A Selection of Recent Local Publications : Reviewed by Mary Conefrey, Local Studies, Leitrim County Library.
Wanderings in Leitrim and Afar by Kevin J. O’Connell
Kevin O’Connell was born and grew up near Ballinamore; he worked as an engineer and progressed to Director of Engineering with RTE. His newly published book Wanderings in Leitrim and Afar chronicles a journey into his personal history and growing up in the vicinity of Ballinamore. Other sections of the book cover a broad range of topics and wider horizons and include poetry, plays and much more. This is a well written book, where the author aspires to ‘give something back’ and share his acquired knowledge with others by chronicling a very special journey.
The Head Sheaf: The Life and Times of the People of Sliabh an Iarainn
This is the final volume of the Mountain Project and follows on from Mountain Echoes, Mountain Shadows and Mountain Roots. It is a substantial book that deals with an extensive area around the Sliabh an Iarainn mountain. The Head Sheaf is an attractive production which records the fascinating stories and recollections of people, places and events in a beautiful and historic area and it is choc-a-block with excellent quality photographs. Great credit is due to the organising committee who once again have highlighted the struggles, strengths and successes of the people who lived close to Sliabh an Iarainn.
The Flight of the Bald Warriors: The Story of a Rural Irish Family at the turn of the Twentieth Centuryby Ciarán Mollahan
This book was borne out of Ciarán Mollohan family history research and is primarily about the Mollohan family of Leganomer. However, it gives a vast insight into the social history of the late 1800s and early 1900s, thus providing something for everyone. The Mollahan family were typical of many rural Irish families who due to social and economic circumstances were mostly forced to emigrate. The Flight of the Bald Warriors outlines the fascinating stories of each of the ten children of ‘Big’ John and Anne Mollohan. Retailing at €15, it is real value and would make a desirable gift.
Annals of Annaduff by Des Guckian
Des Guckian has examined many written records and sources and has compiled a very comprehensive and interesting story of life in Annaduff parish for many centuries. The main theme of this beautifully produced book is land ownership; how and why this has changed over time and the consequences of all of this. The lives of some of the larger planter families are followed in some detail for example Waldron, Nesbitt, Forbes, Campbell/Rowley but particularly the Jones family, with some new facts emerging sourced from the Jones Papers held in Leitrim County Library Archives.
Scéal Achadh Mhaoileann 1982 – 2010
This is an important and well researched book which conveys the history of Aughawillan GAA Club 1982 - 2010. It is a celebration of a rural club, whose pride and passion evoke memories of nearly 30 years of football and is packed with photographs. The book was compiled to coincide with the official opening of new clubhouse and dressing rooms this year. It recounts match finals, rolls of honour, all star awards and fantastic success in this historic club for male, female and underage football teams; along with the club’s many titles in Scór Sinsear and Scór na nÓg.
Leitrim during the Troubles DVD
This DVD which looks at the impact of ‘The Troubles’ in County Leitrim was produced by Maccana Teoranta and funded by the Peace III initiative. A wide range of individuals who lived in or have connections with Leitrim were interviewed about their experiences and how their daily lives were directly effected by the Troubles. It also recalls topics such as the kidnapping of Don Tidey in 1983, the murder of Maireád Farrell and the decimation of the border village Kiltyclogher. Those interviewed included Republicans, Unionists, members of the Orange Lodge etc.
Sing a Leitrim Song CD by Fionnuala Maxwell
Fionnuala Maxwell is widely known as an accomplished singer and has many accolades to prove this. Fionnuala had identified that there were not many ‘Leitrim’ ballads openly available and she set out to research and record as many Leitrim ballads as possible. She certainly succeeded in achieving her goal, and Sing a Leitrim Song is the fruits of her effort. The CD contains 12 beautiful songs, some very familiar and some new and previously unheard traditional songs and ballads from Leitrim. This CD would make excellent Christmas stocking filler.
St. Brigid’s Church, Corraleehan, Rededication 2010
An enjoyable read which recounts life, times, changes and events around St. Brigid’s Church, Corraleehan. Parish celebrations, sacraments and memories of visitors to the area are recorded along with lots of lovely photographs. Historical reminiscences were gathered from senior parishioners and are now preserved for posterity. The book includes a selection of old Irish Blessings along with lists of clergy and nuns from Corraleehan who minister or have ministered throughout the world. Well done to the Editors who successfully captured 120 years of memories in this fine book.
Most of these items are on sale at Leitrim Genealogy Centre, Ballinamore.