Thriving community near Portarlington told in new book

A NEW history of a thriving Walsh Island will have “a lasting legacy” for future generations.

The words of Walsh Island Historical Society member, Aidan Mahon, who acted as Master of Ceremonies at the launch of “A history of Walsh Island through its people” on Sunday afternoon last.

Hundreds of Walsh Island people from near and far and history enthusiasts from throughout the region packed into the hub at Mountlucas wind farm for the launch.

The book, inspired by the late Mikey Foy, was a labour of love for the historical society who spent the last number of years researching and compiling the publication.

One of the highlights of the beautifully printed book are the chapters containing the memories and life stories of ordinary members of the community including Maureen Comerford, Tommy Mooney, Bridget and Tim O'Rourke, Willie Pilkington, Liam McGrath and many more.

The book is available in shops in Daingean, Rhode, Portarlington, Geashill and Tullamore as well as from offalyhistory.com

Speaking at the outset of proceedings at Sunday's launch, Aidan Mahon said the idea for the book came about during a road trip to the grave of Land League founder Michael Davitt when the late Mikey Foy made the suggestion to historical society member, Michael O'Rourke.

Work on the book was delayed due to the Covid pandemic but despite the committee thinking at times the project would not reach fruition it was finalised after over two years of hard work.

Mr Mahon said the research took place in the kitchen of Michael O'Rourke's house every Tuesday night with each session being followed by much appreciated tea and cake.

The Master of Ceremonies said the book's compilers were conscious of the existing history of the area and were determined that the contents of their book would not overlap with it.

He extended thanks to all the hard working members of the historical society committee singling out Michael O'Rourke for his “vision and dogged determination”, Maureen Comerford for her hard work in sourcing and editing all the stories and her sister Catherine who took the project “by the scruff of the neck”, typed up the articles and liaised with the printers.

Mr Mahon stressed that the book was not a profit making exercise and revealed that proceeds from the sale of the book and sponsorship from Bord na Mona would be used to place headstones on unmarked graves in the new cemetery in Walsh Island. He added that any further funds remaining will be donated to the meals on wheels committee.

Historian Michael O'Rourke spoke of the central role the Fán road and the boglands played in the community life of Walsh Island down through the centuries mentioning in particular the number of ancient roads which had been uncovered.

He spoke of the War of Independence period and the exploits of the Walsh Island IRA company and speculated that Michael Collins may have visited the area.

Mr O'Rourke said he had great memories of the late Mikey Foy and recalled in particular a meeting with him when he was in a nursing home in Tyrellspass in recent years.

In a wide ranging address, Offaly and Walsh Island football great, Richie Connor gave a thorough outline of the contents of the publication.

Mr Connor said it was divided into five sections, the first of which centres on Mikey Foy and his story.

Part two looks at aspects of the history of Walsh Island including the War of Independence period, the ambush at Mount Lucas, the execution of Michel Hannon, the pre-Christian era and secret societies.

Appropriately part three is devoted to the bogs and Clonsast in particular and the extraordinary mark they have left on Walsh Island.

Religious vocations from the community is the focus of part four with Mr Connor remarking “people were very religious in this part of the county.”

He added that Walsh Island natives had travelled all over the world including two sets of three sisters who, following their profession as nuns, travelled to San Antonio in Texas.

Part five is devoted to the stories and real life experiences of members of the community. Earlier Aidan Mahon had thanked all those who contributed material and said it was impossible to include every article. He speculated it may be necessary to publish a second volume to accommodate them.

Concluding his address Richie Connor read a poem written by the late Jim Duffy remembering the turf cutting championships which had taken place in Walsh Island prior to the foundation of Bord na Mona. Among the attendance were Eamon De Valera, Sean Lemass and Frank Aiken,