Photos by Pat Shortall
On Friday the 23rd August, the local history book Castleinch Kilkenny: Connections Through Time was launched by Cllr David Fitzgerald at a very pleasant event. The event, at the Castleinch Venue, was very well attended with about 250 people present. Located in the heart of Castleinch, a little over two miles from the city, this was a very suitable setting for a book that chronicles the area. The venue, run by the Power family, accommodated the large crowd comfortably – refreshments were available. This was a community event for local people and those interested in Kilkenny’s history.
The gathering was told that a few years ago, a local man, Richard Ryan, was concerned by the dereliction of the historic roofless St. David’s Church at Castleinch and the surrounding graveyard. The church had been neglected for many years and the graveyard was inaccessible for those who wished to visit it. Showing great initiative, Richard Ryan then mobilised a group of local residents to tackle the problem. This group became the ‘Castleinch Church and Graveyard Committee’. He then made contact with Michael O’Dwyer, the well-known and highly respected historian. Michael had been making independent efforts to protect the church for over a decade. He was aware of its significance and was especially concerned about the condition of the Joseph Cuffe (1679) monument. He recognised that this ornate monument to the forefather of the Desart family was in need of protection.
As the work to make the graveyard accessible continued it became clear that there was much history in this modest site. Michael O’Dwyer then decided that a book should be written about Castleinch. He gathered a number of local historians, namely Dr Richard Hyland (who became co-editor) Mary Casteleyn, Bernie Kirwan and Aideen O’Reilly and collectively they have produced Castleinch Kilkenny: Connections Through Time. The book now records the history and connections of the old parish of Castleinch from Aughtanny to Bamford and from Goslingstown to Rathaleek.
Distinguished guests were welcomed, notably Deputy John McGuinness, Mayor Andrew McGuinness and Mr Sam Harper, Diocesan Reader, who represented the Church of Ireland. Also, a number of Roman Catholic clerics including Fr. Peter Muldowney, who represented St. Patrick’s parish were acknowledged. Councillor Joe Lyons, Ms Regina Fitzpatrick the County Heritage Officer and Kilkenny Archaeological Society officers also attended. Minister Malcolm Noonan sent his apologies.
However, when introductions were made, the greatest applause was reserved for the members of the St. Finbarr’s Hurling Club, Castleinch. Captain of the Team, Phil Delahunty, and renowned team member Paddy (‘The Rock’) Maher were lauded. To add to the occasion a jersey from the ‘Finbarr’s’ who were the Northern Junior Champions of 1956 was displayed. Ber Dunphy, daughter of the late Pa O’Neill (Margaretsfield) – who was an enthusiastic club-man) brought the jersey to the event.
Sponsors who provided generously toward the publication were thanked.
Dr Richard Hyland, co-editor and committee member, welcomed and thanked all those who helped with the book- authors Michael O’Dwyer, Aideen O’Reilly, Bernie Kirwan and Mary Casteleyn and the committee of Richard Ryan, Mary Lacey, Gary Yates, Michael Power, Luke Roche John Rafter, Michael Condon, Paddy Lacey and Ian Morrissey.
Cllr David Fitzgerald, also a local man, with a passion for history and heritage, in an eloquent speech, officially launched the book and commended all involved for their efforts to promote and protect their local heritage. Formalities then concluded and those assembled dispersed not before further conviviality.
The book Castleinch Kilkenny: Connections Through Time is now available in local shops with proceeds going towards the preservation of St. David’s Church and Graveyard.
