Taughmaconnell author releases book on Gaelic lordship in the Midlands
By Rebekah O'Reilly
Taughmaconnell author Dr Daniel Curley has published his first book titled The Uí Chellaig lords of Uí Maine and Tír Maine, which hit shelves on Wednesday October 9.
Having completed a Bachelors in History, a Masters in Medieval Studies, and both a Postgraduate Diploma and a PHD in Archaeology, Dr Curley's research primarily focuses on the archaeology and cultural heritage of Roscommon and east Galway.
He graduated from his PHD in 2022, after two years of studying archaeology with a focus on the medieval history in his local area.
The work is an exploration of a later medieval inland Gaelic lordship of Uí Mháine - one of the oldest and largest kingdoms located in Connacht - establishes how the physical aspects of the landscape contributed to the cultural power and economic conditions within the lordship.
“The book is the major output from the PHD, it's bringing to light all the work done over the past two years,” Dr Curley said.
“A lot of the work for the book was done for my dissertation, but there is also a lot to be done to make that information user friendly for people reading the book.”
The author and academic is also the centre manager at Rathcroghan Visitor Centre in Tulsk, which he said contributed in an unusual way to his writing and research.
“You're always in the history headspace, and that was very beneficial. I would be giving tours and sometimes people would ask a question that would open a new line of enquiry for me – that they wouldn't realise,” said Dr Curley.
When asked about his hopes for the book, he said he hopes it can be stepping stone for future academics to continue rediscovering the history in their local area.
“I want people to get stuck in, and to ask questions. I'd like to see my work as the first stepping stone for further research either by myself, other academics, or future archaeologists with an interest.
“There's a wealth of information and knowledge in the Midlands, and that information is being lost over time. There aren't too many academics exploring local history – I think I'm the only one in South Roscommon. I want people to be prideful in their local history.”
The Uí Chellaig lords of Uí Maine and Tír Maine by Dr Daniel Curley is available for purchase online at Four Courts Press for €40.50, as well as at Rathcroghan Visitor Centre in Tulsk.