Mullingar book sets new record with global reach
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Matt Nolan, author and photographer of Mullingar… Time Goes By. Photo by Kasia RzepkaImage 2 of 5
Connie Egan or 'The Fish Woman', as she is best known, has been part of the trading life of Dominick Street and Mullingar every Thursday for “God knows how long”. Connie’s grandmother, also Connie Egan, ran the famous Egan’s fish and vegetable shop in the heart of the Coombe in Dublin at the start of the last century. In 1917 Mrs Healy from Dominick Street, mother of Joe Healy, called to Egan’s in Dublin to buy fish. While there she suggested to the proprietor that she should sell fish in Mullingar on market day, Thursday, outside their own shop, Healy’s, and so the tradition was started. Connie Egan was photographed in 1994.Image 3 of 5
Colonel Charles Harvey Kelly (1885-1982) from Clonhugh, Ballinafid, was a veteran of World War I. He fought with distinction in India and Persia mainly. He came to Ireland in 1926 and bought Clonhugh House and farm. He joined the Local Defence Forces (Castlepollard) during World War II, and used his military experience to good effect. He was a lifelong fly fisherman with Lough Owel Trout Protection Association. Photo taken 1986.Image 4 of 5
Paddy O'Shaughnessy, Delvin publican, member of Westmeath County Council, hurling great and handball enthusiast. He is also reputed to have played camogie for Delvin. Photo taken in 1990.Image 5 of 5
Fr Declan Hurley and Fr John Byrne from Mullingar parish, being shown around the site of Buckley’s car park, by one of the archaeologists working there, where the remains of a number of monks from the13th century Mullingar were unearthed, as a result of construction work on a new supermarket and hotel. All construction work was stopped in order to have the site fully examined by archaeologists. It was found that few of the monks buried there lived to be 40 years or more. It was also noted that many of the remains had scallop shells, the emblem of St James, around their necks, indicating that they had made the Santiago de Compostela Pilgrimage, in northern Spain at some stage in their lives. Photo taken 1996. The remains were all removed to the National Museum for examination before being re-buried in the grounds of the Cathedral of Christ The King, Mullingar. Photo by Matt NolanMullingar… Time Goes By, by Westmeath author Matt Nolan has sold more than 4,000 copies, a record-breaking achievement for a local book. Since its release in 2016, the book has enjoyed continuous popularity, captivating readers at home and abroad.
Speaking to the Westmeath Examiner this week, Matt said he was “blown away” by the success of his publication. “The pictures are what sell the book,” he said.
“When I brought it out, I had no idea it would generate so much interest and I never realised nostalgia was such a big thing,” Matt said.
He is now exploring the possibility of digitalising the book to make it more easily available across the world. He is also “working hard” on his next book, a history of the Camillian Order in Ireland.
Mullingar… Time Goes By offers a nostalgic journey through 50 years of life in Westmeath, with a focus on Mullingar. Its 350 meticulously curated photographs capture the essence of the area, highlighting its vibrant personalities, beloved characters, and memorable moments.
Stella Lynch, owner of Just Books in Mullingar, has witnessed the book’s enduring appeal first-hand. “Mullingar… Time Goes By has found its way into homes across every continent. It’s amazing to see how much pride people from Westmeath take in their roots, no matter where in the world they are,” she said.
The international reach of the book underscores its universal charm and the enduring connection Westmeath people maintain with their heritage. Families have shared it across generations, while Mullingar natives abroad have used it as a bridge to the rich history and culture of their home town.
Despite being released nearly eight years ago, Mullingar… Time Goes By remains in demand. It is available at Just Books and The Cathedral Shop in Mullingar.