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: Recollections from Baltinglass Hospital
Creator / Author: None stated
Item Type / Page count: Booklet / 44p
When Published: 2000
Publisher / Place of Publication: Baltinglass Adult Learning Centre & Community Education / Baltinglass, Co. Wicklow]
About: This A4-size booklet was launched at a Christmas party for residents and day care regulars at Baltinglass Hospital in Decemer 2000. The local Adult Learning Centre had run a course which allowed residents and regulars to refresh their literacy and numeracy skills and this booklet reflects their stories and contributions. People from a wide area of West Wicklow are represented and each has their own unique short contribution, whether it be a memory, a story, a recipe, a joke or a poem. The booklet was not generally available outside the hospital, but copies may turn up at charity shops / jumble sales from time to time.
ID number(s): None
Contents: [Introduction 1] / Annette Mangan — [Introduction 2] / Dorothy Fox — [Introduction 3] / Evelyn Barry — Prayer for the Elderly
[Contributions] Mick Byrne Knockananna – Mattie Donegan Kiltegan – Lucy Goggins Cryhelp, Dunlavin – Seamus Dowling Blessington/Dunlavin – Kathleen Fleming Clough/Raheen, Baltinglass – Kathleen Kelly Castlesallagh, Donard – Peter O’Brien Dunlavin – Peter Burke Tuckmill/Carrigeen, Baltinglass – Lil Coogan Irongrange, Baltinglass – Johnny Donohue Tinoran, Baltinglas – Mrs. Kathleen Dillon – John Keogh Graigue, Kiltegan – Josie Salmon Tinahely/Baltinglass – Jimmy Devoy Blessington – John Whitty Moone – Dan Richardson Lacken – Jamess Graham Rathdangan – Jim Redmond — Chris Loughlin Stratford — Bridie Farrell Clough, Baltinglass – Andy Flood Grangecon – Phil Harney Granamore, Hollywood – Paddy Ryan Clonmel and Castledermot – Neil Clinton Blessington – Harriet McDonnell Tuckmill, Baltinglass – Maisie Andrews Weavers Square, Baltinglass – Kathleen Jones Baltinglass – Anne Nolan Stratford formerly Graigue, Kiltegan – Joan Kelly Blessington, Johnny Donohue Baltinglass, Josie Murphy Blessington – Beatitudes for friends of the aged [poem] / Esther Mary Walker (kindly given by Alice O’Connell Liscolman – Thought for you today [poem] / Anon — Money [poem] / T. Johnny — Joe Charles Barraderry, Kiltegan – Daisy O’Connor Kiltegan – Margaret McCann – Brigid Connaty – Mrs. Thornton.
Killing the pig – Bridie Hanaffin – Betty Norton Griffinstown, Grangecon – Going to school – Christmas – Keeping the faith / Breda Daly, Mary Behan Blessington – Ruth Finlay Davidstown, Donard – Winnie Moore Woodfield Cross, Baltinglass – Richard Kelly Knockananna – Pierce Collins Manor Kilbride – Molly O’Reilly Hollywood – Kathleen Cullen Whitestown, Stratford – Tommy Tipper – Molly Byrne Knockananna – Blood, Sweat and no Tears – Jim Carroll Blessington – John Kearney Dunlavin.
[In Remembrance] The late Mary Murray R.I.P. – The late Jimmy Cullen R.I.P. – The late Joe Garrett R.I.P. – The late Chrissie Healy R.I.P.
Extra #1: Includes black and white photographs of some of the contributors.
Extra #2: In the following year, another similar booklet was produced under the title ‘Further Recollections from Baltinglass Hospital’.
Creator / Author: James Horan; photography by Ros Kavanagh
Item Type / Page count: Magazine Article / 6p
Journal Information: Irish Arts Review, Vol. 34, No. 2 pp. 142-147, editor, John Mulcahy
When Published: Summer 2017
Publisher / Place of Publication: Irish Arts Review Ltd. / 15 Harcourt Terrace, Dublin D02 TD65
About: A highly-illustrated article covering the restoration of Humewood Castle. The new owner, John C. Malone, is a highly successful businessman with Irish heritage and uses the historic castle as a family residence. The restoration on behalf of the Malone Family was undertaken between 2012 and 2016 and kept faith with the building’s architectural legacy. The article also incorporates a short inset piece by John Mulcahy, recalling one of Humewood’s previous owners, Mimi Hume-Weygand.
Extra #2: Check OCLC WorldCat.org for this publication in libraries worldwide.
Extra #3: Read this article online via JSTOR. [Personal registration / conditions apply]. Alternatively, your local public library may provide free online access to this article.
Full title: County Wicklow Archaeological Notes Around Kiltegan
Creator / Author: C. Drury
Item Type / Page count: Journal Article / 7p
Journal Information: Journal of the County Kildare Archaeological Society, Vol. IV (Number 5), pp. 352-358
When Published: January 1905
Publisher / Place of Publication: E. Ponsonby, Dublin for County Kildare Archaeological Society / Co. Kildare
About: This piece, accompanied by a numbered map, amounts to a gazetteer of archaeological features, placenames and folklore in West Wicklow. Each short entry corresponds to a number (1-34) on the map. The article title is misleading as the area covered ranges as far north as Dunlavin and Donard and includes areas down to Kiltegan and Rathdangan.
Creator / Author: [Students of St. Patrick’s Missionary Society Kiltegan]
Item Type / Page count: Magazine / Various pagings
When Published: ca. 1950 – ????
Publisher / Place of Publication: Students of St. Patrick’s Missionary Society / Kiltegan, Co. Wicklow.
About: This magazine was published for private circulation by the Students of St. Patrick’s Missionary Society in Kiltegan. Based on this one sample issue (Spring 1962), the magazine included such topics as short stories, life in the college, sporting activities in the college, religion, philosophy, history and a variety of miscellaneous subjects no doubt influenced by the diverse geographical origins of the students themselves. It is not certain if the magazine continues to be produced.
ID number(s): None
Contents: [Spring 1962 issue] Editorial – Letter to the Missions / D.Connolly — Gortbeg / Eugene O’Reilly — Dilemma Solved / Paul Hardy — The Passive Mood / Anthony Sheerin — The Busy Bee has no Time for Sorrow / Paddy Donnelly — Once to Every Man and Nation Comes the Moment of Decision / Aidan McCarron – Kiltegan Gets Busy with Ordinations Ahead / Liam Scanlan – The Price of Curiosity / Pat Prunty – My People / John Carroll – The End / Michael Rogers – Insight [photo gallery] – Wild Memories / Paddy Gallagher – Condemned / Ray Flanagan – Aonach an Spideil / P. Ó Fátharta – Brief Candle / Milo Connolly – Loch Ness Mystery / J. A. J. Thorlby – Playtime: “Dial M for Murder” / Fintan Byrne – “Na Gadaithe” / P. Ó Fátharta – Waltz Without End / James McAuliffe – ‘Juno and the Paycock’ – Book Reviews – Sport in Douglas / Brian Gilsenan – Sport in Kiltegan – Kiltegan Sports, 1961 / T. Naughton.
Extra #1: Includes several black & white photographs.
Extra #2: The cover photograph of this particular issue features the Bell Tower of the ‘New College’.
Extra #3: Link to the St. Patrick’s Missionary Society website
Full title (1): Tip-Top Tulips: a visit to June Blake’s West Wicklow garden proves a tulip-shaped treat
Full title (2): Wicklow Wonderland: take a tour of Patthana – T.J. Maher and Simon Kirby’s meditative space in the Garden County
Creator / Author: Fionnuala Fallon; photography by Richard Johnston
Item Type / Page count: Magazine Articles / 6p and 7p
Journal Information: Garden Heaven Annual, pp. 26-31 and 74-80, editor, Amanda Kavanagh.
When Published: 2017
Publisher / Place of Publication: Image Publications Ltd. / Unit 3, 3 Harbour Square, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin
About: This issue of the magazine Garden Heaven has a distinct West Wicklow flavour as the reader is taken firstly on a tour of June Blake’s renowned garden and later on a visit to Patthana Garden, both of which are located in West Wicklow. The text of both articles is accompanied by several feature photographs.
ID number(s): 0791-7570
WW Connection #1: June Blake’s Garden is located in Tinode in West Wicklow.
WW Connection #2: Patthana Garden is located in the village of Kiltegan in West Wicklow.
Full title: At the Foot of Keadeen: History and Memories from Scoil Naomh Bríd, Talbotstown
Creator / Author: Board of Management and various contributors
Item Type / Page count: Book / 149p
When Published: 2014
Publisher / Place of Publication: Board of Management Scoil Naomh Bríd / Talbotstown, Co. Wicklow
About: The back cover blurb says it all “The history of Scoil Naomh Bríd Talbotstown…is traced from the school at Englishtown to the construction of the Boys and Girls school in Talbotstown in the 1840s, to the construction of the current school in 1962. Many memories of past pupils as well as photos down through the years also feature in this commemorative book”
ID number(s): None
Contents: Welcome / Muireann Gartland — Foreword / Brian Flood — History of the name of Talbotstown and Kilranelagh / Peter Keogh — The early days: hedge schools or pay schools — History of Englishtown National School — Other schools in the area — Knocklishen National School — Fortgranite School — National Education Act 1829 — Application for building of school — Talbotstown National Schools (The Old Schools) — Maps of Talbotstown 1838 and 1907 – Enrolments from 1840-1868 — Census of Kilranelagh / Kiltegan areas in 1861 — St. Brigid’s Church, Talbotstown — Sample page from Geography Book used at Talbotstown Schools in 1840s — Amalgamation of Talbotstown Boys and Girls Schools to a mixed school in 1908 — Memories / Sr. Eileen Doyle — Group photo from circa 1922 — Staff of amalgamated schools at Talbotstown — Samples of geometry work in a copy of a pupil from 1915 — Maurice Ó Conaill, Principal of Talbotstown National School 1925-1937 / Oisín Breathnach — School group photo late 1920s — School group photo from 1930s — Primary Schools Folklore Collection: (1) Holy wells in the area, St. Brigid — (2) Local marriage customs — (3) Forts, Talbotstown Fort — (4) Goodwin’s Grave in Talbotstown — (5) Caves — (6) Crois Úna — (7) The Battle of Kaideen — (8) The Skirmish at Kilranelagh — (9) Michael Dwyer’s surrender — (10) Local weather folklore — (11) Riddles — (12) Cures — The Primary Certificate 1929-1967 — “Bingen on the Rhine” / Caroline Norton — Memories from two sisters / Betty Keogh and Brigid Doyle — Memories of Talbotstown / Maeve O’Byrne — Main developments in Primary Education in Ireland — Sample inspection report from the 1920s — Role of Religion at Talbotstown N.S.— Down memory lane / Mary Hickson — [Photo Galleries] — Memories of a mitcher / Peter Keogh — Brian Graham, Principal of Talbotstown National School 1963-1975 — Part of history! / Terri Kenny — Group photo of pupils 1969 — Memories of Treasa O’Keeffe 1963-1998 — Memories of Con Cronin — [Photo Galleries] — Memories from Ben Lennon 1955-1964 – [Photo Galleries] — Talbotstown N.S. visits Áras an Uachtaráin — [Photo Gallery] — Henry Shefflin visits Talbotstown N.S. — Colm “Gooch” Cooper visits Talbotstown N.S. — All Ireland winners Junior Inventor of the Year 2014 — Pictures from visit to Dáil Éireann 2014 — “Dear Grace” creative writing competition — Memories of Bridget Farrell (née Keating) — “Reminiscing” [poem] / John Lennon 1957-1960; 1963-1966 — Current staff of Talbotstown N.S. 2015 — “Thank You”.
Extra #1: includes several pages of full colour & black/white photographs.
Full title: Cluichí Ceannais Iomána an Chéid 30th Mean Fomháir 1984
Creator / Author: Coiste Condae Chill Mhantáin
Item Type / Page count: Booklet / 21p
When Published: 1984
Publisher / Place of Publication: Coiste Condae Chill Mhantáin / Aughrim(?), Co. Wicklow,
About: The official programme for the Wicklow County Hurling finals that were held in 1984, the centenary year of the foundation of the Gaelic Athletic Association. It contains some material of West Wicklow GAA interest.
ID number(s): None
Contents: Hurling Officer’s Address / Tomás Ó Colmáin — Focal ón gCathaoirleach — Remember the teams — Carnew Panel — The Town of Carnew [poem] — Special Trophy — The Senior Finals of ‘54 — Rooting the Ash / Fr. Liam Dunne C.C. — Kiltegan Panel — Did You Know? — The Chapel at Kilamoate [poem] — County Hurling Championship Final 50 Years Ago — Senior Hurling Champs Down the Years.
WW Connection #1: The Senior Hurling final featured two West Wicklow teams, Carnew Emmets and Kiltegan.
WW Connection #2: A special centenary football match that afternoon was also contested by two West Wicklow teams, Blessington and Baltinglass.
WW Connection #3: The foreword to the programme was written by Peter Keogh, the Kiltegan native who was the Chairman of the Wicklow GAA County Board.
WW Connection #4: Includes a poem relating to the district of each of the senior finalists, Carnew and Kiltegan.
Extra #1: includes many photographs of GAA interest.
Journal Information: Journal of The Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland, Seventh Series, Volume 4 Number 2 pp. 259-260
When Published: December 1934
Publisher / Place of Publication: R.S.A.I / Merrion Square, Dublin
About: In 1934 the author of this article was made aware of a large stone on a lane on the lands of Charles Reilly of Ballyknockan in the parish of Kiltegan. The lane had been constructed some 50 years earlier by Mr. Reilly’s uncle and some bones had been uncovered. The author visited the site of the stone and carried out an investigation. This short report summarises the results of that investigation which concluded that the site located in a place known as the “rath field” contained a cremation burial.
Extra #3: Check OCLC WorldCat.org for this publication in libraries worldwide.
Extra #4: Read this article online via JSTOR. [Personal registration / conditions apply]. Alternatively, your local public library may provide free online access to this article.
When Viewed: Contents described are those showing when viewed in June 2016.
Publisher / Place of Publication: National Library of Ireland / Kildare Street, Dublin 8.
About: The National Library of Ireland holds microfilm copies of over 3500 church registers from parishes in Ireland. The library has now digitised these registers as images which provide records of baptisms and marriages from the majority of Catholic parishes in Ireland and Northern Ireland up to around 1880. The available registers are not searchable by individual names. Instead, they are browseable by diocese, parish and date, searchable by parish and it is possible to zoom from a country map to parish level. This blog entry relates to the parish of Hacketstown which extended from East Carlow into West Wicklow.
Contents: These registers cover baptisms (1820-1879) and marriages (1820-1880). These date ranges are indicative only and coverage may be incomplete. Please refer to the NLI site for specific coverage.
West Wicklow Bookshelf 