Clann Mhuiris journal is a Claremorris treasure

“Claremorris Historical Society plays an important role in connecting the local community to its roots.” The words of former MEP, Jim Higgins, who presided at the official launch of the Society’s annual journal, Clann Mhuiris, in Claremorris Library.
This is the ninth edition of the Journal, which has been a blessing to the region and which has carefully documented some wonderful research and amazing stories in relation to people from the region stretching back over the decades.
The Ballyhaunis native lauded the efforts of the committee and contributors in producing another superb journal and added “we are nothing without our history”. Jim spoke warmly of Michael Reidy and Johnny Kirrane, two recently deceased members of the Claremorris historical community, and both of whom were contributors to Clann Mhuiris in previous years.
The current issue has a special feature on Conor A Maguire, the former Chief Justice of Ireland, and his grandniece, Judge Libby Maguire (daughter of Roderick and Betty Maguire, Claremorris) was among the large attendance at the launch.

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Other contributors to Clann Mhuiris in attendance included James Gilmore, son of the famous film-maker and cinema operator, Joe Gilmore (Brickens), who brought the glamour of the ‘movies’ to towns and village across the region from the 1950s to the 1980s, Cormac Hanley who has written a wonderful account of the life of his uncle, the legendary Henry Dixon, winner of two All-Ireland medals with Mayo in 1950 and ’51, and local historian and genealogist, Gerard Delaney, who writes about the relationship between Father James Corbett and the Claremorris Fenians.
The current issue also features a highly informative article on the history of the Mercy Order since its first establishment in Claremorris in January of 1877 and this was compiled by Sr Margaret O’Grady and Sr Teresina Daly who were joined by several of their colleagues for the occasion.
Local sacristan, Pat Gleeson, has written a fascinating description of the high altar in St Colman’s Parish Church and the hitherto unknown story of Patrick E Tomlin, the man who built it.
Colmán Ó Raghallaigh, editor of the journal, has given his stamp of approval to a truly engaging and fascinating article on a number of postcards posted from Claremorris in the early twentieth century which have since returned to their town of origin.
Adrianne Reidy, secretary of Claremorris Historical Society, paid a warm tribute to Colmán Ó Raghallaigh and Pat Keane for their editorial work and thanked all who came along for the ceremony. She had special words of thanks for Aoife Ní Cheallaigh and the staff of Mayo County Library for again hosting the launch of the society’s journal.
Priced at just €10, and featuring many rare photographs, Clann Mhuiris, will once again make an ideal Christmas gift for Claremorris people at home and abroad. It is now available from the usual outlets in Claremorris.