Book launch in Nenagh Library
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Studying the book carefully are, from left, Nuala Freeman and Margaret Kennedy in conversation with Patricia O’Hara and James O’Meara discussing Margaret O’Sullivan’s book.Image 2 of 2
At the launch of Margaret O’Sullivan’s book in Nenagh Library are, back row, from left: James O’Meara, Aileen Byrne, Brian Byrne, Dermot O’Hara, Danny Grace and Kieran Grace. Front: Nuala Freeman, Mary B Reddan, Margaret Kennedy, Margaret O’Sullivan and Patricia O’Hara.Local author, Margaret O'Sullivan, launched her book, Lismore estate under William Robert Hood Rochfort, 1891-1902, in Counties Cork, Limerick and Tipperary in Nenagh Library last Tuesday night week.
There was a good turnout of interested people on the night, including Dr Siobhán Geraghty, former Heritage Officer with Tipperary County Council, who introduced Margaret.
William Rochfort may be a name unfamiliar to many, but for much of his career as a land agent (1872-1940), he managed estates throughout Ireland from Derry in Northern Ireland to the far southernmost reaches of County Kerry. In the north Tipperary area, he was a land agent on Viscount Lismore’s estates particularly around the Borrisokane and Roscrea areas.
This book, using the words of both the land agent and the tenants on Viscount Lismore’s estate in Counties Cork, Limerick and Tipperary, explores the land agent–tenant relationship between 1891 and 1902. The techniques employed by Rochfort to investigate the personal circumstances of his tenants, his treatment of them and his ability to occasionally provide discreet assistance to those in need are all examined. Issues of most concern to the tenants, as told in their own words, are also considered.