Annals of Arra an outstanding read
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Pictured at the launch of Arra Historical & Archaeological Society’s ‘The Annals of Arra’ at Reidy’s, Newtown, were Mike Gleeson (editor), Jane Quinlan (editor), John Flannery (special guest), Joe Ryan (editor). Odhran DucieImage 2 of 6
Pictured at the launch of Arra Historical & Archaeological Society’s ‘The Annals of Arra’ Vol 5 at Reidy’s, Newtown, were committee members Derek Ryan, Padraig Condon and Mike McKeogh. Odhran DucieImage 3 of 6
Nellie Frawley, Mick Guilfoyle and Anna Jennings researched ‘Carney Woodland - A Farming Memoir’ for ‘The Annals of Arra’ Vol 5. Odhran DucieImage 4 of 6
Selling copies of Arra Historical & Archaeological Society’s ‘The Annals of Arra’ at Reidy’s were committee members Margaret O’Sullivan and Matt Malone. Odhran DucieImage 5 of 6
Maura Ryan and her son Joe attending the launch of Arra Historical & Archaeological Society’s ‘The Annals of Arra’ Vol 5 at Reidy’s, Newtown. Odhran DucieImage 6 of 6
Attending the launch of Arra Historical & Archaeological Society’s ‘The Annals of Arra’ Vol 5 at Reidy’s, Newtown, were Fr Tim O’Brien, Mary Fitzgerald and Nuala O’Brien. PHOTOs: ODHRAN DUCIE Odhran DucieThe fifth volume of the Annals of Arra was launched by John Flannery, a local historian and past president of the Ormond Historical Society, on Thursday, November 30, in Reidy’s, Newtown. John declared the journal to be “an outstanding read”.
The front cover of the book features a photo of one of the frolics used in the slate quarries at Killoran to transport slate in carts from the pit head to where the slates were cut and prepared for sale. All of these structures are now gone. The back cover depicts the varied landscape of the Arra area. Unusually, this year, the inside of the front and back covers have photos of the stained glass windows in Portroe church, which celebrated 150 years since its construction.
The opening chapter, written by Fr Tim O’Brien, describes the man who was responsible for the building of the church in Portroe. The last chapter celebrates Arra Historical and Archaeological Society’s recognition for its exceptional work at the Graves of the Leinstermen under the Heritage Council’s Adopt a Monument Scheme. In between these two chapters is an interesting and varied list of articles, including changes in a village, teachers, walking to school, a glebe house, community centre, a house of worship, men of worship, holy wells, mass paths, stagecoaches, tragedy, finding long lost relations, hand farm tools, fine hurlers, archaeology, genealogy, and a very strange tale involving ears from the 1840s.
Derek Ryan, Chairperson of the society, stated that the publication includes several lovely photographs and maps in addition to the text. He also expressed gratitude to all who contributed articles and photographs, without whom the society wouldn’t be publishing five journals in five years.
The journal is available to purchase at €10 per copy. It would make a lovely Christmas present for young or old at home or abroad.
The book will be available locally in Gleeson’s Spar, Portroe; Post Office in Newtown, Arrabawn Stores in Ballywilliam, McLoughlin’s Hardware, Banba Square; Eason and the Bookshop, Nenagh. It will also be available to purchase online if you log on to the society’s Facebook account.