Ballinasloe book launch for Taughmaconnell author
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Dr. Daniel Curley pictured with Emma Laffey and Cllr. Evelyn Parsons. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin GOLImage 2 of 5
Dr. Kieran O’Conor, University of Galway; Dr. Daniel Curley and Martin Timoney, archaeologist. Pic Gerard O’Loughlin GOLImage 3 of 5
Dr. Daniel Curley’s aunts, Martina Loughnane, Geraldine Cresham and Mary Farrell GOLImage 4 of 5
Dr. Daniel Curley pictured with Colette Finneran GOLImage 5 of 5
Dr. Daniel Curley pictured with Gabriel O’Grady and Gerard Healy, Farming Rathcroghan with Nollaig Feeney, Heritage Officer, Roscommon Co Council GOLTaughmaconnell author Dr. Daniel Curley launched his book 'The Uí Chellaig lords of Uí Maine and Tír Maine' in Gullane’s Hotel in Ballinasloe recently.
The book explores the past environment, economic conditions and elite settlement of this region, through the lens of the dominant political dynasty of that time and place, the Uí Chellaig (O’Kelly).
The launch night was well attended, with in excess of 100 in the audience. There was a great local attendance at the event, while people travelled from as far afield as Mayo, Tipperary, Carlow, Wexford, Dublin and Donegal to celebrate the book and the author.
The master of ceremonies on the evening was the prolific Sligo archaeologist Martin A. Timoney, who introduced both speakers and kept the show going while entertaining the attendees.
Dr Curley, a Taughmaconnell native, outlined some of his motivations for engaging in the topic, what he learned and how proud he is of adding in some small way to the understanding of his own home place.
Curley thanked the many people and organisations who were involved in making the book a reality, and he was joined on the night by friends and family.
The person charged with launching the book was Dr Kieran Denis O’Conor, Senior Lecturer in Archaeology at the University of Galway. His contribution outlined some of the innovative work undertaken by Curley in his PhD research, and now in this output.
He also emphasised the significance which the book will have to future researchers and communities alike in the study, appreciation and promotion of medieval Gaelic Ireland, and formally celebrated the arrival of Dr Curley’s monograph to the shelves.
The book can be purchased online from Four Courts Press, Kenny’s Bookshop, Rathcroghan Visitor Centre, and in all good bookshops.