Publications

Articles relating to Cavan publications.

Master O’Brien’s Copy Books

Master O’Brien’s Copy Books

Michael

We would like to thank Billy for contributing this magnificent transcription of Master O’Briens Copy Books. The transcription is taken from two old school copy books containing many local stories and songs recorded by Master Francis O’Brien, Principal in Larah (Co. Cavan) Boys’ National School from 1925 to 1962. Some of the stories were written by students of the school as part of The Schools Collection between 1937 and 1939. The copy books were passed to local historian Anna Sexton by Father Owen Collins.

Ballyhaise 1821 Census

Ballyhaise 1821 Census

Michael

This article by Steven W. Morrison provides an overview of the significance of the 1821 Census of Cavan with particular emphasis on the town of Ballyhaise in the parish of Castleterra. This in-depth analysis of the returns for Ballyhaise will be of interest to local historians and anyone researching ancestors in the Ballyhaise area. It also acts as a useful guide to navigating this very important dataset which has survived for almost half of County Cavan from 1821.

Reproduced with thanks to Trevor Parkhill, editor of Familia and the author Steven W. Morrison. This article originally appeared in Familia: Ulster Genealogical Review 33 (2017): 39-57.

Corr Townland 1609-2021 by Billy Saunderson

Corr Townland 1609-2021 by Billy Saunderson

Michael

Cavantownlands would like to thank Billy for contributing this comprehensive and highly detailed history of the townland of Corr which is located close to Cornafean in the parish of Killashandra. Billy has written many articles about this region of Cavan and this, his latest work, is the culmination of many years of research combined with a unique knowledge of local history in this area. This piece will be of great interest not only to those living in Corr and nearby townlands, but also to the wider Cavan diaspora as much of the history recounted here can be applied to the other townlands of Killashandra and indeed to the entire of the County.

Drumlumman Parish Census 1821

Drumlumman Parish Census 1821

Michael

Thesis on the 1821 Census for the parish of Drumlumman (Drumlomman).

The Gallant John Joe by George Cartwright

The Gallant John Joe by George Cartwright

Michael

Cavantownlands.com are delighted to feature this excellent new book by George Cartwright on the incredible John Joe O’Reilly.

The legendary John Joe O’Reilly was one of the first great GAA national icons. He was the talisman and captain during Cavan’s golden era between the 1930s and 1950s. 

John Joe is the only man to lead a team to All Ireland glory outside of Ireland – when he led the Breffni men against Kerry in the 1947 final played at the Polo Grounds in New York – and he also captained Cavan to another All-Ireland in Croke Park the following year.

Renowned in song and story, John Joe is widely regarded as the greatest Cavan man of all time.  His teammate Mick Higgins put it simply but best when he said: “I looked up to him and so did everybody else.”

George Cartwright’s newly-published biography leaves no stone unturned in meticulously uncovering the life and times of ‘The Gallant John Joe’.

The 288-page tome traces his growth from school boy to senior player, while also documenting his rise through the Army ranks before the tragedy of his untimely passing.

Cartwright interviewed scores of O’Reilly’s contemporaries so that he could accurately detail the fascinating achievements packed into his all too short life – he died in 1952 aged 34.

Inside and back cover of the book

“Writing a book about John Joe was a labour of love for me,” said the author. “I grew up listening to people talking about his exploits on the field and it was an honour to talk to those closest to him in the compiling of this biography.”

The book is published in hardback by Ballpoint Press. “There are few people in the history of the GAA who towered over their sport in the manner that John Joe did,” said publisher PJ Cunningham.

It is a book painstakingly put together by a man whose own heart beats deep inside Cornafean, Cavan and the GAA. The result is a thorough account of John Joe’s importance both as a player and leader to his county at that time of unprecedented glory.

As the song about O’Reilly says: “Young players may come and old players may go, but there’ll ever be another like the gallant John Joe.”

The book is available from November  in Ireland and can be ordered from georgecartwright56@gmail.com.

It will also be available on Kindle shortly for those who want to buy it on line.

The Gallant John Joe, by George Cartwright and published by Ballpoint Press, is released in hardback and retails at €19.99.

Commemoration of the 100th Anniversary of the death of Captain Tom Sheridan

Commemoration of the 100th Anniversary of the death of Captain Tom Sheridan

Michael

2020 marks the 100th Anniversary of the death of Captain Tom Sheridan who died on 29th May 1920. As part of the commemoration of the anniversary Cavantownlands.com are delighted to present “What if the Dream Come True…” in it’s entirety. This book was written by Seán Sheridan, younger brother of Tom who played a heroic part in taking his two older brothers, Tom and Packie, from the scene of an engagement which took place outside Ballinagh on 27th May 1920. Both brothers were seriously wounded, Tom fatally. He died on 29th of May from his injuries. We would like to thank Moya MacEoin née Sheridan, niece of Tom Sheridan, for contributing this excellent historical record of events for all to read.

Click on the image below to read the book:

Maps of the Escheated Counties

Michael

Come Back to Cornafean

Michael

Come back to Cornafean was published in 2013 by the ‘Cornafean Gathering Committee,’ under the chairmanship of Paddy McDermott and edited by George & Lorraine Cartwright. It was produced principally to mark the ‘Come Back to Cornafean Week’ in conjunction with the gathering Ireland 2013. The book contains a number of articles by local people and by others with Cornafean connections. It covers much of the musical and cultural tradition of the area especially the Cornafean Marching Band, Scór and the Cornafean Céilí Group. It is laced with great photographs of individuals and groups some whom are no longer with us.