Spring Lecture Series: “Soaring Shamrocks” Irish Pilots of the Battle for Britain
Lecture by Squadron Leader Ronan Carey
The Battle of Britain was a pivotal air campaign that took place between July and October of 1940. The battle followed the evacuation of the British Expeditionary Force from Dunkirk and the Fall of France, as Germany made plans to gain air supremacy in preparation for an invasion of Britain.
Of the roughly 3,000 allied pilots who took part, eleven were from Ireland. Until recently only of one the Battle of Britain pilots survives – an Irishman, from Dublin, aged 105.
Squadron Leader Ronan Carey (born in Athlone and grew up in Waterford), currently serving with the Royal Air Force will deliver a presentation on these Irish pilots. As the dedicated liaison officer for the “Last of the Few”, Ronan will bring the battle to life through the story of these young men and particularly through the life of Irishman “Paddy” Hemingway who died on March 17th 2025 at the age of 105. This promises to be a fascinating lecture.
Doors: 6.45pm, Starts 7.00pm
Tickets: £8
You may also like
The Incredible Story of Kevin Barry – By Carmel Kelly
Historian Carmel Kelly presents a powerful lecture on Kevin Barry, the youngest person executed during the Irish War of Independence. Tracing his life from gifted medical student and sportsman to committed Irish Volunteer, this talk explores the events that led to the Monk’s Bakery Ambush and his execution in Mountjoy Prison. A moving account of courage, conviction, and sacrifice that helped alter the course of Irish history.
Wed 22 April 2026
Read More
Lord George Hill: the good, the bad and the sad – A Talk by Roy Greenslade
Lord George Hill was a man with good intentions, a landlord who sought to do right by his tenants. He learned to speak Irish, he lavished money on his Donegal estates, he tried to improve agricultural practices. So why did his experiment fail? Greenslade charts the subsequent unravelling of Hill’s reputation, which marked the beginning of the end of Irish landlordism itself.
Wed 29 April 2026
Read More
Delving into Dubliners – A Talk with Donal Manning
Born in Dublin, Donal Manning brings a lifetime of study and reflection to James Joyce’s Dubliners, his most widely read work. Though deceptively simple, close study of the stories uncovers rich layers of meaning and context. In this talk, Donal discusses the collection in general and concentrates on several selected stories to show that close engagement with Dubliners is a deeply rewarding exercise.
Wed 06 May 2026
Read More
ERNEST SHACKLETON – The Man and the Myths By Michael Smith
Join historian Michael Smith, the leading authority on polar exploration, for a compelling illustrated lecture: Ernest Shackleton – The Man and the Myths. Exploring the life of the County Kildare–born explorer behind four epic Antarctic voyages, this talk sheds new light on Shackleton’s triumphs, struggles, and legacy—freshly re-examined following the discovery of the Endurance beneath the Antarctic ice.
Wed 27 May 2026
Read More
Irish Genealogical Research Society (IGRS) International Lecture Series
Celebrate 90 years of the Irish Genealogical Research Society with a special London lecture event exploring Irish history, genealogy, and the global Irish diaspora. Featuring expert talks from Michael Mahoney and Dr Damian Shiels at the Irish Cultural Centre.
Sat 04 July 2026
Read More
“Candida: An Oedipal Crisis” by Dr. Audrey McNamara (UCD)
In what promise to be a gripping lecture, Dr. Audrey McNamara, a leading expert on Shaw, will examine Shaw’s lasting influence and delve into the central themes of his 1894 play Candida.
Sat 11 July 2026
Read More
George Bernard Shaw and Feminism – A Lecture by Murray Rosenthal
This lecture explores the development of George Bernard Shaw’s feminist ideas, examining of his early life and the influential women who shaped his perspectives.
Sun 12 July 2026
Read More
