Launch of book on Tipperary Workhouse
The book launch for ‘The Story of Tipperary Town Workhouse’ written by Gay Lowry, took place in the impressive gallery of the Excel Theatre in Tipperary Town.
Proceedings got under way with a warm welcome from MC Elaine Fitzpatrick of well-known Fitzpatrick Printers, who introduced the speakers. Local historian Dr Denis Marnane then proceeded with the launch. He certainly set the tone for the night. His outline of many aspects of the book saw him at his best, displaying his vast knowledge on its contents while mixing with well-timed jovial wit. He commented on the vast amount of knowledge in the book’s 25 chapters and 288 pages, making reference to several articles, for example the journey to Australia by the orphan girls, the part played by the Board of Guardians with many aspects of life regarding sanitation, supply of water, allocation of labourers’ cottages, organising of dispensaries in rural areas, care of graveyards, allocating work to the unemployed etc. It also features amusing stories about the raiding of shebeens in Kilcommon and Tipperary Town, the pregnancies of two widows and the drink driving charge against the driver of the horse drawn ambulance.
The book's author, Gay Lowry, outlined his family connections to the building. He explained how his great, great grandparents, Tom and Ellen Lowry died during the Famine, while his cousin, William Godfrey, was Master for 34 years (1870-1904). He emphasised the large numbers who relied for help from the workhouse and went through very tough times. The author pointed out that the book contains a high volume of numbers and reminded the large attendance each number represented a human being, our people, our ancestors. He added he was certain everybody in the room had at some time an ancestor who sought help or had some connection with Tipperary Workhouse. He expressed the hope, through his book, these people would never be forgotten.
Among the attendance was well known Mary Guinan-Darmody of Tipperary Studies from the Source Arts Centre in Thurles. Mary spoke on the facilities available at The Source and everybody was welcome at any time. She mentioned the great friendship built up between the staff and Gay Lowry over his many visits and how they missed him when his research was completed.
Built in 1841 Tipperary Workhouse served the people of the vast area until 1914 when, following the outbreak of World War I, the British military took over the building, which saw many of the residents moved to Cashel, Thurles, Clogheen and Kilmallock workhouses. But its history did not end there. The book goes on to tell the very interesting stories in detail of St Vincents Hospital, the Maternity Hospital, the Dispensary, the Glove factory, the Lino factory, etc, all of which operated from the workhouse building.
BOOK STOCKISTS
‘The Story of Tipperary Workhouse’ is currently for sale at Fitzpatrick Printers, Davis Street, Tipperary Town, the Excel Arts Centre, Market Street, Tipperary Town, Bookworm (Thurles), Bookmarket (Clonmel) and the Nenagh Bookshop.