Beautiful collection of memories
Annals of Arra 2024
Image 1 of 3
Featuring is this photo of Martin and May Ryan being presented with a silver tray by Jim Gill (right) to mark Martin’s retirement as a postman in the Newtown area in the 1972. Photo courtesy of the Brendan Treacy Archives.Image 2 of 3
JJ Slattery and his late wife Bernadette in Gaelic Bar, Pearse St.Image 3 of 3
The front cover of the latest volumeTime flies, and another year has nearly passed, bringing us to the latest volume of the Annals of Arra. This sixth volume marks a significant milestone since the Arra Historical and Archaeological Society first ventured into publishing collections on local history, archaeology, people, and places.
The current volume of the Annals of Arra will be launched by Peter Gleeson, journalist with the Nenagh Guardian on Thursday, December 5, at 8.30pm in Reidy’s Pub, Newtown.
The front cover image depicts a home that once played an important role in the life of Portroe village while the back one of a former shop in Boher serve as a representation of our heritage. The last chapter expands on the role of this Portroe home and its occupants.From family searches by the diaspora to unique local tales such as the Carrigatoher connection to the Manchester Martyrs, intriguing stories of fishing exploits, Fr John’s Medicine, The Clown Killer, Poitín, setting fire to a blackboard, a luxury bath, growing up in Portroe, recounting life stories, the Post Office and Hearth Rolls - this volume captures the essence of Arra. The variety of topics promises to engage a wide audience, from history enthusiasts to those with personal ties to the area.
Siobhán Geraghty, Chairperson of the Arra Historical and Archaeological Society stated: “The publication includes two wonderful sections of photographs in addition to the photos within each chapter. We would like to thank all who contributed articles, poetry and photographs. Without these contributions we wouldn’t be publishing six journals in six years. Thank you also to those who buy the journal each year.”
The journal is on sale on Thursday night at €10 per copy. There will be a special offer of five journals for €40 on launch night only. It would make a lovely Christmas present for young or old at home or abroad. The Annals of Arra is available to purchase 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 page.