A unique Monaghan-focused Family History initiative is being organised as part of The Gathering 2013. It will provide

two 4-day training courses within the county for tourists tracing their Monaghan ancestors.

The project is entitled ‘County Monaghan Genealogy – home to the little hills’. It will give participants information on the genealogical sources available, the cultural history of County Monaghan and the diversity of origin of its people.

The courses will take place in North Monaghan from Monday to Thursday, 14-17 October, and in Carrickmacross from Monday to Thursday, 21-24 October.

Courses will take place in October 2013

Monday-Thursday and will run from 9am to 4pm each day with two evening sessions each week from 7pm to 9pm.

Training packs for participants will include a surname-map of County Monaghan.

The courses are designed for individuals and groups with Monaghan ancestry living overseas and members of Irish societies and social clubs abroad.

This project is organised by Clogher Historical Society/Cumann Seanchais Chlochair, Monaghan County Library and the County Monaghan Heritage Gathering Committee. We would like to acknowledge the support of Cavan-Monaghan LEADER which is funding the project. The project is also being supported by the County Monaghan Fund and Monaghan Genealogy. The project will be delivered by Ancestor Network Ltd, a professional genealogy company.

Substantial funding for the project has resulted in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for overseas visitors to come to Monaghan to trace their roots, experience the warmth of a Monaghan welcome and explore its rich culture and history.

If you are a native of Monaghan or know someone who might be interested, contact: John Hamrock, info@ancestor.ie, Tel: +353 87 0505296, Twitter: @ancestornetwork, www.facebook.com/MonaghanGenealogyTraining .