Premier accolade for Civil War book

Tipperariana Book of the Year Award

The Tipperariana Book of the Year Award for 2021 took place on Friday, October 14, in the ICA Hall, Fethard. The recipients were Denis G Marnane and Mary Guinan Darmody for their book ‘The Civil War in County Tipperary’.

Michael Mallon, Chairperson, Fethard Historical Society opened the proceedings by welcoming everyone. He pointed out that this was, in fact, the 20th presentation of the award. It should have taken place last January but due to Covid-19 restrictions it was postponed until now. Michael extended a special welcome to the guests of honour, Denis G Marnane, Tipperary historian, and Mary Guinan Darmody, Tipperary County Library. He also welcomed Elaine Fitzpatrick, Fitzpatrick Printers, and the Tipperary Town contingent, who had come along to support them. He then handed over to the MC for the evening, Mary Hanrahan, PRO, Fethard Historical Society, organisers of the Tipperariana Book Fair since 1996.

Mary reiterated Michael’s words of welcome, acknowledging Mary Guinan Dermody’s continuous assistance not only to the Fethard Historical Society since its foundation but to all involved in historical endeavour throughout the county. Denis G Marnane is, of course, renowned for his prodigious output of articles and books relating to the history of County Tipperary. It is worth noting that this is the second time Denis Marnane and Mary Guinan Darmody have received the Tipperariana Book of the Year Award. The first time was back in 2007 for ‘Finding Tipperary’ a comprehensive guide to all available books, articles, etc, relating to County Tipperary held in the county archives. It is an invaluable reference for anyone doing research in the area.

Mary invited Terry Cunningham, Fethard Historical Society, to talk about how the award originated. Terry explained that it all stemmed from the annual Tipperariana Book Fair where local Tipperary authors were always invited to come and showcase their books. The society became aware of the amazing number of books produced each year in and about Tipperary and felt that such endeavours deserved recognition.

DIVERSITY

The publication in 2002 of the outstanding ‘Moyne-Templetuohy, A Life of its Own’ edited by Willie Hayes spurred the society into action and the Tipperariana Book of the Year Award came into being. The diversity of the twenty recipients to date reflects the multiplicity of publications relating to Tipperary. However, what all recipients have in common is that each book in its own unique way captures an essential aspect of Tipperary. Each book is also published to a high professional standard and serves to enrich both the county and the national archive.

Terry also then related his experience growing up in the 1950s and ’60s when people didn’t speak about the events of the Civil War. Even today, one hundred years later, there is a sensitivity around the topic and a reluctance to talk about it. In his own inimitable fashion, he managed to inject humour and elicit laughter even while talking about such a serious subject.

Terry concluded by reading one of his own poems ‘Fifty, Fifty’, which deals with the sharing of the island with all who live here.

2023 TIPPERARIANA BOOK FAIR

The Tipperariana Book Fair will take place on Sunday, February 12, 2023. All enquiries may be directed to bookfair@fethard.com.