New book is a ‘window into the past’ of Limerick area
OVER the span of 50 years, the late Paddy Fennessy, a native of Ballymac, Effin, dedicated himself to preserving the rich linguistic heritage of the Ballyhoura area.
By meticulously documenting Irish language words and phrases that have found their way into English, Paddy preserved the essence of a language and culture that might have otherwise been forgotten.
Now, The Lost Language of the Ballyhouras – Cnuasach Focal Paddy Fennessy, has been edited and released by his wife, Evelyn Fennessy, and Mary Immaculate College lecturer, Róisín Ní Ghairbhí, as a poignant tribute to Paddy, who passed away in 2017.
The book was a “labour of love” for Paddy, and offers readers a fascinating glimpse into the rich tapestry of the Ballyhoura region, shedding light on the profound influence of the Irish language on the area’s local culture .
Within its pages, the reader can explore a diverse range of subjects, from traditional farming practices to the wisdom of folklore, local flora, crafts, cherished rituals, and beloved pastimes.
Evelyn and Róisín worked tirelessly to compile and organise Paddy's extensive collection into a comprehensive volume.
The result is a compilation which not only honours the region’s linguistic heritage, but invites readers to delve into the customs, knowledge, and traditions that have been passed down through generations.
According to Róisín, the project had its origins at St Patrick's College in Drumcondra, where Paddy was a training teacher.
“It all began as a simple homework assignment for his students,” she said.
They were asked to collect Irish words still in use in their home regions, and this ignited Paddy's deep interest, and he continued this record for half a century, noting any Irish language words and phrases he encountered from his family and neighbours.
Speaking about the book’s release, Róisín said: “The book isn't just a dictionary - it's a window into the past, bringing these words to life with examples that are often funny and highly evocative.
The Ballyhoura region itself, where this collection was compiled, was once a stronghold of native Irish speakers until the early 20th century.
However, the language didn't pass fully to younger generations, resulting in the retention of vocabulary while English became the dominant language.
What makes this collection particularly remarkable is its vastness. Paddy Fennessy didn't just jot down isolated words; he gathered whole phrases and covered a wide array of subjects.
From botany to farming, local folklore to history, the collection is a treasure trove of the Ballyhoura area's cultural and linguistic heritage.
These preserved single words and phrases, though seemingly isolated, come together to form a vivid representation of the past.
They echo the days when Irish was the language of everyday life – from kitchen conversations and neighbourly greetings to stories, rhymes, and songs.
Róisín smiled: “By reading these words, you can almost transport yourself back to the Ballyhoura kitchens, the country roads, and the vibrant social interactions of the past.”
After its launch at Kilmallock Library last Tuesday evening, both Evelyn and Róisín were taken aback by the book’s popularity with local residents, as it became an almost instantaneous sell-out.
In the coming weeks, the public can expect to find copies available at O’Mahony’s Booksellers and Conradh na Gaeilge on Thomas Street.
Now in the process of reprinting, those who missed out on getting their hands on a copy will soon have the opportunity to embark on their own journey into the lost language of the Ballyhouras.