New history of Moore and Creagh published by local authors

The first two parts of a three-volume book series exploring the history of communities in Moore and Creagh, South Roscommon, will be launched this weekend.

The books by Padraic and Xandra Kilduff will be launched online by Dr Christy Cunniffe at 8pm this Saturday, December 11.

Padraic is the chairman of the Moore Community Council and the Moore History Group, and his wife Xandra is the author of several books, including the History of St Nathy’s College and many plays, especially the very successful Mather’s of Falty.

Together they began to research and write what developed during the Covid lockdowns into a three-volume series on the History of Moore and Creagh, in the Half Barony of Moycarn.

Ranging from the 6th century to the 1920s, the books cover not just the eras of legend and archaeology, through the birth of Christianity and the important religious sites to the Viking, Norman, Elizabethan and Cromwellian invasions, the Penal era, Ribbonmen and Landlords, but also offer a rich tapestry of mayhem, murder, romance, religion and politics.

The books cover the struggle of the landlord and tenant, rich and poor, for survival along the Callows of the Shannon and Suck rivers, the marginal boglands and lush farmlands, as well as the horrific years of famine and the tragedy of life in the Ballinasloe workhouse and asylum.

Many colourful families are included like the O’Kellys, St. George, Brabazon and the famous duellist Lynchs of Rathpeak house.

Many from the area left to fight in the wars, or saw the development of the education system.

Religious struggles feature, as well as the personalities of many who stayed and some who emigrated and never returned or those like Bishop Derry, who became Bishop of Clonfert, a crusader in the duel for souls during the nineteenth century.

The importance of fairs and the development of transport are wrapped around the battles for land agitation while the lives of the ordinary people move steadily through, surviving often against all odds. The third volume in the series will be launched in the Spring of 2022.

The authors would like to thank all those who contributed photographs information and especially the Moore History Group and Nollaig Feeney, Heritage Officer with Roscommon County Council.

For details of the online launch on Saturday, see “Book Launch, a history of Moore and Creagh, the Half Barony of Moycarn” on Facebook. The books will be available in Salmon’s Ballinasloe