Bandon historical group launches 32nd journal

THE authors and editors involved in the latest Bandon Historic Journal (No 32) were commended for their enthusiasm and research in preparing the latest edition that is currently on sale in shops. 

‘This journal as well as all the former journals is a collection that will be used by local historians in the future and we can feel proud when we see historians and researchers using our journals as a source material for their publications over the year,’ said Pat Canniffe, chairman of Cumann Seanchais na Banndan, speaking at the launch last week in The Munster Arms Hotel.

‘This year was another significant year in our history as Padraig Hamilton along with Andrew O’Donnell and Lawrence Connolly and myself produced an invaluable index which was launched last month. This index will be another valuable source for local historians.’

The newest journal features contributions from both regular and new contributors and editor Andrew O’Donnell said this has bought a ‘positive aspect’ to the edition.

Articles featured include an interesting piece on the flu pandemic after World War I, which was written by Sean O’Callachain, while Paddy O’Sullivan has written about the industrial heritage of modern Ireland.

Padraig Hamilton went onto to talk about the other chapters in the book, which include an article about ‘The Rum Affair’ and Catholic churchman John Hynes. For those interested in the former West Cork Railway, there is also an interesting article on this. There is also a chapter on the social conditions in Bandon in 1834, which found that the principal cause of the decline of the population was due to mechanisation.

The Bandon Historical Journal No 32 is currently on sale, priced €7.