Cahir native publishes 'mammoth' genealogy book
The book is a follow-up to 2006’s ‘Our Roots Under the Rock’
Cahir native Mary O'Connor, the eldest daughter of the late John and Nell O'Connor (née Bobbett) of Bengurragh House, Cahir, has put pen to paper and compiled a mammoth genealogy, ‘Cousins Connect: We Are One’.
The genealogy connects various pieces of history associated with the times, and the stories and songs, covering the history of the families who are interconnected all over the country, including Tipperary and abroad.
Mary says that since childhood, she was always interested in history and genealogy.
“Knowing many of the older generation who would talk about who was related to who, and tell interesting stories.
“I took it up as a hobby and made promises that I would put all the families together”.
Her first collection was a history of the O'Connor family, ‘Our Roots Under the Rock’, which covered the period of 1833 to 2006 and contains the details of the descendants of 22 children born to James O'Connor and Catherine (née O'Mahoney) of The Green, Cashel Mary’s great-great-grandparents.
Her latest work includes songs included by her parental cousin, the late Garry McMahon, who with the late Noel Davern launched the O'Connor family history in 2006.
“After finishing it, I decided to research the Bobbett side of the family and in doing so achieved this mammoth work, ‘Cousins Connect We Are One’”.
“I researched Newspapers and civil records, and any available material and this is what I have produced. This work took me all over many continents and I personally have connected with relatives who were looking for their Irish Heritage.
“It also corrected family stories as it was fully researched, so in doing this book I have got self-satisfaction but it will also be a legacy for the coming generations to appreciate the wonderful people who have gone before us, and hopefully the generations to come will appreciate it too”.
The book is available directly from Mary, who can be contacted on 0872220734, or at [email protected]. It is also available at Hickeys Bakery, Westgate, Clonmel.