MEDIA RELEASE:
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
Irish Historian and Author Christy Roche presents “The Rich Heritage of the Blackwater Valley” hosted by Nine Ships 1825 – March 16th at 1:30pm at the Knights of Columbus Hall.
Irish historical geographer and author Christy Roche will be presenting a talk titled “The Rich Heritage of the Blackwater Valley”. Christy will discuss the different civilisations that have inhabited the Blackwater Valley over the past 5,000 years and the impact they have had on the present landscape. He will talk about the different cultures, beliefs and traditions that have influenced succeeding generations and that continue to have influence on the present population and will examine administrative, political and population changes in the area over the centuries. Nine Ships 1825 is pleased to host this talk by Mr. Roche on Monday, March 16th at 1:30 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 317 Hunter Street, West in Peterborough. The public is welcome to attend.
This year marks the 26th anniversary of the Peterborough St. Patrick’s Day Parade and the organizers were pleased to announce that Christy Roche will be the Grand Marshall of this year’s parade! This annual event has grown steadily over the years with participation now including more than 20 Irish families and close to 80 parade entries. The parade is set to begin at 2 pm on March 15th at City Hall in Peterborough.
Christy Roche was born in Glanworth parish in north county Cork in 1944. He graduated with a degree in Historical Geography from the University College Cork. Over the past forty years he has lectured to many local and visiting historical societies on many aspects of his native land. Christy has travelled extensively giving talks in Europe, Canada, USA, Central America and Brazil.
Christy has contributed historical articles to local newspapers and magazines and has edited and written several books including “The Ford of the Apples”, “A Glimpse of Grange” and “From Whence They Came: The Peter Robinson Settlers”. A founding member and former chairman of the Avondhu Blackwater Partnership local development company, he has plotted and developed long distance walking routes in south Tipperary and north County Cork and has been honoured by the towns of Mallow and Fermoy for his contributions to the tourism and heritage sectors of the Blackwater Valley. Christy lives near the town of Fermoy in Ireland with Mary, his wife of over 50 years.
“Christy has visited the Peterborough area numerous times and has been a wonderful help to people visiting Ireland from our area who are wanting to learn more about the villages and families their ancestors came from. Christy’s presence in the parade will add extra attention and excitement to the St. Patrick’s Week events that he will be attending.” states Brendan Moher, Chair of Nine Ships 1825.
Christy Roche will meet with visitors and sign copies of his 2025 book “From Whence They Came” at Trent Valley Archives on Saturday, March 14 from 1pm-3pm. His book highlights the areas that the Peter Robinson emigrants came from in 1825. Copies of the book will be available for purchase.
For more information please contact:
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