While on a field trip to Burrishoole Abbey with pupils from Holy Family National School, Newport I got a pleasant surprise. We were visiting the grave of Fr. Manus Sweeney who was publicly hanged in Newport following the 1798 insurrection.

As I explained a little about Fr. Manus the bus driver who accompanied us asked the following question:
"Do you know Mr. Hoban who made the railings surrounding Fr. Manus’s grave?"
To which I relied:
"I don’t honestly know."
He went on to tell us that it was in fact my own grandad. As it happened a new headstone and wrought iron surrounding railings were erected in 1912. My grandfather, a blacksmith and leader of the I.R.B. in Castlebar at the time, erected the railings designed in the form of pikes similar to those used by the United Irishmen in 1798.

This is an experience I will never forget and I am sure the children who experienced it will not either.

Should any primary school be interested in a school visit or heritage field trip under the Heritage in Schools Scheme" contact Brían at 087 9234504 0r visit Website.

• Heritage in Schools Scheme.