Togher , A Brief History - Book Launch

In 1998 a very special book was launched in the Doughcloyne Hotel. Entitled " Togher , A Brief History " , it was the first published book dealing exclusively with local Togher history. The cumulative efforts of Tom O'Keeffe and his Wife - Kathleen , who was herself a local Togher woman whose family can be traced back to the 19th Century resulted in this now much sought after book. Kathleen recalls how she and Tom would go cross country in search of old buildings and ruins all in an effort to gather as much information as they could. Tom would often spend hours in the County library trying to find anything related to the locality. What must be remembered nowadays is that despite the absence of Internet and Social Media which is commonplace today , the book is all the more fascinating in that it contains so much detail , an indication of the sheer amount of work which went into its making. The comb bound manuscript was sold for the princely sum of £5.99 and is now a collectors piece.

Although not a complete work in itself , it inspired many others to pursue further research and resulted in the formation of the Togher Historical Association many years later and this very Blog which carries on the work with the help of Kathleen O'Keeffe. The newspaper clipping below shows Tom and Kathleen with their children at the launch of the book in 1998 at the Doughcloyne Hotel.

Tom & Kathleen O'Keeffe with their family

Many local dignitaries turned up for this special occasion , including Kathleen's relative - the renowned bowler - Mick Barry - whose Wife , Betty Roche , was her Father's sister. Also present on the night was Principal of the Boys School - Flor Dullea and teachers Ted & Eilish O'Sullivan. Kathleen's cousin Professor Padraig O Rian gave a speech at the event during which he told the audience that he used to spend many hours with Jimmy Roche listening to his stories about Togher. John Russell acted as M.C. for the launch. Also present was former Lord Mayor , John Dennehy and Toddy O'Sullivan. Mrs. Martin of the Muintir na Tire also attended. A huge crowd thronged the hotel that night and all copies were signed. John O'Mahoney of Deanwood Avenue was the photographer on the night.

 Mick Barry , Tom O'Keeffe & Flor Dullea

Tom O'Keeffe himself was inspired to write a second more professional book a few years later entitled " Togher , Past And Present " which is still available in bookshops. It is also known that Tom recorded many local personalities interviews and they are now archived on cassette tape. A fascinating insight into a Togher which has now gone forever but which can be relived through its pages every time.

Review of first published book on Togher