‘Iarmhí’ going from strength to strength

Paul Hughes

In my many chats with the late Ita Herity, for years the PRO of Westmeath Archaeological and Historical Society, I often remarked upon Ríocht na Midhe, the well-known journal published by the society’s counterparts in Meath, and how great it would be if a similar publication existed on this side of the nearly 500-year-old border.

That was around 2014, and little did I know at the time that such an endeavour was in the works, and the debut number of Iarmhí hit the shelves in 2017, the end product of the foresight of the society’s executive and in particular its editor, Seamus O’Brien.

Since the first edition, Seamus has been busy organising annual WAHS conferences and editing a book-length compendium of essays on local history. But Iarmhí has built up a head of steam and this fifth edition is the fourth published in as many years, underlining the extent of the network the society has built and illustrating its ability to repeatedly deliver high-quality, varied and fresh perspectives on a broad span of Westmeath history.

Across 24 contributions, readers of this edition are treated to a multidisciplinary tour de force stitched together with such passion, authority and fluency that in this age of AI and its looming shadow over the humanities, the field of local history is clearly in safe hands. The ground covered is as broad as the Westmeath diaspora, archaeology, cartography, folklore, military history, the built environment, agrarianism, law and order and cultural and business history. A cursory glance at the contents will pique the interest of readers in Rathconrath, Ballymore, Drumraney, Moyvore, Rochfortbridge, Mullingar, Athlone, Clonmellon, Castledaly, Killucan and Caulry, but a thorough read reveals a more detailed traverse of the county.

Beyond these shores, Westmeath’s transnational links to the United States, Canada, India, Russia, Argentina and even the idyllic island of Tristan da Cunha are explored. In the latter, Martin Timoney highlights the surprising connection between the Gay and Smith families of Mullingar and one of the world’s most remote islands located in the south Atlantic.

The diasporic dimension continues with Sean Murray’s examination of the Westmeathmen’s Benevolent Association of New York, a society that transformed from a charitable group into a political movement for Irish freedom. He notes prominent names within the association, including Murray, Brennan, Troy and Shiels. The theme of emigration continues with Peter Wallace, who documents local migration to Canada during the 20th century. Peter’s work highlights the significant impact this exodus had on local life and culture, specifically noting that more than 250 young men from the Delvin-Brownstown area left for the Canadian mines, affecting local hurling clubs. Further south, Edward Walsh provides an account of an Irish family’s experiences settling in Argentina.

The reach of Westmeath history extends to art and international conflict. Anne Byrne examines the mosaics of Russian artist Boris Anrep in the Cathedral of Christ the King, where he immortalised his muse, Anna Akhmatova, as St Anne.

In military history, Gearóid O’Brien tells the story of Thomas Duffy from Mount Temple, who was awarded the Victoria Cross in 1857 for his “daring skill” in rescuing a gun at Lucknow during the Indian Mutiny.

Domestic struggles for land and the fate of the “old world” are central to the line-up of contributions. Eugene Dunne provides a survey of the burning of “big houses” during the War of Independence, while Sean Byrne analyses cattle-driving and land seizures in the county between 1917 and 1923. Donal O’Brien documents the loss of country houses near Athlone, contrasting the current ruins of Moydrum Castle with its former splendour.

On the same subject, Ruth Illingworth offers an authoritative survey of the houses along the banks of Lough Ennell and the families and personalities who resided in them. While there is ample evidence of destruction and ruin of the historic built environment, the fate of Belvedere House, one of the chief focuses of Ruth’s contribution, is one of a number of stories of endurance and redemption. Similarly, Andrew Hughes recounts the history of Killua Castle, discussing its connection to the Chapman baronets and Lawrence of Arabia, as well as its modern restoration by Allen and Lorena Krause. Pat O’Connor investigates the 200-year history of Castlelost Church, which transitioned from a place of worship to a film set and private residence.

The administration of justice in Westmeath is explored by Rob Delaney, who details how the RIC and magistrates addressed “outrages” like illegal association and theft in pre-Famine Farbill (Killucan). Jason McKevitt examines the history of Mullingar Gaol, highlighting the tunnel at Jail Hill and the macabre careers of executioners ‘Dolly’ and James Berry.

Cultural and commercial life also features prominently. Ursula Kane Cafferty records 20th-century business life in Mullingar, emphasising the entrepreneurial spirit of women like Helen Kane; her recent book, ‘Snappin’ Twine’, is reviewed for this volume by Mary Kenny. Adrian Lee shares rare postcards of local streetscapes, while Kevin Nugent examines the musical legacy of Mullingar cathedral organist Evelyn Dore. Patrick Costello discusses the rise and fall of the Castledaly Distillery Company, recalling Canon Kearney’s prophecy that “rooks and jackdaws” would eventually fly through its ruins.

Finally, the journal delves into the county’s physical past. Paul Gosling magisterially continues his study of the Táin saga battlefields, while Clare Tuffy reflects the accessibility of prehistoric monuments like Newgrange, Knowth, Dowth and Loughcrew. Caimin O’Brien seeks out disappearing sites such as the Fox family’s castle in Moyvore, while Jonathan Raleigh maps forgotten monuments near Rathconnell, showcasing his beautiful cartography project, ‘A Part of the Lake County’.

Even modern development enriches our historical record. While motorways improve our infrastructure, the extensive excavations carried out by Transport Infrastructure Ireland archaeologists during those schemes revealed numerous hidden archaeological treasures. Michael Stanley directs readers to the TII Digital Heritage Collections Portal, providing open and ready access to the excavation reports, including the 179 reports pertaining to Westmeath.

Last but by no means least, the collection of essays also features Mary Timoney’s research into the Madden stonecutters of Drumraney, whose distinctive memorial art remains a testament to local skill.

A must for bookshelves, this fifth edition of Iarmhí is available in local bookshops at €20.