Carlow historian Oliver Whelan launches book on county's landlords and tenants
Oliver Whelan says a few words at the launch of his book
LOCAL historian Oliver Whelan launched his first book in Carlow County Library during heritage week.
John Shortall, county librarian, welcomed guests with a brief talk on the significance of heritage week. Historian and podcaster Turtle Bunbury then spoke about the importance of Oliver’s work before the man himself took to the stage. He said that his work greatly benefited from the generosity and scholarship of Morgan Kavanagh, Jim Shannon, Felix Larkin and Christopher McQuinn.
Anthony Tierney, the sales and marketing manager of Four Courts Press which published Oliver’s book, said that the event had a great attendance as over 70 people turned up. Notable attendees included Carlow-Kilkenny TD and minister Jennifer Murnane O’Connor and Morgan Kavanagh, owner of Borris House.
The author’s interest in the history of land ownership in Carlow stems from his childhood as he grew up on the family farm in Hacketstown. He spent most of his career working in government finance and rose to become director of the National Treasury Management Agency. After retiring, he undertook a PhD in Irish history at Maynooth University and the book is the result of his research.
Turtle described the launch as a “merry occasion” while those in attendance were treated to refreshments from The Green Lemon Café, Rathvilly.
According to Turtle, Oliver’s book is the first comprehensive study of the landlords and tenants in Co Carlow, tracing the evolution of land ownership from the begining of the land war in 1879 through to 1960. It also places Carlow’s experience within the broader social, political and economic history of Ireland, as well as acknowledging connections with adjoining parts of Laois, Wicklow and Kildare.
The book is available for purchase from Four Courts Press, thebookshop.ie website and bookshops throughout Carlow.
