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Books

Written in Stone: the Graffiti of Kilmainham Jail

Kilmainham Jail has housed many of Ireland's key historical flgures from the ongoing stuggle for independence; from the 1798 rebellion through to the Civil War. They were determined to leave their mark on the jail, and on history, and inscribed their names or mottos on various walls, doorways and window sills in the building. Names include the inspirational (Robert Emmet, De Valera), the threatened (Michael Collins, Richard Mulcahy) and names of the less well-known but equally important (Hannah Clifford and James Roberts). Unfortunately, as Kilmainham Jail lay derelict for so long, these historical artifacts have faded over time, some even disappearing completely. Various experts have visited the prison to assess what would be the best way to preserve the graffiti, but no satisfactory plan has yet been reached. Written in Stone, supported by the Irish Heritage Council and the Office of Public Works, is an attempt to record these first-hand links to the people who changed the political landscape of this country, before the traces vanish completely. The book features an audio CD compiled by Maurice O'Keeffe of Irish Life and Lore featuring Niamh in conversation with Maurice as they move through the cells, examining the graffiti and remembering the people who created it. This recording was shortlisted for the prestigious PPI Radio Award in 2006. The PPIs aim is to celebrate and recognise the art and skill of audio production.

About the Author: Niamh O'Sullivan, best-selling author of Every Dark Hour: A History of Kilmainham Jail brought some visiting American relatives to Kilmainham Jail in 1982, which was being run and renovated by volunteers, and she fell under the building's spell. Niamh was a volunteer guide, and when the jail was taken over by the Office of Public Works in 1986, she took a position as an official guide, before moving on to work in the archives of the jail in 1992. After twenty-four years at Kilmainham, she recently left to relocate to County Kilkenny.

ISBN: 978-1-905483-72-3     SKU: BK-STONE
Price: €12.99

Chronicles of Cork

The Chronicles of Cork - An Oral Record features ten of the people recorded for the three Cork collections. The book is edited by Jane O'Keeffe. Our own personal geographies, combined with our unique histories, form the building blocks of the people we become. In these chronicles, Cork is the keystone. 2010. €15.00 Read more ...



Recollections of 1916 and its aftermath

The Recollections of 1916 and its Aftermath project consists of 33 CDs of recollections of the 1916-1922 period, recorded and edited by Maurice O'Keeffe. The interviewees are people who lived through that period, or their direct descendants, who speak of the experiences of their parents, who lived in various parts of Ireland.
The CDs are accompanied by a book entitled Recollections of 1916 and its Aftermath, written by Jane O'Hea O'Keeffe, Tralee, which details aspects of each recording and provides many illustrations of photographs and letters not previously available in the public arena. 2005. €15.00 Read more ....



The Premier County of Tipperary

The Premier County of Tipperary - Living Voices relates to 45 recordings compiled and produced by Maurice O'Keeffe, over the past five years. Included with the book is an hour-long CD, giving snippets of each of the recordings.
This book is written by Jane O'Hea O'Keeffe. Read more ...

 



Ancient Barony of Duhallow

For generations past, the rich culture, tradition and heritage of Duhallow has been cherished and preserved by the people who live there, amidst the stories, music and folklore of this ancient and beautiful place. Now that wonderful oral tradition is permanently preserved on this comprehensive collection of 45 CDs, along with the accompanying book - The Ancient Barony of Duhallow - Living Voices. From Mass Rocks to matchmaking, from battlefields to sportsfields, from skellig lists to songsmiths - they are all told with great skill, humour and pathos by the custodians of the living past of ancient Duhallow.  2003. Read more ...



A Pictorial History of Tralee

This book, A Pictorial History of Tralee, contains over 100 photographs of Tralee and its vicinity, the majority of which have never been published before. The pictures are accompanied by a lucid and informative commentary which ranges from the Neolithic to the first half of the 20th century.
The main developments in the history of the town, since its foundation in the 13th century, are covered in some detail. There is also a great deal of new material on such diverse topics as the Slieve Mish, the May Boys, the 19th-century merchant princes, and the Mount Hawk Races. You can also read about the three Spa fishermen who were awarded medals for a heroic rescue in Tralee Bay, and "The Liberator" - the Tralee-bred horse who came second and third in five attempts at the Grand National.
A Pictorial History of Tralee (not related to the recordings) is a collaboration by Russell McMorran and Maurice O'Keeffe.
The book is a limited edition and is in hardback format with a dust jacket. €35.00 Read more ...



The Old Kerry Journal, volume 1

The Old Kerry Journal, December 2006. Volume 1. €10.00

Compiled by Russell McMorran and Maurice O'Keeffe.

Contents



Old Kerry Journal volume 2

The Old Kerry Journal, June 2008. Volume 2. €10.00

Compiled by Russell McMorran and Maurice O'Keeffe

Contents



Topics covered in recordings