dublin.