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BURKE PEOPLE & PLACES by Eamonn BourkeThe second in our People and Places series, after O Brien People and Places, is compiled by family historian, Eamonn Bourke, a leading Irish publisher and antiquarian book expert. With each of the increasing number of editions, he has contributed extra material such as new branch- family trees. This is an excellent record of the activities of a great Hiberno-Norman family whose name (de Burgh, de Burca, Burke etc.) stems from the Norman French borough of Caen and is a must for those wishing to research these Lords of 12th and 13th century Ireland and their descendants.
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DUNNE PEOPLE & PLACES by Joe DunneDunne is the name of a Gaelic Midlands clan. Joe Dunne undertook considerable research on these descendants of 2nd century King Cathair Mór. There is information on such bearers of the name as Hollywood's Irene Dunne, author Mary Chavelita Dunne and numerous clerical and military people. Land divisions, miscellanea, family trees, illustrations, and maps add further interest to this definitive work on the widespread clan, members of which abound in every Irish county and worldwide. A must for researchers.
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HERE I AM, HERE I STAY! by Germain Bapst; Edited by Noel MacmahonMarshall MacMahon (1808 1893), onetime President of France, was a member of a major Irish clan from North Munster. Nicknamed The Little Lion , he was considered a dedicated soldier; very military, modest, very brave in war and was responsible for the eventual success of France s North African campaigns. He also fought at Sevastapol and Magenta, the field that gave his descendants the title of their dukedom. What makes this book so significant is not only Germain Bapst s brief biography but, especially to Irish readers, Noel MacMahon s preliminary account of the MacMahons of Thomond, the 19th century French army and the many fascinating appendices including a family tree, his will and an interesting postscript.
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IRISH INCUMBERED ESTATES by Mary C. LyonsThis beautiful book contains over 150 delightful lithographs resulting from the Incumbered Estates Commission and its successor courts established due to property issues following the Great Famine of the 1840s. Dr Lyons highlights the significance of middle-sized houses and other properties in Ireland's infrastructure. Foreword by The Hon. Desmond Guinness, founder of The Irish Georgian Society.
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KELLY PEOPLE & PLACES by Joseph M. KellyAn orthopaedic surgeon and university lecturer, Joe Kelly has been collecting clan information for years. He is also a Fellow of the Royal Society of antiquaries of Ireland and of other historical and archaeological societies. This book, is a taste of what he has compiled about more than a thousand years of his clan's existence. Most Kellys came from south-east Galway but Kellys are to be found in every Irish county and in many countries. They are not all based on one major clan. Sean T. O'Kelly was Ireland's President from 1945 - 1959; Princess Grace of Monaco was born a Kelly.
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MAC CARTHY PEOPLE & PLACES by Alicia St LegerDr. Alicia St. Leger's contribution to our series is about this extensive but mainly Co. Cork family. It is said that the legend of Kissing the Blarney Stone is because, when the Chieftain of the time had finished remonstrating with 16th century Queen Elizabeth I, she turned to one of her courtiers and exclaimed Blarney, Blarney, Blarney, I've enough of his chatter: take him away! Magnificent castles such as Kanturk, the aforesaid Blarney, and Macroom are found in Counties Cork and Kerry. Personages include the great Puginist architect, James Joseph McCarthy and U.S. Senator Joseph Raymond McCarthy who accused senior individuals of being communists (McCarthyism) in the 1950s.
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MAIRE RUA- LADY OF LEAMANEH by Maire MacNeillThis fascinating and profusely illustrated book by Ireland's premier folklorist of her day gives the reader an insight to one of our greatest legendary women, Máire Rua O'Brien (also MacMahon, Neylon and Cooper). This characterful female was tough but Máire MacNeill's scholarly but easily read book endeavours to show the contrast between the real person and the ogress of folklore. It is a must for students of Irish folklore, MacMahons, O'Briens, Neylons, Coopers and their associated families, inhabitants and citizens of Thomond, Clare, Limerick etc.. and anyone who enjoys good biography. " . . . . all those interested in local Irish history and the history of Irish women are in the debt of the publishers and of Professor Maureen Murphy for bringing us this last work of a great woman whose scholarly achievements have adorned the study of Irish tradition" Dr. Denis Sampson, in Canada, who made this comment in the Journal of Irish Studies, December 1992.
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MURROUGH THE BURNER- Murchadh na dTóiteán by Ivar O'BrienOne of the most controversial Irishmen ever, Murrough O Brien, 6th Baron and 1st Earl of Inchiquin, descended from High King Brian Boru, lived in turbulent times. In 1543 his forebear, also Murrough and last King of Thomond, had surrendered his crown to England s King Henry VIII. Created 1st Earl of Thomond in 1654, the second Murrough successively served both the Crown and the Commonwealth; was military Governor of French Catalonia; commanded French forces aiding the Portuguese and was captured by Algerians, he was also notorious for his sacking of Cashel in 1647. Author Ivar O Brien gives a most interesting account of a fascinating life. "(This book) gives a lively summary of Murrogh's career," Liam de Paor, North Munster Antiquarian Journal.
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O'BRIAN PEOPLE & PLACES by Hugh W L WeirLaunched at Bunratty Castle in Co. Clare, this is one of many books on this Royal Irish family, most members of whom descend from 10/11th century High King Brian Boru. Now in its fourth edition, this popular record by Hugh Weir, himself a descendent of the King (his wife Grania is the daughter of the late 16th Baron Inchiquin, The O Brien, Chieftain of the Clan, of Dromoland Castle) contains much basic information to encourage readers to undertake further research. There are interesting illustrations and maps to enhance the contents. Similar to other clan histories in the series, the cover is of the Clare colours (gold and blue), once used by the monarch and depicts an illustration of the Royal O Brien arms. Paperback ISBN 978-0946538409 88 pages Size 215mm x 145mm
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O'CONNOR PEOPLE & PLACES by Hugh W L WeirHugh Weir's O'Connor clan record is a most useful introduction to the several often unrelated and differently spelt bearers of the name. Books have been written especially on the Royal O'Conor family of Connacht, the Midland or Offaly O'Connors whose exploits against the Normans are fascinating, and the O'Connors of North Kerry. First published in 1994, O'Connor People and Places contains family trees, family Arms, owners of estates, a biography, buildings connected with them and illustrations of some, together with short essays on such significant personages as General Francisco O'Connor of Bolivia, artist John O'Connor, U.S. Cardinal O'Connor and historian Charles O'Conor of Belanagare. The cover lists many spellings of the name.
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O'DOHERTY PEOPLE & PLACES by fionnbarra O'DochartaighAmongst the famous women of this clan, most members of whom still reside in the north-west of Ireland, were Maria Eva de Duarte, wife of Argentinian President, Juan Peron, and Eva of the Nation, 19th century Irish patriot. The Chieftain, thanks to political dispersion, is Spanish citizen and Lord of Inis Eoghain (Innishowen), Ramon Salvador O'Dogherty. Seoirse Fionnbarra O'Dochartaigh who hails from Derry's bogside is a topical historian and social commentator. He has produced considerable information on this interesting clan which is laid out in an easily read way, with many pages of family trees.
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O'DONOGHUE PEOPLE & PLACES by Rod O'DonoghueThe O'Donoghue is an ancient Irish name. It has been spelt in around three hundred different ways over the centuries, but the origin remains the Gaelic Irish Ó Donnchadha. This book traces the development of the name from early tribal times through the phases of Irish history and migration events, people, and places are described and illustrated.
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ONE OF OUR ONE by Hugh W L WeirHugh Weir, born in 1934, experienced polio, war-torn Britain, an Irish farm-based upbringing, and schooling in Northern Ireland and Britain. He served in the military in the Far and Middle East, worked in London, and engaged in publishing, teaching, and travel. Environmentally and historically involved, he was the founder of the Young Environmentalists, an organization ahead of its time, and still writes extensively.
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O'NEILL PEOPLE & PLACES by Sean O'NeilThe O Neills are located throughout the world. Sean O Neill s book is a useful introduction for those who wish to research their roots, which include the Kings of Ireland, Ulster, and Aileach. Many defended their nation by fighting against the English and other invaders. The present Clan Chief, Ua Neil Buidhe, Don Hugo O Neill, descends from Muircheartach, the 16th-century Prince of Clanaboy.
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SHOOTING AT DROMOLAND by Lucius O'BrienShooting at Dromoland is a delightful poetic record of a sporting family, the O Briens of Dromoland, and records chronologically a busy sportsman s day; the clothes worn, the food eaten, where the guns were made, the copses drawn, the scenery, the kills and even comments such as How dazzling to the eyes the candlelight, After the dark chill eve, it pains the sight. True, a lit cigarette can be observed on a dark night from some two kilometres away but it is difficult for us to contemplate candle-dazzle these days of electric illumination. In the modern evening light, we can enjoy the drawings, one of which depicts the transition from the old Queen Anne house to that which stands at present.
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SKETCHES of some S. COUNTIES by G. HolmesThis is a limited and numbered edition of George Holmes' Tour of the South of Ireland, published in 1801. The author's travels of 1797 included Cashel, Killaloe, Limerick, Killarney, Cork and Lismore where lived the Duchess of Devonshire to whom he dedicated the book. It is in the form of letters from places he spent a night or two such as Castleisland in Co. Kerry, and is delightfully illustrated with the author's sepias, most engraved by Alken. The cover illustration of this fascinating hard-back is from his plate of Ross Castle, Killarney. This was also the year of the Union of Ireland with Great Britain.
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THE PARISH OF INCHICRONAN (CRUSHEEN) by Thomas CoffeyThis comprehensive local history, written by a native of the parish, provides a detailed exploration of the rich and diverse history of a region located north of Clare's county town, Ennis. The book is a treasure trove of meticulously gathered information, accumulated over many years of dedicated research and storytelling. It delves into the area's heritage with remarkable depth, leaving no detail overlooked, from the most minor monuments to intriguing historical anecdotes. The volume also celebrates the cultural vibrancy of the region by including a variety of poems, songs, and excerpts from Griffith's Valuation, which offer unique insights into the lives and traditions of the local community. Beautifully illustrated, the book brings to life the stories it recounts, enhancing the reader's experience. This is not just a history book but a celebration of the area's legacy, making it an invaluable resource for historians, locals, and anyone with a connection to County Clare.
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TOUR of CLARE by John LloydA descendant of Brian Merriman (A Midnight Court), and another of Clare s legendary poets, John Lloyd is noted for compiling his impressive visionary poem Cois Leasa Dhom Go h-Uaigneach . This, Close By The Solitary Rath , set to the music of the then popular St. Patrick s Day in the Morning , was written following a night spent sleeping rough beside the ring fort on Cnoc Thaidhg (Thady s Hill near the present day Shannon Airport). He had become disorientated and was lost. Lloyd also translated into English a number of other works including MacCruitin s life of Saint Senan of Scattery Island which has been transcribed by Anthony O Brien.
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TRAUMAS TRANSYLVANIA AND OTHERS by Hugh WeirThe author if this thrilling autobiographical travel book decided to record some of the most traumatic experiences of his multifaceted life. The most exciting final and longest story herein, the true account of a recent episode, was too short without the addition of some further occasionally similar happenings over his eighty-one years. Hence this is his first thriller, through which he hopes his readers will share the real-life fears, terrors, reliefs, sensitivities and sentiments he underwent when lost in an incredibly remote area of Central Europe without any communication with the outside world.
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UPPER LOUGH ERNE by Rev. William HenryThis reprint of Sir Charles Simeon king s edition of the Reverend William Henry s Upper Lough Erne in 1739. Not only is the Rev. Mr. Henry s description of the area in the early 18th century fascinating, but Sir C. S. King s notes are extremely important to historians and genealogists as well as being of particular interest to those who have any connection with Fermanagh, Cavan and the adjoining counties. There are also copious notes and appendices.
