Tipperary author launches her first book that gives a human face to landlordism

Cahir Cahir House Hotel was the venue for the launch of Margaret O’Sullivan’s first book, ‘Lismore estate under William Robert Hood Rochfort, 1891-1902’ in Counties Cork, Limerick and Tipperary.

On what was an inclement evening, a fine crowd attended the launch of the book published by Four Courts Press. A native of Nenagh, Margaret's connections to Cahir are strong through her mother, Helen (née Looney) who grew up on Pearse Street. 

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She has inherited her grandfather's love of history (the late Timmy Looney) and her research was based on Lismore Estate correspondence from Shanbally Castle that was saved from destruction by Timmy in 1960. One reviewer said that Margaret's work "gives a human face to landlordism and tenancy in the post-Land War era." 

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The Lismore Estate Land Agent, William Rochfort settled in Cahir in 1882 where he lived until his death in 1940. At one stage he managed Estates covering as much as 200,000 acres for his employers so Margaret hopes that her book will lead to greater interest in and awareness of these once highly influential figures in rural life. Margaret has just completed her Doctorate in History with the University of Limerick and is also teaching History students at Mary Immaculate College (U.L.).

Both her course supervisor Dr. David Butler and the Chairperson of Cahir Social and Historical Society P.J. O'Meara spoke at the event, as did Margaret herself who thanked all those who had helped her with her research. A wonderful evening was had by all who attended.

Copies of this book cost €10. A limited number are available from Cahir Post Office.