Free talk on Hotel Shamrock founder

BENDIGO author and researcher Mary Healy will present a talk on her book Heffernan of the Shamrock at the Bendigo Library on Thursday, May 2.

The talk, part of the library’s Discovering History series, will start at 5.30pm and will be free to attend.

The Hotel Shamrock was founded by Irishman William Heffernan in 1854 and the building, on Pall Mall, is regarded as an iconic part of the region’s gold rush era.

Ms Healy said Heffernan was an important person in the region’s early days.

“He was an influential character but after searching for a book written about Heffernan, I could not find one,” she said.

“There were articles about him in most Bendigo newspapers and histories…and he was also mentioned through music. So I commenced researching the story of the man.”

From impoverished conditions in Ireland, Heffernan travelled the world seeking a better life for himself and his family. He found gold in California and ultimately settled in Victoria and established the hotel.

Towards the end of his life, Heffernan joined his wife’s family in Dunedin, New Zealand, and worked in a hotel there until his death in 1891 at the age of 88.

“The whole exercise of research and writing the book proved to be most rewarding,” Ms Healy said. “Heffernan now has a place in the wonderful history of this great city.”

The event will be open to in-person participation and also via Zoom. Bookings are required and can be made through the library.

Copies of Heffernan of the Shamrock also will be available for purchase.