‘Carloviana’ is an amazing resource, says historian Turtle
Jill Kennedy-McGrath and Kayla White, winners of the third-level history prize, with Turtle Bunbury, historian, lecturer Ida Milne and president of the society, Helen Doyle
IN launching the 2026 edition of in the Seven Oaks Hotel on Thursday night, 11 December, acclaimed author and historian Turtle Bunbury described the publication as a highly respected journal and “an amazing resource for historians”.
Turtle noted that there had been 23 individual editors of the journal since its inception in 1947, with Martin Nevin, the Leighlinbridge historian and editor, holding the longest editorial span of 15 years.
He went on to go through the list of articles contained within the pages of the publication.
A cross-section of articles include that of Fr Andrew Mullen, the priest who had two graves, by Trish Murphy; articles on Bagenalstown and Tullow courthouses, penned by Christopher Power; Paul Maguire writing on Carlow courthouse cannon; Michael Kinsella’s contribution on athlete JJ Egan, Killoughternane, known as ‘the little flyer’ â born in 1883, he was a national figure in the sport as a highly accomplished sprinter, hurdler and high jump exponent.
Also in a sporting vein, Turtle referenced the infamous 1926 Carlow county football final, the ‘Battle of Rathoe’, written by the editor John Kelly. The game was between Graiguecullen and Milford, and John noted that 15 August 2026 will be the 100th anniversary of that match.
Fiona Brennan added to the sporting theme with an article titled , chronicling the club’s winning of the Carlow minor football championship of 1952 with victory over Kilcloney from south Carlow. Ned Foley and Seamus Sweeney survive from the team, and they are both featured.
MC on the night, Helen Doyle, president of Carlow Historical and Archaeological Society (CHAS), which produces , said it was hard to believe a small county like Carlow could reach its 74th edition of the journal, commenting that it is one of the most respected of its kind in the country.
There was all-round praise for editor John Kelly for his unstinting work in producing a journal of 200 pages in what he described as “a marvellous and resilient publication’’.
John stated: “ does not just appear from the starry firmament at Christmas. It is a year-round project which involves a large number of people. These are the volunteers who give of their time and expertise to ensure CHAS and remain to be Carlow institutions for generations to come.
“I think it is time they were celebrated in public: president, Helen Doyle; vice-president, Dr Séamus Ó Murchú; secretary, Gary Hynes; treasurer, Mgr John McEvoy; editor, John Kelly; PRO, Paul Curran; Fergal Browne, Richard Codd, Padraig Dooley, Brendan Doyle, Dr Ida Milne, Nial O’Neill, Christoper Power, Bertie Watchorn and Lynne Whelan.” John also mentioned the contributions of Jim Shannon, Pat O’Neill, Mgr Brendan Byrne and Martin Nevin.
The journal editor presented Martin with a framed certificate ‘in grateful recognition of outstanding contribution of over 40 years preserving and promoting the history of Carlow and his dedication to the aims of CHAS’. John described Martin as “a friend and mentor for a long time”.
A presentation of flowers was made to Martin’s wife Rosaleen, whom John described as “Martin’s rock”.
To round off the launch, a presentation was made to Turtle Bunbury by John Kelly on behalf of CHAS.
The magazine is available to buy from shops in towns and villages across County Carlow and from the CHAS website.
