Echoes of the Harp: Irish Settlement in Southern NSW

Discover the rich and often surprising story of Irish settlement in Yass and Southern NSW at this comprehensive full-day seminar, bringing together seven knowledgeable speakers to explore the people, places, experiences and cultural influences that shaped our region.

Guest speakers include:

Dr Richard Reid OAM - Echoes of the Harp: Some Thoughts on Yass’ Irish Story

Dr Damian John Gleeson - New Perspectives on the Irish in Early New South Wales

Dr Jeff Brownrigg - Henry Lawson’s Irish Poems: ‘Irishness’ to Australia in the verse of Lawson, Yass’s John O’Brien and other poets

Cheryl Bollard and Sue Pillans - Echoes from the Maher Collection: People, Place and Family in Yass

William Delaney - Beyond the Headstone: Reconstructing the Irish Catholic Community of Yass through the Yass Valley History Centre

Cheryl Mongan - Journey of a Lifetime: Irish Famine Orphans in the New World 1848-1850

With live musical performances by Daniel Kelly, morning tea and lunch included (drinks at own expense), this is a day for anyone with an interest in Irish history, local history, family and social history and historical research.

9:15am - 5pm Sunday, 1 November 2026 (registration from 8:45am)

YDHS Member $95 / Non-member $115

Places for this special event are strictly limited and booking is essential.

For further information, visit our website www.yasshistory.org.au

✨Part of Digging Up the Past — Yass Valley’s weekend of history, talks, tours, food and unique experiences happening Friday 30 October through to Sunday 1 November 2026