It is a beautiful publication befitting of an organization that for generations has taken so much personal pride in our city and county.
It demonstrates a vibrant passion for everything and anything in local heritage and history.
Perhaps it would be more apt if the Old Kilkenny Review, the journal of Kilkenny Archaeological Society (KAS) were to be written in stone.
Unfortunately that would be neither practical or sensible but the first class volume 71 of the journal is a top class publication, neatly put together and containing a series of exciting and interesting articles laced with old photographs.
There are eight articles of local interest on varying topics from politics to Civil War compensation claims.
Teasing topics include archaeological excavations in Inistioge, a landscape study of Newtown, Kilkenny and a real cracker, an article of SwifTesheath that uncovers the story of a series of portraits of the Swift family that were lost and found.
DEDICATED LIFE AND FAMILY MEMBERS
Other tantalizing tales include the story of Margaret Sherlock and her turbulent marriage to Sir Richard Shee, the life of Bishop Jonas Wheeler of Ossory in the 17th century and the history of Granny Castle, aka Grannagh Castle on the Kilkenny side of the Waterford/Kilkenny boundary provides great reading.
The 154-page book that includes copious names of life and family members of Kilkenny Archaeological Society also includes book reviews, including writings on The Dowager Lady Desart and Talbot’s Inch where she lived for some time.
The book is excellently edited by Fergal Donoghue, features eight learned writers and is great value at €20 including packaging and posting should you require a copy to be sent to your home or business.
At a time when the Coronavirus pandemic continues to curtail KAS activities, you can email Rothe House with your order to [email protected] or write to KAS, Rothe House, Parliament Street, Kilkenny.
