A taste of local rural life down through the years

Book delves into forgotten history of North Galway

THE HISTORY of several rural parishes around Tuam are explored in a new book.

The Roots of Rural Tuam looks at the rich and often complex history found in areas such as Cortoon, Lavally, Brownsgrove, Tullinadaly, Kilclooney, Kilcloghans and Tonmoyle. It is also delves into bordering parishes such as Kilclooney, Milltown, Dunmore, Clonberne and Killererin.

Author Kathleen Treacy, a native of Brownsgrove, has brought together historical research, archival material, local knowledge, conversations and personal stories to create an accessible record of the area’s heritage.

“I started learning about the various old castles and other buildings which were scattered around, which I didn’t know about. I felt I couldn’t keep this to myself, so I decided to compile it all in a new book,” Kathleen told The Tuam Herald.

“The book is self-published and self-funded, so I’m not going to make any money off it, but that was never the point. I’m looking forward to people getting their hands on it and learning about their local history.”

Beginning with Tuam’s ancient origins, the book traces the political, social and economic forces that have shaped rural Tuam across generations.

It explores the institutions that have influenced the area, its mysterious pagan past, the impact of land ownership and access to resources, and the wider political contexts that shaped life in the West of Ireland.

The book also turns its attention to the lived experience of rural communities, including Tuam’s experience during the Second World War, the hardships of the 1950s and the significant social changes of the 1960s and 1970s.

“I think there will be something for everyone in the book. People who have already read it told me that they feel like they are walking down the country lane and getting a taste for what life was like in their locality down through the years,” added Kathleen.

“It can be tough reading history books, as they have so much information in them. I kept the subject matter light and easy for everyone to understand. I think one of the most interesting subjects in the book was Hazelwood House, a building which was knocked down back in the 1970s.

“A man who stayed here spoke of having the best sleep of his life one night but was found dead there the next day. The book was my chance to compile stories like this that could’ve been lost to time, all in the same place.”

Sales have already been strong for the book, which is available to purchase in O’Toole’s Supervalu and Turning Pages Tuam, as well as Kenny’s and Charlie Byrnes Bookstores in the city. It can also be bought online, via buythebook.ie.

The book will be officially launched today (Saturday), September 12 in the Cortoon Inn from 3 – 5pm, where signed copies will be available to purchase.

“I didn’t know what to expect with this book, as it was my first publication. I started working on it about two years ago and I’ve been delighted with the amount of positive feedback it has been getting so far,” noted Kathleen.

“I’m hoping we get a good crowd at the launch. Demand has been high so I’m a little worried we won’t have enough copies available for people on the day. I’m looking forward to reading from the book too, giving people a taste for what it will feature,” she concluded.