History research guide unveiled

A PUBLICATION exploring local historical research has been launched by Cork County Council’s heritage office at an event hosted by Kilshannig Heritage Society.

The guide, written by oral historian and author Dr Tomás Mac Conmara, was unveiled at an annual gathering of the Irish Community Archive Network at Springfort Hall Country House Hotel in Mallow, Cork.

‘The possession of his every neighbour’: A guide to researching and writing local history aims to encourage, support, and strengthen good practice in the way local history research is conducted and presented.

“I see firsthand the excellent work that Cork County’s Irish Community Archive Network groups undertake, and wish to pay particular tribute to Kilshannig Heritage Society for hosting this event,” said Mayor of the County of Cork, councillor Frank O’Flynn. 

“The excellent publication by Tomás Mac Conmara will be enjoyed by countless audiences far and wide.”

The guide was developed in response to the unprecedented increase in local history research across Ireland, as well as the proliferation of local history and heritage societies, journals, publications, and websites over the last 15 years.

“I have been very aware for many years of the great work undertaken across the country by volunteers who are deeply committed to the heritage of their place, and who give countless hours to recording and preserving their historical landscape,” said Mr Mac Conmara.

“The intention of the book is to provide support to this effort and to offer guidance on the methods and approaches that are optimal in researching and writing about our past.” 

The network provides training and support in addition to a secure digital platform where they can document and share their valuable local collections, research, articles, photographs, and oral recordings. The book will be available through the council’s library service or digital copies can be requested from ican@museum.ie.