We've had thrilling news at the start of the Society's 90th year: the launch of our newspaper index database last July proved so popular that it made No 6 in the Top Ten news articles published in 2025 by Irish Heitage News.
The database was created from a card index compiled several decades ago by the now late Patrick Smythe-Wood. It notes biographical information from Irish - and a small number of Canadian - newspapers. Although the range of newspapers covers all of Ireland, the data tends to mainly represent the nine northern counties which form the province of Ulster: Antrim, Armagh, Cavan, Derry/Londonderry, Donegal, Down, Fermanagh, Monaghan, and Tyrone.
There are approximately 11,600 index records, referencing about 20,000 individuals. The earliest dates from 1772 and the latest 1900, though the majority fall into the period 1800 to 1860. There is a particular focus on the history of members of the Royal Irish Constabulary, military personnel, and other uniformed services, such as customs and excise officers for instance.
Read the full Top Ten list HERE on the Irish Heritage News' website and read our original news item launching the database HERE.
There'll be more news coming soon too about the IGRS' 90th anniversary celebrations which will occur throughout 2026.
Not an IGRS member? To become part of our thriving community click HERE now to check out the benefits of membership.
