Two Offaly local history publications will make fine Christmas stocking fillers

TWO new Offaly focussed local history publications have been launched in time for the festive season and would make ideal stocking fillers.

The books – both edited by local historian Michael Byrne- are Offaly Heritage 13, the journal of Offaly History, and "The making of O'Connor Square, Tullamore: People, Houses and Business."

Appropriately the launches were performed by the Cathaoirleach of Offaly County Council, Cllr John Leahy, in the oldest business in O'Connor Square, the popular Brewery Tap public house.

Master of Ceremonies, Shaun Wrafter welcomed the large attendance to launch in particular Michael Byrne and the large number of contributors present.

Mr Byrne said it was a pleasure to launch two books on the one evening and pointed out that Offaly Heritage 13 was dedicated to the late businessman, Christy Maye, of the Bridge House Hotel, who had been a great friend of Offaly History.

READ NEXT: Tullamore Christmas tractor run to raise funds for Offaly cancer support group, Dóchas

He recalled that the first issue of Offaly Heritage was published in 2003 and now 22 years later the Society was publishing its 13^th volume.

"Offaly Heritage 13 is another bumper issue, a tremendous achievement and benefits from the pro bono work of the editors and contributors."

He added that essays range from the medieval period on Clonmacnoise and Lynally to the growth of hospital services in the country from the 1760s onwards.

"The making of O'Connor Square" contains 15 essays by a number of contributors.

Mr Byrne said the first lease on the Brewery Tap could be dated to 1713 when a tobacco spinner conducted his business there. He was followed by the Deverell family of brewers who took over in 1831 with the Egans took over them in 1866, conducting a thriving trade for 102 years. They were succeeded by Kevin and Paddy Adams, Kevin and Marge Carragher and now Paul and Cathy Anne Bell.

The speaker said the volume contained essays on other businesses in the square including bacon curing industries, malting, tanning and brewing.

"There were lawyers, doctors, printers, cafe owners, lodging and boarding houses, drapers, grocers and private occupiers."

READ NEXT: Annual Offaly History volume dedicated to inspirational Tullamore businessman

Tim P. O'Neill, a retired history teacher from UCD and a contributor to the 2025 journal, praised the work of Offaly Hjstory since its reformation in 1969.

It has published many volumes on local topics, nearly 800 blogs, hosted many lectures and outings and has secured a heritage centre and history archives which is the envy of other counties, he outlined.

A native of Mucklagh, Dr O'Neill said it was impossible not be obsessed by history growing up there.

His mother was from Cloonangh and her grandfather was a Poor Law Guardian and proprietor of what is now Eugene Kelly's pub on Kilbeggan bridge.

Dr O'Neill also contributed an article to the book on O'Connor Square on his recollections of fair days in the 1950s.

The retired architect and town planner, Fergal MacCabe revealed that the Square held a special place in his affections as it was the location for his first kiss – outside Morris' chippers following a screeing of "The King and I" in the Ritz cinema.

He also recalled developing a strong interest in politics in his youth, in paricular the Fianna Fail party, which came as a shock to his family who were staunch Fine Gaelers. Mr MacCabe recalled sneaking out of his home to view Eamon De Valera speaking in the Square.

Kevin Corrigan, sports editor with the Tribune and obituaries editor for the journal, said the person we see in public is often not the real person known to their families at home.

Rachel McKenna, county architect, said the Square had evolved over the centuries, standing as a pivotal landmark in Tullamore and acting as a focal point that connects Tullamore's past, preent and future.

"As we look ahead, a number of exciting developments will shape the future of the square and the surrounding spaces: the masterplans completed by Brady Shipman Martin and Grafton Architects, the recent completed works, and the proposed link to Church St via the bridge near the library. These projects are not just about infrastructure – they are about vision, identity and community."

Officially launching the two books, Cllr John Leahy paid tribute to Offaly County Council for their support for Offaly History and singled out Rachel McKenna, Heritage Officer, Amanda Pedlow and "true blue", Cllr Shane Murray, who was present at the launch with his family, for special mention.

The Kilcormac based councillor also praised Michael Byrne for his phenomenal work over the years and for his passion n local history.

Both publications are available in book stores across the county and from Offaly History Centre, Bury Quay, Tullamore, and the Offaly History bookshop in the Bridge Centre.