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Volume 28 of the Kinsale Record continues the format of previous years with a range of articles, some throwing new light on previous research and others breaking new ground. Military history is a big part of Kinsale's past as Karen Healy continues her series on artefacts from Charles Fort, Ciaran Dempsey recalls the struggle to have the Fort declared a national Monument and Edward O’Mahony writes on the American prisoners in Desmond Castle. The War of Independence in the Kinsale area is the topic chosen by Colm Gimblette for his research and Sharon Forde shows the value of the public records in tracing the life of her grandmother, Margaret in that period. The story of the Connaught Rangers interred in the Abbey Graveyard is told by JJ Hurley while Nial Stewart and Rev Peter Rutherford trace the stories behind the memorial windows in Saint Multose Church.

The sea is an integral part of the history of Kinsale so articles on maritime affairs are always of interest. This year Graham Williams has two articles, one the golden age of the harbour, the Syrmna Fleet and the other on Maritime Kinsale. A sea disaster is recalled in an article by Seamus Breathnach on the Falls of Gary thanks to Padraig Walsh and Dermot Ryan looks at another maritime "disaster" the pirate Anne Bonny. Some Kinsale residents are also remembered in the Record. The life of John James is recalled by his son, David and Michael Barry tells of a unique "first" achieved by his uncle Father Michael Barry, Frank O'Brien writes of the time that Lennox Robinson spent in Kinsale and William Dorman tells of his theatrical career.

Fergal Browne continues his history of big houses in the area with articles on Cramers Court and Ballywilliam and we reprint a much sought article from Volume Two on the history of Dunderrow by Donal O’Leary and Vincent Murphy. The history of the Southwell family is told by Adrian Neville who has sourced some unique photos and Tony Bocking has researched the history of buildings in the World's End, also with the aid of photographs. The neglect of the Regional Museum in recent years is a constant focus of the Society so the article by Shannon Forde on the founding of the Museum is of special interest and the saga of the U-20 the submarine that sank the Lusitania is the topic chosen by Padraig Begley. The notes on the struggle for Charles Fort taken by the late Ciaran Dempsey will strike an echo with many readers.

Dermot Ryan, Editor.

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