Full title: Exploring the Baltinglass cursus complex: routes for the dead
Creator / Author: James O’Driscoll
Item Type / Page count: Journal Article (online) / 18p
Journal Information: Antiquity First View, pp. 1-18
When Published: 25th April 2024
Publisher / Place of Publication: Cambridge University Press on behalf of Antiquity Publications Ltd. / Cambridge, CB2 8AE, United Kingdom
About: James O’Driscoll, who has spent the past number of years investigating the Baltinglass Hillfort Complex, now presents his latest findings in an online article under the aegis of the scholarly journal ‘Antiquity’. The author describes a cluster of cursus monuments that have been discovered using the newest archaeology tools and techniques. This is the first time that a cluster of such monuments has been discoved in Ireland. The author concludes that the monuments “demonstrate a clear connection between the dead, major solar events and seasonal farming cycles”.
ID number(s): 0003-598X (Print), 1745-1744 (Online)
Article Contents: Abstract — Introduction — Neolithic Ireland and the Baltinglass Landscape — The Baltinglass Cursus Monuments — The Baltinglass Cursus Monuments in Context — Routes for the Dead? — Conclusion — Funding Statement — References.
Extra #4: The findings of James O’Driscoll in the above article have been picked up by a number of news outlets and social media streams. For example, ‘Newsweek’ (online edition) contains this item by Aristos Georgiou.
Full title: Vicious Circle: the case of the missing Irish Crown Jewels
Creator / Author: Francis Bamford & Viola Bankes
Item Type / Page count: Book / 212pp
When Published: 1965
Publisher / Place of Publication: Max Parrish / 1 – 5 Portpool Lane, London EC1
About: The title of this posting is taken from the summary on the dust-jacket of the book pictured above. Equally apt is the quote from the London Mail (1912) also on the same dust-jacket: “Will anyone ever have the courage to tell the whole truth about this wretched business?”. The Irish Crown Jewels were kept by the Office of Arms in Dublin Castle and they were last seen on 11th June 1907, subsequently presumed stolen, and remain unaccounted for. This book was the first full account of the affair to be published. However, the definitive answer to the mystery still remains elusive today.
ID number(s): None
Contents: Foreword — 1. The Disappearance — 2. The Investigation — 3. The Interlude — 4. The Inquiry — 5. The Aftermath — Postscript — Index.
WW Connection #1: The custodian of the Irish Crown Jewels at the time of their disappearance was Sir Arthur Vicars, who had links with Grangecon in West Wicklow. He was a half-brother of Pierce (O’) Mahony of Grangecon Demesne and would have stayed there regularly. Afterwards, Pierce O’Mahony took up a spirited campaign to save Vicars from dismissal, but was unsuccessful. Vicars was Hon. Secretary to the County Kildare Archaeological Society from its inception in 1891 until 1920. For the years 1909-1920, his address is listed as Grange Con, although this may have been for correspondence purposes. He also contributed an article ‘Notes on Grange Con, Co.Wicklow’ to the January 1902 issue of the Society’s Journal.
WW Connection #2: One of the employees in the Office of Arms was Pierce Gun Mahony, son of Pierce Mahony (above) and nephew of Sir Arthur Vicars. He was the only person to keep his job following the controversy.
WW Connection #3: One of the chief suspects in the disappearance of the jewels was Frank Shackleton, brother of explorer Ernest whose family had connections with nearby Kilkea and Ballitore.
Full title: Colonising a royal landscape: the history and archaeology of a medieval village at Mullamast, County Kildare
Creator / Author: Teresa Bolger, with contributions by Noel Dunne, Abby Mynett, Damian Shiels, Claudia Tommasino Suárez and Scott Timpany.
Item Type / Page count: Book and CD-ROM / 163pp
When Published: 2017
Publisher / Place of Publication: Transport Infrastructure Ireland / Parkgate Business Centre, Parkgate Street, Dublin 8. DO8 DK10
About: This is publication Number 6 in the Transport Infrastructure Ireland Heritage Series. The TII Archaeology & Heritage Section publishes the results of TII-funded archaeological investigations that come about as a result e.g. of motorway planning and construction. This scolarly publication investigates a lost medieval village on the M9 motorway at Mullamast just over the border in neighbouring Co. Kildare. Of note is that the archaeological evidence points to the area being a centre for the breeding of horses for warfare. The accompanying CD-ROM contains technical reports relating to the excavation of the medieval settlement and other sites in Mullamast townland.
ID number(s): 9780993231568
Contents: Contents of CD-ROM – Foreword — Acknowledgements – Introduction — Landscape, setting and context — From Maistiu to manor — Uncovering the medieval village — A medieval stud farm? Trade and subsistence at Mullamast — Medieval villages and the process of desertion – Conclusions – Appendix 1: Radiocarbon dates – Appendix 2: Artefacts catalogue — Bibliography – Index.
Extra #1: Includes dozens of photographs, illustrations and maps.
Full title: The Life of O’Reilly. Gerry O’Reilly 1949-1962
Creator / Author: John Scally
Item Type / Page count: Book Chapter / 2pp
When Published: 2017
Publisher / Place of Publication: Black & White Publishing Ltd. / Nautical House, 104 Commercial Street, Edinburgh EH6 6NF
Parent Publication [book]: The GAA Immortals: 100 Gaelic Games Legends / by John Scally / 377pp
About: This book celebrates the achievements of 100 legends of Gaelic Games. The only Wicklow person to be chosen as a member of this select group is Gerry O’Reilly of Donard, who is generally acknowledged to have been one of the greatest wing backs of them all. In 1984, Gerry was included on the Team of the Century of players never to have won a Senior All-Ireland in Football. Gerry O’Reilly died in 2016.
Publisher / Place of Publication: Kate Rose Publishing / 30 Woodlands, Maynooth, Co. Kildare
About: In this substantial and well-illustrated A4-sized publication, Dublin-born author, Maura Murphy Gibson, sets out to trace her family history. The story pivots on the elopement and 1895 marriage of her Protestant grandmother and her Catholic grandfather. The author looks in detail at the roots of both grandparents and at subsequent historical events. Her journey takes her to a wide area of West Wicklow and into Wexford including places such as Glen of Imaal, Rathdangan, Carnew and Aughrim. Irish historical events also feature such as when an uncle was killed in Croke Park on Bloody Sunday, 21st November, 1920. A further personal touch is added as the author contributes several original poems relevant to the text.
ID number(s): 978527233690
Contents: Acknowledgement — Foreword — Introduction — Mick and Kate – Elopement (poem) — Married Life — Uncle Joseph — Bloody Sunday (poem) — Cappagh Hill (poem) / Lilly Traynor — The Ballymount Murphys – Kate (poem) — Starting School — High Nelly (poem) — Coalman Wade (poem) — The Bibby and Johnny’s Night-out — Clondalkin (poem) — The Links (poem) — Aunt Ciss — Cousin (poem) — The Sewing Machine (poem) — Haves and Have-nots – The Iveagh Market (poem) — The Pigs and Chickens — Cottage Dwellers (poem) — 1954/55 — Travelling People (poem) — The Carpenter Murphys — When Cousins Connect — Eviction (poem) — Yeomen Farmers, Irish Rebellion 1798 — Croppy Biddy — Finlay/Eager/Hinch Connections — From France to Aughrim — Henry and Kate’s Sons — Byrne/Traynor Connection — Drimnagh Castle, Dublin — Bluebell Babies (poem) — Sources —Endnotes.
Extra #1: Includes over two hundred photographs, plus family charts and other illustrations.
Full title: Machnaimh don Charghas: turas chun na Cásca
Creator / Author: Caoimhín de Líon (1932-2022)
Item Type / Page count: Book / 110p
When Published: 2005
Publisher / Place of Publication: Foilseacháin Ábhair Spioradálta / Baile Átha Cliath.
About: As today is Ash Wednesday it is, perhaps, appropriate to reference this Irish-language book, written by the late and much-loved former Parish Priest of Blessington, Caoimhín de Líon (1932-2022). It is a book of meditations and prayers for each day of the Lenten season from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday. The author also ministered in Dunlavin and Donard.
ID number(s): 0954724836
Contents: Céadaoin an Luaithrigh — An Chéad Seachtain den Charghas — An Dara Seachtain den Charghas — An Tríú Seachtain den Charghas — An Ceathrú Seachtain den Charghas — An Cúigiú Seachtain den Charghas — An tSeachtain Mhór — Domhnach Cásca.
Full title: Baltinglass Golf Club: the First 75 years [1928 – 2003]
Creator / Author: research and text by Paul Gorry; foreword by Eamon Sweeney.
Item Type / Page count: Book / 168p
When Published: 2003
Publisher / Place of Publication: [Baltinglass Golf Club] / [Baltinglass, County Wicklow.]
About: Baltinglass was the first golf club to be established in West Wicklow. It is located in parkland overlooking the town on the site of the former Stratford Lodge, a country residence of the Stratford Family, Earls of Aldborough. This compact publication presents the full history of the club from its beginnings in 1928 up to the the 75th anniversary of its founding in 2003.
ID number(s): None
Contents: Foreword / Eamon Sweeney – Stratford Lodge: the land before the golf course – A Good Start — Up The First 1928 – 1939 — In The Rough 1940 – 1949 — Well Out 1950 – 1960 – A String of Birdies 1961 – 1980 — Coming To The Turn 1981 – 2000 — The Second Nine 2001 – 2003 — Successful Baltinglass Teams – Prominent Baltinglass Players – Trustees, Officers & Honorary Members – Club Competition Winners.
Extra #1: Includes over sixty black and white photographs.
Full title: Co. Wicklow’s Way With Words: writings from students of Co. Wicklow V.E.C. Adult Education Service
Creator / Author: Co. Wicklow V.E.C. Adult Education Service
Item Type / Page count: Book / 101pp
When Published: 2004
Publisher / Place of Publication: Co. Wicklow V.E.C. Adult Education Service / Co. Wicklow
About: This first collection of writings by adult students from all over County Wicklow highlights the talents of people taking their first steps in creative writing and self-expression. The many short and ultra-short pieces included here feature a diversity of subject matter and opinions. Overall, the pieces provide a good snapshot of West Wicklow and its people.
ID number(s): None
Contents: [NOTE: Only West Wicklow authors are listed here] — Introduction
[Section One – All Kinds of Everything] Spring / Kathleen Jordan, Blessington — Summer Scenes / Michael O’Hara, Baltinglass — Autumn / Adeline Driver, Rathdangan — Wildlife Ponds / Bernard Byrne, Blessington — Embracing Change / Baltinglass Hospital Patients — My Home / Seamus Lennon, Baltinglass— Our Group Observations / The A Team, Baltinglass — My Walk in the Country / Mary O’Brien, Baltinglass
[Section Two – Reaching the Heights] Learning to Drive / Margaret Hewson, Blessington — The Mouse / Cynthia Steacy, Carnew — My Daughter, Katie and I / Sheila Doyle, Blessington — The Course / Elizabeth Moore, Blessington— How the Computer Revolutionised my Life / Betty Rawson, Carnew— A Little Change / Mary Manley, Blessington — The Expert Shows How it is Done!!! / James Haberlin, Baltinglass
[Section Three – Family Tales] Deep Thoughts / Alan Thomas, Donard — Summer 2003 / Margaret Hewson, Blessington — One Camera, Two Cameras, Three Cameras / Josephine Murphy, Rathdangan — The Wedding / Pamela Hanrahan, Blessington— Love at First Sight / Pamela Hanrahan, Blessington— A Christmas Past / Róisín, Blessington
[Section Four – Memories of Rural Ireland] The Threshing / Rosie Dunne, Blessington — Killing of the Pig / Betty Eager, Baltinglass — The Butter Making / Mary, Baltinglass — The Shop / Geraldine Rooney, Baltinglass— Summer Work / Anthony Mullen, Baltinglass— Childhood Memories of the Annual Sheep Shearing / Betty Byrne, Blessington
[Section Five – Animals Antics] The Feisty Sheep (poem) / Mary Osborne, Baltinglass — The Constipated Goldfish / Maureen Wilson, Rahtdangan — Jan / Bridget Birchall, Blessington
[Section Six – People] Trapped in my Mind! (poem) / Jason Wilson, Baltinglass — Remembering Danny / Catherine Noctor, Baltinglass — My Mother (poem) / Patricia Hosey, Grangecon— The Movie Director David Lean / Thomas Kehoe, Baltinglass— Nancy’s Dresser / Kathleen Osbourne, Blessington — Helen Parker / Ann Cullen, Grangecon— The Poncho / Brigid Brophy, Rathdangan— My Life / Teresa McCarrick, Carnew — Sonia O’Sullivan / Damien, Baltinglass— My Niece Ayla / Fiona Healy, Carnew— A Mother’s Love / Sheila Doyle, Blessington — My Grandmother / Phyllis Hamilton, Blessington
[Section 7 – Days to Remember] My Trip to Paris / Libby Hendrick, Carnew — Lighting the Flame / Eileen Moran, Carnew — Westlife / Michael Connolly, Carnew— Family Outing / James Byrne, Carnew— Going North / Paul Dollard, Carnew — Westlife 2004 / Robert Farrelly, Carnew— My Trip to Fatima / Paul Galvin, Baltinglass— My Favourite Holiday / Kathleen Moran, Carnew — My Trip to Cork / Bernie Redmond, Carnew— A Day at School / P. Coogan, Carnew— Winning is Good Too! / Claire Hayes & Shauna Bradley, Baltinglass — A Weekend Away / Enda Lawler, Baltinglass— A Family Holiday / Sean Kelly, Carnew— Opening my School / Joey Gilbert, Carnew
[Section 8 – Life as We Know It] My Life / Robert Ely, Baltinglasss — The In-between Years / Rosaleen McGrath, Baltinglass — My Retirement / Seamus Hunt, Baltinglass— Why I Returned to Learning / Patrick, Baltinglass— The Answering Machine (poem) / Maureen, Baltinglass — My Luck / Sheila Cullen, Baltinglass— Life (poem) / Rose O’Toole, Baltinglass— Vote Early! Vote Often / Esther Curry et al, Baltinglass Hospital
Full title: Commemoration of Centenary of Death of Neil “Plunkett” Boyle 15 May 1923 – 15 May 2023 Knocknadruce, Valleymount, Co. Wicklow
Creator / Author: Pádraig O’Baoighill (translation by Maureen Phibbs)
Item Type / Page count: Booklet / 46p
When Published: 2023
Publisher / Place of Publication: Not Stated / Co. Wicklow?
About: Neil ‘Plunkett’ Boyle was born in County Donegal in 1898 and he reputedly became the last man to be killed in the Irish Civil War when he was shot at Knocknadruce, Valleymount in West Wicklow on 15th May, 1923. This booklet was published to commemorate the centenary of his death. Most of the content of this booklet is taken from the book ‘Óglach na Rosann’ by Pádraig O’Baoighill (1994). The original Irish text has been translated by Maureen Phibbs.
ID number(s): None
Chapters: [Foreword: Neil “Plunkett” Boyle in West Wicklow 1922-1923] — Dedication — Plunkett of the Hills (ballad) — 1916-1923 — Neil Boyle — Comdt. Neil “Plunkett” Boyle (ballad) / Dominic O’Kelly — Neil Boyle in West Wicklow — Dunlavin — Hempstown (Tinode) — Blessington — Valleymount — Commandant Tom Heavey’s Memories of Neil Boyle — The Killing of John Moore at Mooney’s Pub in Manor Kilbride — Kylebeg — Manor Kilbride — Lacken — Ballyknockan — Knocknadruce — Funeral of Neil “Plunkett” Boyle — Members of Plunkett’s Column — Timeline of Events in Irish History 1914-1949 — “Plunkett” O’Boyle (ballad) / Annie Timoney — Acknowledgements.
Full title: The Field of the Apple Trees: Aghold, Co. Wicklow 1716 – 1991
Creator / Author: Richard Codd
Item Type / Page count: Booklet / 48p
When Published: 1991
Publisher / Place of Publication: Not Stated / Co. Wicklow?
About: This booklet was published to celebrate the 275th anniversary of St. Michael’s Church, Adhold. It provides a short account of the Aghold Church of Ireland Parish and is a useful introduction to the history of the area and the faith community.
ID number(s): None
Chapters: Introduction — St. Michael’s Church, Aghold — Church Furnishing — Rectors and Curates — Extracts from Parish Records — The Rectory — The Sunday School — Littlewood School — Church Organists — [Photo Gallery].
WW Connection #1: Apart from the subject matter, this publication was printed by the Baltinglass-based Epsilon Printing.
Extra #1: Includes 24 black and white photographs.
West Wicklow Bookshelf 