Stories of Toomevara folk in Donie Shanahan's new book

A LARGE crowd gathered at the Toomevara parish hall for the recent launch of the latest book telling the stories of Toomevara folk who had achieved fame thanks to their talents and skills.

The book, titled ‘Toomevara – Success in Many Fields’, was the brainchild of Donie Shanahan and is a collection of articles covering famous local parishioners who have excelled in areas such as sport, equestrian, TV, church, education, music, agriculture, the army and the arts. The compilation also includes many poems and other historical articles.

The short biographies are interspersed with photos donated by the families of the book’s heroes, thus adding to its interest to the people of the parish and many others.

The launch began with a wine and cheese reception organised by Benny Dunne and music provided by Jill Saunders and Melisa Carroll.

The ambience was added to as people gathered and flicked through the pages, chatting about the breath of talent recorded in the book and their own recollections of these talented people.

In his welcome Patsy Hanley pointed out the hard work of himself and the other editors, Kieran Grace and Sheila Shanahan, but that it was Donie’s research work that ensured the book’s success. He acknowledged that this was part of Ireland’s great literary tradition in recording its heroes for posterity and to inspire the young of today. He noted the role that volunteers in many fields play in ensuring the talents of the people are brought to their full potential.

Donie Shanahan acknowledged, in his address, the great support of the parishioners when approached about people and how his initial idea of a book on Richard Dalton Williams turned into the book that was eventually put together. He thanked all involved in the publication and the support of his family and friends.

Donie detailed how he and his family were anxious that all profits from the sales of the book would be donated to Suaimhneas in Nenagh.

TippFm were represented by Eamon who interviewed many for his upcoming programme ‘Down Your Way’.

PRAISE

In launching the book local historical figure, Danny Grace, praised the mixture of photos, articles and the poems and songs that were interspersed. He noted that this was the fourth key publication recording Toomevara in recent times. Two books outlining the history of the GAA Club had been added to in the millennium year by Hugh Maher’s fantastic collection of photographs.

He spoke of the rich heritage visible in the book. He especially noted Toomevara’s hurling prowess and the attendance of two Tipperary All Ireland winning captains, Matt Hassett and Tommy Dunne. He remembered the fine Toome’ men who had helped his native Kildangan develop their club, Tom McDonald, a far seeing school principal, and Martin Kennedy who had won every honour with Toome’ before transferring to Kildangan.

He recounted Toomevara’s saddest day when a ‘Famine Clearance’ saw over 500 villagers thrown out of their homes as their ‘cabins’ were destroyed, which is recorded in Helen O’Brien’s book ‘The Famine Clearance’, published in 2010.

Returning to the book being launched, he said it was ‘a very good read’ and covered expertly three areas: Rememberance, Achievement and Celebration. He guided the large attendance to the wonderful photos in the book, but also the great ballads and poems of interest to the parish. It was a book, he said, that should be in every home in the parish and shared with the Toome’ people living abroad.

He launched the book with the words of Kieran Grace from the foreword to the book: ‘It is only right then that we recognise the achievements of our own parishioners. Their accomplishments strengthen our sense of place and make us proud of our parish.’

As the strains of ‘Hurrah for Toomevara’ filled the air, the large attendance enjoyed the opportunity to discuss the book, make acquaintances and enjoy a cup of tea with the delicacies that were provided for everyone. Indeed two hours elapsed and people were still chatting about and admiring the book and its magnificent array of photographs and articles.

Indeed so many photographs were taken that the spring shoots of the next publication must surely have begun in the next author who will carry on the historical recording of the great parish that is Toomevara.