'Annals of Arra' marks milestone with seventh volume launch in Reidy's of Newtown

Few local journals capture the imagination quite like the Annals of Arra. Published by the Arra Historical & Archaeological Society, established in 2017 to research and document the history, archaeology, and genealogy of the old half-barony of Arra, the journal brings to life the stories, memories, and heritage of the local region. 

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It has since grown into a treasured record for the community. The editorial team of the Annals of Arra comprises Michael Gleeson, Jane Quinlan, Joe Ryan (Stock), and Matt Malone.

On the evening of Thursday, December 4, the society marked a milestone with the launch of the seventh volume at Reidy’s of Newtown.

Special guest speaker Fr Lorcan Kenny, a priest in the local Odhrán Pastoral Area and a published author, was invited to speak and officially launch the event, which drew a large crowd of enthused readers and contributors from across the region.

Commenting on the success of the ongoing publication, Matt Malone credited the achievement to the society’s founders and the editorial team. “The first journal was published in 2019.

It was the energy and commitment of the people who established the society in the first place, and of those responsible for producing the journal—the editorial team—that made it possible. Above all, it is the contributors to the articles who are the most important.”

Matt highlighted the central role of photographs in the journal, appealing to people to make images available to the society and other local historical groups.

“Photographs are a vital part of this journal,” he said. “The material recorded in these pages is invaluable for future generations. What makes the Annals of Arra so successful is the content itself—the personal recollections, the folklore, and the stories that bring history to life.”

Much of what distinguishes the journal is its focus on the lived experiences of ordinary people. These capture the memories and experiences often omitted from more scholarly historical journals.

He emphasised that a publication of this nature must appeal to a broad range of readers. “The journal includes archaeology, which is an important element, alongside folklore and photographs. It is the combination of these elements that gives the journal its broad appeal.

If it was focused on just one subject, it might not attract the same interest. The photographs, the folklore, and the personal stories—some dating back a hundred years—are all hugely engaging and will capture the reader’s attention.”

On the process of collecting articles, Matt explained: “In the first instance, we ask people to contribute. There are a number of contributors who have supported every volume of the journal.

Beyond that, we are constantly inviting contributions through our AGM, social media, and at the society’s monthly lectures and talks. A story that may not seem interesting to one person can be hugely compelling to the readers of this journal. 

We are always looking for engaging stories, and I must emphasise that photographs remain a hugely important part of any edition. We continue with that mission, selecting material to ensure a balanced mix across a range of subjects.”

The seventh volume of The Annals of Arra offers readers a vivid snapshot of the history, heritage, and lives of the local region. Matt Malone highlights the breadth and diversity of the contributions:“Our first article is from Bernadette Spiers, whose ancestors, the Seymours from Lackamore, emigrated to Victoria, Australia. We also have a piece from Brendan Ryan; the cover shows a photograph he took in 1963 during a visit to his family, the Ryans (Stock), in Garrenmore.

The image captures Garrykennedy Castle prior to its restoration and one boat in the harbour, owned by the O’Driscoll family with connections to Portroe, Newtown, and Nenagh.

“The stories featured in this volume range widely—from hurling matches and land ownership in the 17th century to poetry, music, and interviews. Regina Kenny recounts her childhood in the village of Portroe, Pat Mulcahy of Ballina shares his life in music with the Reno Showband, Johnny Mulcahy reflects on growing up in Gortmore, and Breda Gleeson tells of her early days working in the slate quarries and later opening a shop with her late husband Tony in 1973, which the family operated until recent weeks.

There are also articles on Bishop Michael Fogarty, Cumann na mBan in the Portroe District, the formation of Hanly's Woollen Mills, and much more. Photographs accompany many of the pieces, bringing the history and memories vividly to life.

This blend of personal stories, historical accounts, and visual records is what makes The Annals of Arra so engaging. It captures the living history of the community and preserves it for future generations.

On the topic of building community, Matt emphasised the journal’s role in helping new families integrate into the region. “It’s important because it gives new families a flavour of the region—the rich heritage, culture, history, and geography of the Arra region.

Importantly, we have received contributions from people who have only recently moved here, and they were happy to provide an article for the journal, telling their story and how they came to the region. It helps form a bond and connection with those who choose to join this community.”

Regarding the promotion of local history in schools, Matt was enthusiastic. “Absolutely. Generating that kind of interest in schools encourages children to talk to their parents or grandparents about their own ancestry and to discover the stories of growing up on a farm or the ties and traditions of previous generations. Sparking that curiosity is important because it helps ensure the continuity of history in the region.”

“The journal costs €10, and we have a special offer of five copies for €40. It will be available to purchase locally at Eason’s bookshop in Nenagh, The Bookshop Nenagh, McLoughlin’s store in Nenagh, and the Arrabawn Creamery Store in Ballywilliam.

I would also like to extend our thanks to all the stores that sell the journal, and especially to the Gleeson family and their former shop in Portroe, who have sold the journal for the past six years and made an invaluable contribution in doing so. Jane Quinlan, also an editor, of Newtown will be happy to provide copies to any readers living abroad,” Matt Malone said.

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