Mayo historical society's annual journal, Clann Mhuiris, on sale now

THE ninth edition of Clann Mhuiris, the annual journal of Claremorris Historical Society, was launched by former MEP Jim Higgins at Claremorris Library.

Addressing the large attendance, Mr. Higgins described it as a superb production and a credit to all who had produced and contributed to it.

The importance of telling the many interesting stories of our local communities should never be underestimated, he said, as ‘we are nothing without our history’. In that regard, he paid a warm tribute to two recently deceased members of the Claremorris historical community, Michael Reidy and Johnny Kirrane, both of whom were contributors to Clann Mhuiris in previous years.

As an example of the remarkable inter-connectivity and continuity of history, he referred to the members of the Maguire family who were present, including Judge Libby Maguire, a grandniece of the former Chief Justice of Ireland, Conor A. Maguire, whose account of his life in the War of Independence is reproduced in this year’s publication.

Contributors present included James Gilmore, son of the famous film-maker and cinema operator, Joe Gilmore, who brought the glamour of the ‘movies’ to towns and village across the region from the 1950s to the 1980s, Cormac Hanley, who has written a wonderful account of the life of his uncle, the legendary Henry Dixon, winner of two All-Ireland medals with Mayo in 1950 and ’51, and local historian and genealogist Gerard Delaney who writes about the relationship between Father James Corbett and the Claremorris Fenians.

Sisters Margaret O’Grady and Teresina Daly, who contributed a most informative article on the history of the Mercy Order since its first establishment in Claremorris in January of 1877, were joined by several of their colleagues for the occasion.

Also present was local sacristan Pat Gleeson who has written a fascinating description of the high altar in St. Colman’s Parish Church and the hitherto unknown story of Patrick E. Tomlin, the man who built it.

Editor Colmán Ó Raghallaigh has also contributed an article on a number of postcards posted from Claremorris in the early 20th century which have since returned to their town of origin.

Secretary of Claremorris Historical Society Adrianne Reidy thanked all present for their attendance and paid tribute to Colmán Ó Raghallaigh and Pat Keane for their editorial work on this year’s edition. She extended a warm invitation to all who were interested to become members of the historical society.

And she concluded by thanking Aoife Ní Cheallaigh and the staff of Mayo County Library for again hosting the launch of the society’s journal.

Priced at just €10, and featuring many rare photographs, Clann Mhuiris will once again make an ideal Christmas gift for Claremorris people at home and abroad.

It is now available from the usual outlets in Claremorris.