Adult Book of the Month
The Parish of Corofin: A Historical Profile
by Michael Mac Mahon
Published by the author in August 2013
The modern Catholic Parish of Corofin provides the geographical basis for this excellent history by Michael Mac Mahon. The parish includes the medieval parishes of Rathblathmac (Rath) and Killinaboy, whose respective patron saints – St Blathmac and St Iníon Bhaoith – are believed to have brought Christianity to the area. Michael’s history begins before that era with the pre-human landscape and the early settlers, examined through the extensive archaeological remains found in the area. Michael details the evolution of the Christian church from its establishment, through the monastic system to the 12th reform and the Reformation.
The parish was the home of the two most powerful branches of the O’Brien family, the Barons of Inchiquin and the O’Briens of Leamaneh and Dromoland. The family’s residences and activities are examined as well as their impact on the region. There are also chapters on matters like farming and the oppression and revival of the Catholic Church. A section on the surprisingly varied educational establishments of the 19th century is fascinating. Corofin was the birthplace of the Terry Alts and the chapter on agrarian unrest is excellent, as is the following one on the Famine. The book brings us up the end of the 20th century, and a chapter on the customs, lore and legends of the parish concludes this valuable publication and displays the extent of the author’s interest and knowledge.
Michael Mac Mahon is a past vice-president and an honorary life member of the Clare Archaeological & Historical Society. He holds an MA in History & Local Studies from the University of Limerick and is a former member of the Heritage Council.
By the same author:
A History of the Parish of Rath
On a Fertile Rock: the Cistercian Abbey of Corcomroe
Portumna Castle and its Lords
Ribbonism in County Clare 1815-1831 (MA thesis)
Michael has also contributed many articles to ‘The Other Clare’ and has donated the following articles to Clare County Library's website:
The
Abbey of Inisgad (Canons’ Island), Co. Clare
Agrarian
Conflict in Clare: 1815 – 1831
The
Charter of Clare Abbey and the Augustinian ‘Province’ in Co.
Clare
Clare’s
Gaelic Bardic Tradition
Customs,
Lore and Legend of Other Clare Days
Education
in the Parish of Corofin
From
Clare to Van Diemen’s Land: Some forgotten Mothers of Tasmania
From
the Hindenburg Line to Rineen: Peter Vaughan, Toor, Lahinch
James
Delargy and the Storymen of North Clare
Naming
the Land: Reflections on Co. Clare Place-Names
Old
Territorial Divisions & Land Measures
