Book of the year goes to Glen of Aherlow
The Tipperariana Book of the Year for 2020 was awarded to 'The Troubles in the Glen, which was compiled by The Lisnagaul Memorial Committee, headed by its chairman, James Hayes.
The book commemorates especially the Lisnagaul ambush of 13th November 1920, but it also chronicles the whole social and political situation in the Glen of Aherlow one hundred years ago.
The presentation of the award – usually presented in the month of January – had to be postponed due to the Covid pandemic and it finally took place in the Fethard Town Hall on Saturday last, September 18.
This award, begun in 2002 by the Fethard Historical Society (organisers of the annual Tipperariana Book Fair), is to highlight the great tradition of the publishing of books on or about Tipperary, its people and history.
The Glen of Aherlow book was the 19th book to be so honoured and the chairman James Hayes, in his acceptance speech, said that he and the group, were very pleased and honoured that their endeavours had been noted and appreciated by the Tipperariana Bookfair organisers.
He thanked and named the members of the Editorial Committee -many of whom were present- and he also thanked the many contributors and patrons who are all mentioned in the publication. He had a special word of thanks for Elaine Fitzpatrick for her work in ensuring the superb presentation and printing of the book.
The Glen group were greeted and hosted by Mary Hanrahan, Chairperson of the Fethard Historical Society, and with fellow guides, Colm McGrath and Michael Mallon the group were taken around the medieval walled town.
Terry Cunningham spoke on behalf of the Awards Committee, and said that the book was everything the committee appreciated in a ‘Tipperary’ book; it was “ of the people and by the people” of a very special part of Tipperary. He also noted that many of the articles were by descendants of the very people who were involved in the struggle for freedom in the early years of the last century.
The presentation to James Hayes was made by Dóirín Saurus, Fethard artist and potter, who had fashioned an unique framed ceramic piece which proudly stated that ‘The Troubles in the Glen’ was the Tipperariana Book of the Year for 2020.