Magnificent book published about internationally famous Offaly phrase

A MAGNIFICENT book about the internationally famous Banagher phrase, “That Beats Banagher” has been published.
The book, “That Beats Banagher! A humorous expression of amazement, origin and legend” by Kieran Keenaghan and James Scully, was officially launched before a very large gathering in Banagher College on Friday evening by the famous historian, UCD academic and Offaly man Paul Rouse.
Paul gave a rousing speech, praising the book and its authors. He also dived into some of the Offaly history contained in the book and pointed out that Kieran and James understand the value of words and choose their words carefully. He said they are also excellent historians because they resist the lure of partisanship and seek to outline the facts as they occurred and not gloss over uncomfortable truths. “Some contemporary politicians who abuse the English language as if words don't matter could learn from Kieran and James in this regard,” remarked Paul. “Contrary to what some contemporary politicians believe, words in fact matter greatly and should be chosen with care and sensitivity. People could also learn that to deny complexity is to deny history. This book doesn't shy away from complexity or gloss over things.”
Paul said the publication “is one of the most beautiful books I have seen in a long time. The content is unfailingly interesting. One mistake made by authors nowadays is their books are too long and there are not enough images. James and Kieran haven't made that mistake. This book is obviously a labour of love. They must have had some fun writing the book. You can see the torture in some books, the torture of putting it together, the heaviness and ponderous nature. By contrast, this book is full of fun and joy. Part of the genius of this book is the colourful, upbeat and engrossing way the story is presented and told.”
Paul said he knows James well, having met him at “social gatherings in public houses!”
The UCD historian added that his favourite image in the book is the 1629 map of Banagher, “which is so revealing. Lusmagh appears to be in County Galway. The map reveals the power, the dominance of imperialism four hundred years ago. It's very sad. What we had for so long in Ireland was a country which was bought and sold by imperialists.” He said the imperialistic spirit remains of course extremely strong in the world and is a massive threat to human rights and freedom. “That is why the current assault on democracy in many countries has to be resisted. That is why democracy and voting matter, because they prevent the abuse of power.”
He pointed out that the book shines a light on the corrupt political practices in 18th Century Ireland and the sad, retrograde, even tragic, step that was the Act of Union of 1800.
“The political representatives in Ireland voted for the Act of Union. They were MPs, there were two MPs in the Borough of Banagher, and they were bought to vote for the Act of Union. They voted themselves out of power for money. It was a terrible and corrupt thing.”
He added that unfortunately the phrase That beats Banagher is less commonly used nowadays. It was much more commonplace just a few decades ago.
On a personal note he said “being an academic is a great job. For example I work near the Department of Irish Folklore which is an Aladdin's Cave of fascinating, written material. I love being in such places as the Department of Irish Folklore, surrounded by so much learning and knowledge.”
Concluding, Paul said it gave him great pleasure to officially launch the book. “The publication is an absolute credit to the lads. They deserve huge congratulations.”
Artist Esther Lambe then presented two marvellous portraits of James and Kieran which she had painted for the occasion.
James thanked Paul for his “wonderful” speech. “They say never judge a book by its cover. Well this is a book you can judge by its cover. Well done to Brosna Press for producing such a beautiful publication.” James said the book is about a very special town, Banagher. “It focusses on the corrupt politics of 18th Century Ireland when Banagher was one of the Boroughs which could return MPs to the parliament in Dublin.”
Diarmuid Guinan of Brosna Press said he was “enthralled” by Paul Rouse's speech and he asked the audience to give Paul another round of applause. “Paul is great at bringing history to life,” commented Diarmuid.
Diarmuid spoke about Artificial Intelligence, its advantages and threats. “AI couldn't produce this book, because this book is filled with human qualities. It is quirky, unconventional, thorough, engaging, well put together. It was approached with a sense of undying enthusiasm and fascination. It was a labour of love. In the end a masterpiece was produced because the human process shines through the book. AI could never achieve that.
“In Brosna Press we love working on books. Mary Egan is on our team and she did a fantastic job, showing great patience. James and Kieran have been great fun to work with and I have no doubt that colourful books in the future will be written about these two colourful characters.”
Kieran thanked everyone for turning out in such big numbers. “190 years ago,” he remarked, “the Editor of Fraser's Magazine said the origin of the phrase That Beats Banagher had baffled him all his life. Well, it in fact originated in 1787 when the Banagher Borough was swapped with the Newtownards Borough in a most unusual sleight of hand, unusual even by the corrupt standards of the time.
“Subsequently, the phrase was always said in a humorous or upbeat way, never in a derogatory way.”
Kieran then asked a number of people to answer his questions by loudly proclaiming That Beats Banagher, which they did, much to the enjoyment of the audience.
James thanked many people for their assistance with the book, including the Heritage Office in Offaly County Council; Offaly Local Development Company; Offaly History; the National Archives in Dublin; Brosna Press; the authors' wives Carmel and Sheila; the local media; SuperValu in Banagher (where the book will be on sale); and Banagher College for agreeing to host the launch.
He thanked the Trad music group Dé Máirt for providing musical entertainment during the launch; and Kieran for his enthusiasm and untiring interest in local history.
He thanked everyone for coming and reminded them that the That Beats Banagher festival takes place on the last weekend in July.