Raymond O’Sullivan (b. 1954)

Raymond O’Sullivan is a shopkeeper in Newmarket and is also a renowned local historian with a real interest in the Anglo-Irish families who lived in the area. The Aldworth family arrived in Newmarket in 1614, and the family history is explored. They settled on the McAuliffe lands, and the initial part of this recording was compiled outside the magnificent old Aldworth house. The next stop was the site of the Priory, the home of John Philpott Curran, father of Sarah Curran, beloved of the patriot Robert Emmet who was executed in Dublin in 1803. There is much local lore associated with the house where strange pseudo religious practices would take place. The Church of Ireland churchyard, where Sarah Curran is reputedly buried is the next location. A quartzstone marks her place of rest. Philip recounts her tragic life story and details her father’s wish that his daughter be buried in her home place.