Launch of book The Civil War in Tipperary by Dr Denis G Marnane

A major new publication, The Civil War in Tipperary by Dr. Denis G Marnane was launched at Tipperary Excel on Saturday last by Dr. Vincent Comerford retired professor of Modern History in Maynooth. The launch was preceded by the screening of two short films, the re-enactment of the wedding of Dan Breen in 1921 during the War of Independence and a new film entitled “Welcome to Tipperary”. This very well received production is scripted and narrated by Dr. Marnane with production by Mary Alice O’Connor. Both films are filmed by up and coming filmmaker Caleb Barrett. The Dan Breen film will shortly be available on DVD while both films will be available on YouTube in the coming months.

Dr. Vincent Comerford retired professor of modern Irish history in Maynooth spoke in glowing terms as to the vast contribution Dr. Marnane has made in producing this book and previous publications such as “The Third Brigade” covering the War of Independence. This publication is very important as very little is written about this sad period in our history and Dr. Marnane is meticulous in his research. Ms. Mary Guinan Darmody, Tipperary Local Studies was also commended for her help and assistance in the project.

Dr Marnane in his own remarks said this book about the civil war was not an easy book to write, but he didn’t want anyone else to write it either. Dr Marnane invited Brian Shea to address the audience, his grandfather Thomas Conway immigrated to America after the civil War and Brian and his wife and sister came especially to attend the launch. This added another dimension to the fallout for people from those terrible events of a hundred years ago. The story of Thomas Conway and his connection to the town (he lived at 36 Main Street O’Connor Bros shop nowadays) is chronicled in the book and makes for very interesting reading. 

Among the attendance was Dr Martin Mansergh, who described the book as a “tremendous addition to the repository of Irish History”. Mr John Hogan, Historian and Author, lauded the painstaking research in the book and complimented both films as being innovative ways to bring historical incidents or thematic local knowledge to an audience. 

The book is published by Fitzpatrick Printers in Tipperary Town. The book may be purchased at Fitzpatrick Printers, The Source & Bookworm Bookstore in Thurles and at the Bookmarket in Clonmel.