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Book on Donoughmores colourful past is full of intrigue and suspense

October 31st, 2015 7:15 AM

By Kieran O'Mahony

Gerard O'Rourke's book has a foreword by Prof John A Murphy.

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A self-financed book by Donoughmore writer Gerard O’Rourke explores the birth of an Irish rural district in Mid Cork to the beginning of the twentieth century. 

A SELF-FINANCED book by Donoughmore writer Gerard O’Rourke explores the birth of an Irish rural district in Mid Cork to the beginning of the twentieth century. 

Ancient Sweet Donoughmore: Life in an Irish Rural Parish to 1900 was launched last weekend by best-selling author, Michael Lenihan at the Community Centre, Stuake in Donoughmore, near Coachford.

‘Primary evidence never previously published gives the reader a direct and fascinating insight to the lives of people and transports them through a time tunnel of suspense and intrigue with some surprises,’ said Gerard O’ Rourke, speaking to The Southern Star.

‘This is a book that has something for everybody with detailed information on the parish and the lifestyles of generations.’

 In the foreword, John A Murphy says: ‘It is a kind of total history, as panoramic in its sweep as it is microscopic in its focus. 

‘Profiles are laid bare on the leaders and their supporters, the old fashioned and the unconventional, the rich and powerful and the poor and defenceless.’

The 496-page publication is lavishly illustrated with over 200 images including maps, line drawings, original documents and tables of intriguing data.

‘Donoughmore is an old and historic district acknowledged in 1913 as being the richest storehouse of pre-historic monuments in Munster,’ adds John A Murphy. 

‘This book should be of interest to anyone with a connection to Donoughmore or those interested in local history or rural Ireland.’

A limited collector’s hardback edition is also available and more details can be got from www.donoughmore.com or by phoning (021) 7337368. 

The book will be for sale in local shops in neighbouring parishes as well as Liam Ruiséal, Easons and Watestones in Cork, as well as from the website.

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