Valuable record of the past

For Gerry Kennedy, writing and publishing his new book, The Church of Ireland Unions of Killinane and Kilconickny, Loughrea, Co. Galway – A History, was a true labour of love.

It arose from a family history, The Taylor Family of Ardrahan Post Office – a History 1837-1912, which he penned in 2012.

The following year, he began researching the Taylor families of nearby Kilchreest, which led to a this extended history of the area.

And while the title might sound somewhat parochial, Gerry points out that the historical records and biographical notes contained in the book have references to every county in Ireland and to a number of locations in England.

He adds that not everybody mentioned in the Church of Ireland records was a member of the Church of Ireland – in fact, there are several references to members of the Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC), who were mostly Catholics.

Gerry feels that the Episcopal succession records will be of particular interest to readers who live in the Church of Ireland Diocese of Limerick and Killaloe, which includes the former bishoprics of Ardfert, Aghadoe, Clonfert, Emly, Kilfenora and Kimacduagh.

But the frequency with which bishops were transferred means that the records will have historic value for every Irish diocese.

Gerry, who is originally from Cloyne, Co Cork, was employed at An Post for over 41 years. He held senior positions in various counties, and was Head Postmaster at Carrick-on-Shannon, Sligo and Galway. When he retired in 2011, he was Retail Operations Manager for the Galway Area.

Gerry now lives in Oranmore with his wife Marguerite (nee Taylor).

His latest book, which has some wonderful illustrations, including one of a young Lady Gregory, when she was Augusta Persse, is now on sale, priced €25.

It’s available  in Taylor’s of Ardrahan ; Salmon’s  Ballinasloe, Charlie Byrnes and Kennys Bookshops, Galway; the  Lighthouse Gift Shop, Salthill; Woodville Walled Garden, Kilchreest; News ‘N’ More, Loughrea; Books ‘n’ More, Oranmore  and online  at www.kennys.ie and www.eprint.ie .