Heritage Society Talk on Palatine History

Tarbert Methodist Unveiling 18-4-2010
Castleisland Heritage Society guest speaker, Austin Bovenizer (second from right) unveiling a memorial plaque on the site of the demolished Wesleyan Chapel in Tarbert in 2010. Included were from left: Historian, Pádraig Ó Conchúir, Bridie Heffernan-nee O’Gorman, Mr. Bovenizer and local stone mason, Paddy Fitzell. ©Photograph: John Reidy 18-4-2010

“Castleisland Heritage Society will welcome Mr. Austin Bovenizer to St Patrick’s Boys’ Secondary School on Tuesday December 1st 2015 at 7.30pm.,” according to society founder member, Maggie Prendiville.
This will be Mr. Bovenizer’s second visit to the society here and he delivered a similar talk in July 2009 on the history of his people from the Rhineland – the Palatine area of Germany who were displaced through war with the French and who travelled to Ireland in the early 18th century.

“Tuesday night’s talk and presentation will consist of a personal viewpoint from Mr. Bovenizer who was born into the Palatine settlement near Rathkeale.
“His childhood was spent on the family farm that has served nine generations of his ancestors since the arrival of Johann Adam Bovenizer in 1709. He has seen first hand the practice of Palatine farming techniques and methods that are now alas no more.
“Austin has made numerous visits to his ancestral homeland in Germany and returned to the village and houses that were once occupied by the Bovenizer family.
“As a graphic designer and illustrator Austin’s talk is presented with a collection of his own photographs and graphics.
He is a founder member of the Irish Palatine Association has been chairman since its inception in 1989. All are welcome to attend on the night,” said Maggie.

You’ll find a brief history of the Palatine settlement near Rathkeale with a click on the link here: http://www.irishpalatines.org/about/about.html