Launch of 2019 Upperchurch-Drombane Historical Journal

The latest book dealing with the history of the Upperchurch-Drombane area will be launched this Saturday evening in Kinnane’s of Upperchurch, starting at 8pm.

This is the seventh publication in the popular series after a three-and-a-half year interval and is again the result of the work and research of several local volunteers.

Those involved took a break from the annual history book to concentrate on the huge photographic compilation ‘Twas How We Looked', containing over 2,000 photos, but have now resumed their history related research. The book itself, at 160 pages, is 25% larger than the previous ones and contains 15 articles of local interest as well as poems, photographs and lists of deaths and burials.

Among the articles are reminiscences by Fr Phil Barry, Maura Armstrong and Eileen Scanlan, profiles of noted local sportsmen Tom Burke and Mick O’Dwyer, a guide to the stained glass windows in the local churches and a description of election activity in the 19th century when physical injury was a hazard of participation in the democratic process. As we mark the centenary of the War of Independence, the book includes Paddy Kinnane’s account of his involvement and an article on the shooting of Willie Connolly of Rossoulty, the first properly researched story of this tragic event. There are also some glimpses of social life and recreation a hundred years ago included.

With post office closures and relocation causing controversy at present, a comprehensive article on the three former local post offices and the people and postmen (and women) connected with them makes interesting if nostalgic reading. Moving to the medical arena, an article on old cures, superstitions and 'piseogs' reminds us of poorer and simpler times.

Emigration has been a constant in Irish and local history for centuries. An article titled 'We’re All Related' tells the story of one emigrant family and the visit of their US descendants to their ancestral home in Upperchurch. Another category of emigrant, though without descendants, was the hundreds of missionaries who gave their lives to spreading the Faith and doing good works far from home. Biographical details of some of these are included.

Open air platform dancing was a prominent feature of local social life up to the early 1960s. Details on the several local venues are included and will revive memories for swingers of a certain vintage. On a more sombre note, there is a tribute to community activist, the late John O’Donoghue, and a list of over 300 people who passed away between 1994 and 2006.

The launch is being held in conjunction with the local Active Retirement Group with Fr Tony Ryan as the keynote speaker. There will be free entertainment and finger food so a great night out is anticipated. The book will be for sale from this Sunday at the usual local outlets and in bookshops and newsagents in Thurles, Templemore and Borrisoleigh, price €10.