Spotlight on Cloughjordan

Events at the May Bank Holiday weekend honouring Thomas MacDonagh and the MacDonagh family provided an opportunity, for those interested in history, heritage and Irish culture, to gather after a lapse of two years.

The launch of Volume XI in the Cloughjordan Heritage series opened the programme with Dr Eamon O’Shea’s inspirational comments on the contents. He shared cherished memories of his native parish, which he recollected in reading through several of the articles. Although familiar with the people and places throughout the book, he was unaware of the rich personal stories of neighbours bringing him to appreciate the value in recording our heritage and in knowing the history of our own locality, which is an important part of our own identity. Those who contributed articles and photographs were thanked by Brendan Sheehan, chairperson of the Heritage Group. They, and sponsors of the publication, were each presented with a copy of the book.

Those who attended the Saturday morning Summer School heard it praised as one of the best of its kind and this year’s event was declared by some to be ‘the best to date’. The emergence of a ‘New Nation’ socially, politically and financially was ably presented by Dr Joe MacDonagh, Sergeant John Reynolds and Patrick O’Sullivan-Greene. There was a special welcome back for Mrs Muriel McAuley, Mrs Michelle Drysdale and Dr Joe MacDonagh, all members of the MacDonagh family, for Jackie Cahill TD, as well as regular attendees and those new to the annual Summer School, first held in 2009.

In the evening there was a tribute to Joseph MacDonagh TD for North Tipperary in the first Dáil, as this year is the centenary of his death. A tree was planted by his grandson, Joe MacDonagh, in the 1916 Memorial Garden. Members of the Thomas MacDonagh Pipe Band played a lament in his memory. The tribute was attended by MacDonagh family members, Rosemary Joyce; representing Tipperary Co Co, members of the management of the Thomas MacDonagh Museum and the Cloughjordan Community Development along with the local community.

The evening continued, in the Thomas MacDonagh Museum and Library, with a programme of Irish culture with music, poetry and song presented by Bawney Hayes. The audience was treated to a performance by multi-talented musicians, with poetry contributed by Muriel McAuley, Patrick Bergin, Francis Grace and Alice Ryan. All were thanked for their contribution to the evening’s entertainment.

May Day was celebrated with a guided walk along the boardwalk through Scohaboy Bog. Thanks to our guides, Bernadette Guest and Brendan Sheehan, who revealed the new developments in this peatland restoration project, which is of international importance. It is a rich and unique part of our heritage and a visitor attraction in the area.

The Cloughjordan Heritage Group is grateful to all those who participated in the 2022 programme of events and to Tipperary Co Co, whose continuing support has made this annual event possible.