Launch of 2017 “Historical Journal” by Maura O’Brien.
Volume 20 launched on Friday 27th October.
Tom Ryan welcomed the children from 4th, 5th and 6th classes of 'The Little Flower' N.S. with their principal, Siobhán McGrath who performed a selection of music at the beginning and end of the night.
Tom recalled those faithful supporters of the Boherlahan-Dualla Historical Journal who had passed away since the launch of the first volume. Since that first publication the Journal has grown, evolved and developed significantly. Two authors in particular have contributed articles for each of the 20 volumes to date: Paddy O’Dwyer and Mary Frances Darmody. This latest 2017 edition is dedicated to Very Rev. Joe Egan P.P. in appreciation of all his support over the years.
Fr Egan remarked that the twenty issues of the Journal have painted a picture of the past and present of the parish. They also reflect the tremendous spirit within the parish. He saluted the Journal committee for their great work, and observed that our young people, wherever they are in the world, are indebted to the Journal for the exceptional knowledge they have of their parish.
Tom Ryan then introduced Maura O’Brien to launch the 20th Volume. Maura taught in Cashel Convent Secondary School for 32 years and then in the Community School for 11 more years. She has been a chronicler of parish life down the years in the local newspapers, is a very active member of the Legion of Mary, and has been a long-term promoter of the Pioneer Total Abstinence Association. Maura has herself written 18 articles for the Journal.
Maura launched Volume 20 of the Boherlahan-Dualla Historical Journal with a most eloquent discourse which held the attention of all present. She was pleased to see new contributors this year. She dedicated her address to the priests and religious from the parish about whom she has written many articles. These articles were originally inspired by a desire to counteract the overwhelmingly negative media coverage which the Church was receiving. Many different people have sparked her writings and supplied material for the stories. The process of research can be slow and painstaking, and old letters and other documents are often a vital part. Frequently links and other data can come from chance meetings and travel abroad. Maura gave many interesting examples of her research, and recounted details about the priests, nuns and brothers of the parish. These people are a model to us for the new evangelization which is needed today.
As the large attendance chatted at the end of the evening, the generously provided tea and refreshments were appreciated and enjoyed.
Click to expand images below.