Compelling book about larger than life Offaly man launched

An entertaining book about a larger than life, colourful character from the Pollough area was formally launched in The Pull Inn on Friday evening.

“The Extraordinary Life of Kerr Brien” has been researched and written by five members of Pollough Heritage Group. They are Noel Devery, Dave Dunican, Eileen Devery, Caitriona Devery and Marie Regazzoli and they have produced a very enjoyable publication which shines a light on a local personality who was certainly different from the norm.

Kerr Brien fought during World War One and suffered a devastating injury in 1918 when uncoupling a train carriage, but he didn't let that deter him from leading a full and energetic life in the years after the war. He was also known for his courage in the face of authority whether it be the courts system or the clergy.

The authors say Kerr's story “deserves to be told” and, having read the book, I'd certainly agree with them. It's on sale in the Pollagh Community Shop and is strongly recommended.

The book was formally launched by local man Eamonn Dunican who paid tribute to the many people involved with the publication. This included John Lynch, who proof read and “pointed us in the right direction;” Marie Monaghan, Genealogy Tutor LOETB “for her encouragement;” Pascal Sweeney for proof reading and his recommended changes; Maureen Murray who supplied a lot of information on the court cases; Catherine Kelly Fensome (a grandniece of Kerr), for providing information and encouragement; Alan Tuite (a grandnephew of Kerr) “who welcomed us into his home and showed us all of Kerr's memorabilia;” Seán (Golly) Buckley and Shane O'Regan, for their great help with the photos.

Eamon also thanked the following for their stories on Kerr's personality, namely Mickey Daly (RIP), Bill Delaney (RIP), Fred McLoughlin, Mick Moore, Mick Devery, Peter Dunican (RIP) and Mary Dunican.

“Thanks also to the Heffernan family, Antoinette, Caroline and Aidan for their support and help through the last few years. Thanks to Brosna Press for their professionalism and attention to detail in the production of this book. Thanks to Heritage Officer Amanda Pedlow from Offaly County Council for her huge support over the last couple of years. Thanks to Fergal McCabe for allowing us to republish part of his article from the Offaly History blog in 2020 with regard to the murals and to Michael Byrne, Offaly History for permission to reproduce the photograph.”

Addressing the large gathering in The Pull Inn, Amanda Pedlow said Heritage Week was an ideal time to launch this important book. She said fixing a launch date always focusses minds and galvanises people. The Heritage Officer pointed out that she's “a huge fan of the printed book” and was glad that it hadn't died out, as some people predicted it would due to pressure from the digital world. It's true as well that people like to have a book in their hands. Amanda said she studied history in University and she loves local history, because it gives fascinating and invaluable insights into how ordinary (and not so ordinary) people lived.

Ray Daly from Tullamore also said a few words. Ray said the book is a credit to the Pollough Heritage Group.

“It looks very well and it reads extremely well,” he said.

For the last nine years Ray has been compiling a historical songbook, Ten Faithful Years in Song and Story, which tells the true story of the Irish men-at-arms and their courageous actions in events during the years leading up to, and during the Great War and the War of Independence between the years 1913 to 1923. His book is focussing on events which took place in Offaly and Westmeath. Ireland's strong musical heritage is extensively featured throughout the book with over 120 songs and ballads from before and during the revolutionary period 1913-1923, plus songs and ballads from the Great War of 1914-1918. Among the many songs included are The Foggy Dew, Grace, Banna Strand and The Ballad of James Connolly, plus songs and ballads from the Great War such as Pack up your Troubles, It's a Long way to Tipperary, Daisy Daisy and Danny Boy. (If you have photos of relatives who took part in the Irish Volunteers (1913-1918), Great War (1914-1918), and War of Independence/Civil War (1919-1923) please contact Ray at email raydaly1969@gmail.com or by mobile 086 8722204).

“During my research,” Ray told the audience, “one person contacted me and sent me info about Kerr. I was blown away by his story, which is filled with many colourful and dramatic incidents. It also included tragedy, such as the drowning of two young men in a local river in August 1946. I think we should erect a plaque in that area, remembering those two men.” Ray pointed out that while Kerr fought in the British Army during World War One, his brother Thomas fought in the IRA during the War of Independence, reflecting a divide that was commonplace in families throughout Ireland at the time. Thomas was a member of the Offaly Number 2 Brigade and he took part in the Coal Gap ambush in the Blueball area. Ray said he plans to print his book before the end of 2025.

The audience was then treated to a couple of renditions of the two Great War ballads “Pack up your Troubles” and “It's a Long Way to Tipperary.” Eamonn Dunican then sang the poignant song “Green Fields of France.” Eamon told everyone that the book will be on sale in the Pullough Community Shop. “We used to have three or four shops in Pollagh,” he remarked. “Now we just have one.”

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