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Papers by Eamonn P Kelly
Irish Lives remembered, 2024
The paper looks at sites and traditions associated with St. Erc in County Kerry, Co Kildare; the ... more The paper looks at sites and traditions associated with St. Erc in County Kerry, Co Kildare; the Boyne valley of Co Meath and Cornwall, in Britain. Evidence is presented that suggests that traditions associated with St Erc originate in traditions associated with the pagan cult of the deity known as the Daghda whose earlier manifestation may have been as a god called Erc.
Louth History and Society. Interdisciplinary essays on the historyof an Irish County, 2023
The paper presents historical and archaeological evidence for the activities of the Viking in Co.... more The paper presents historical and archaeological evidence for the activities of the Viking in Co. Louth a small Irish county located on the northern shore of the Irish Sea. The county once housed four small Irish kingdoms placed strategically between the regional territories of the Uladh, the Airghilla and the southern Uí Néill. The paper discusses Viking warfare and settlement in the area and presents new evidence for longphuirt (Viking fortresses) constructed within the region. The complex interactions between the Vikings and the Irish are analysed within local, national and international contexts. The comprehensive work is illustrated by maps and archaeological drawings and photographs.
Irish Lives Remembered, , 2023
The paper investigates Íta the important early Munster saint who was referred to traditionally ... more The paper investigates Íta the important early Munster saint who was referred to traditionally as “The Brigid of Munster”. The cult of Íta, like that of St. Brigid, exhibits aspects of the cult of a pagan goddess who in Íta’s case was that of Áine – a goddess of summer. A description is given of Tober na Molt –The Weather’s Well her cult site in north Co Kerry, where she is worshipped along with St. Erc and St. Brendan the Navigator whose cults will also be investigated later in the series.Surviving folk traditions comcerning Íta are presented and evaliuated.
Irish Lives Remembered, Issue 59, Spring, 2023, 40-51., 2023
The paper continues the series on Aine, the pagan Irish goddess of summer. who is associated clos... more The paper continues the series on Aine, the pagan Irish goddess of summer. who is associated closely with the summer solstice. It documents the representation of the goddess as a fiery dragon, a silver fish and a swan called Cáer Ibormeith as well as her association with her spouse the god Aengus who is an embodyment of the new sun, born at the winter solstice. The mixture of pagan Irish religious concepts and biblical tradition is shown and the work investigates the impact of the ancient mythology on the creative poetic imagination of William Butler Yeats which resulted in his much loved 1897 poem The Song of Wandering Aengus.
Irish Lives Remembered, Issue 58, Autumn/Winter, 24-36., 2023
Both papers relate to the celebration of the festival of the midsummer solstice. The first deals ... more Both papers relate to the celebration of the festival of the midsummer solstice. The first deals with the hill sanctuary and sacred lake associated with ‘Áine, the Irish goddess of the summer. (Knockainey and Lough Gur Co. Limerick). The second paper deals with the Christianised version iof the former pagan midsummer festival, now re-dedicated to St. John the Baptist and celebrated in Ireland and across Europe.
Irish Lives Remembered, Issue 57, Summer, p.22-35., 2022
The paper, which is part of a series on the early Irish goddesses, introduces Áine, the Irish god... more The paper, which is part of a series on the early Irish goddesses, introduces Áine, the Irish goddess of summer, who was celebrted at the summer solstice festival. Places associated with Áine, such as Knochainy Co Limerick; Dunany, Co Louth; SlieveGullion, Co. Armagh and other cult loocations are introduced and discussed.
Journal of the County Louth Archaeological and Historical Society, 1986
The present study seeks to bring to attention an interesting group of ringed pins which constitut... more The present study seeks to bring to attention an interesting group of ringed pins which constitutes the corpus of finds from Co Louth. Five pins are in the National Museum collection and one is in the County Louth Archaeological and Historical Society collection. The remaining four pins were excavated in recent years at Millockstown (3 pins) (Manning 1986) and Marshes Upper II. The total number of pins, ten in all, is quite small given the number of excavations of 1st millennium A.D. sites in the county. The number of stray finds is, perhaps, less than one and Historical Journal PI. 2. Close-up of the neck of the Cortial pin showing how the loop was sealed, and details of the decoration. PI. 3. Stabannan pin : details of the loop and ring.
RefDoc Refdoc est un service / is powered by. ...
Sligo Field Club Journal, Vol. 7, 149-168., 2021
The paper identifies a medieval hunting preserve (Formaoil na Fiann) centred on Moytura, Co. Slig... more The paper identifies a medieval hunting preserve (Formaoil na Fiann) centred on Moytura, Co. Sligo, site of a famous mythological battle between the Fomorians and the Tuatha Dé Danann. A comparative study is undertaken of the royal Formaoil of the kings of Connacht as described in AcalIam na Senórach which extended over parts of counties Roscommon and Galway . There is a discussion on raiding into the Formaoil of Moytura including discussion of the great raid of 1398 which seems to have inspired a late account of Cath Muighe Tuireadh (the battle of Moytura).
Irish Lives Remembered, 2022
In this final of four articles on Brigid, the ancient Irish goddess and (subsequently) saint, the... more In this final of four articles on Brigid, the ancient Irish goddess and (subsequently) saint, the antiquity of the celebration of her festival (Imbolg) on 1st February is looked into. The festival of BrigidIt is a joyful community festival about fertility, protection and blessings and the widespread rituals and practices surrounding its celebration are documented and illustrated..
Irish Lives Remembered, 2021
The paper provides a background to the cult of saintly relics in medieval Europe. Relics associat... more The paper provides a background to the cult of saintly relics in medieval Europe. Relics associated with the Irish St Brigid are referred to and illustrated and reference is also made the the Swedish St. Bridget (Birgitta).
Irish Lives Remembered, Issue 54, Autumn, 48-62., 2021
The paper is part of a series dealing with Brigid; a saint and ancestral goddess of the kingdom o... more The paper is part of a series dealing with Brigid; a saint and ancestral goddess of the kingdom of Leinster, Ireland. It looks into the role of Brigid as an ancestral figure and her connections with the ancestor deity Labhraigh Loingseach who is portrayed in folktales as a horse-eared king. Brigid as both goddess and saint was a national figure however, like Labhraigh Loingseach; she had a special role in forging the identity of the Leinstermen. The paper also looks at connections between Brigid and the goddesses Carmen and Macha.
Irish Lives Remembered, 2021
The paper is the first of a series of articles that examine various aspects of Brigid in her role... more The paper is the first of a series of articles that examine various aspects of Brigid in her role as a pagan goddess and as a Christian saint. As a goddess, Brigid plays a role in the ancient mythological tales and was a Spring goddess in the pagan Irish pantheon. She continues to play a role in Irish folk traditions and folk practices. The version of Brigid that represents her as a Christian saint continues to have relevance for Irish Christians.
, Sligo Field Club Journal, Vol. 6, 127-140, 2020
The paper is introduced with a discussion of Dindsenchas; the medieval Gaelic lore of places, esp... more The paper is introduced with a discussion of Dindsenchas; the medieval Gaelic lore of places, especially as it relates to the site of the mythic Battle of Moytura, in Co. Sligo. This was fought between the Tuatha de Danann and the Fomorians; opposing forces of good and evil in the pagan Gaelic pantheon, who contested the sovereignty of Ireland. Moytura is especially rich in ancient monuments, especially megalithic tombs but also cairns, standing stones, natural caves and souterrains, ringforts and cashels. A rich mythology and folklore is associated with the terrain and its monuments, especially lore relating to Fionn mac Cumhaill and the Fianna. A stone fort called Corrigeenacartha is identified as the site of the legendary forge of Loinn Mhic Liomhtha, the Enchanted Smith who forged weapons for the Fianna and who was the owner of an enchanted cow called Glas Gaibhneach, the ever-yielding Cow of Plenty that also features in the local folklore and Dindsenchas. Comparative sites elsewhere are discussed such as Mohernagartan, Co. Clare and the cave at Kesh Corran, Co. Sligo. The Enchanted Forge as a theme in the folklore of Gaelic Scotland is also referred to.
Sligo Field Club Journal, Vol. 6, 117-126, 2020
The paper assesses the importance of local geology as an inspiration to the mythology and folklor... more The paper assesses the importance of local geology as an inspiration to the mythology and folklore of County Sligo, Ireland. The contribution of artists Gabriel Beranger and Angelo Maria Bigari; and historians Rev. William Henry and Archdeacon Terence O’Rorke, in raising the monumental and historical profile of the county is discussed. The work during the early 19th century of the officers of the Ordnance Survey (George Petrie, John O’Donovan, Thomas O’Connor and Patrick O’Keefe) in documenting and interpreting Sligo’s ancient monuments is assessed as is the contribution of local collector Roger Chambers Walker. The contribution to the development of scientific archaeology by Sligo antiquarian William Gregory Wood-Martin and his collaborator the artist and scholar William Frederick Wakeman, is noted as is the iconic role of the mythic battle of Moytura in their research and fieldwork. The overall contribution of the mythology, folklore and archaeology of Sligo to the Irish Literary revival, especially under William Butler Yeats and Lady Gregory is discussed.
Irish Lives Remembered,, Issue 52, Spring 2021, 24-38,., 2021
The paper investigates an extraordinary monument at Navan Fort, (Emhain Macha), Co. Armagh and pr... more The paper investigates an extraordinary monument at Navan Fort, (Emhain Macha), Co. Armagh and proposes the association of the monument with Ulster sovereignty goddess, Macha. It is proposed further that the ritual nature of the monument is associated with inauguration rituals and with the annual agricultural and solar cycles in which the horse, pig and goose are utilised as ritual animals. Comparisons are drawn between Macha and other Celtic deities as well as with certain goddesses of the Classical world. Evidence is presented suggesting that aspects of the tradition extend backwards in time to the Neolithic period while evidence for survival into modern folk beliefs and practices is also presented.
![Research paper thumbnail of ‘Sadhbh [Sive]: Ancestral Goddess of Munster'](https://attachments.academia-assets.com/65155478/thumbnails/1.jpg)
](Irish Lives Remembered, Issue 51, Winter, 30-42., 2020
The work introduces Sadhbh as a sovereignty and ancestral deity associated mainly with the proven... more The work introduces Sadhbh as a sovereignty and ancestral deity associated mainly with the provence of Munster, in Ireland. She continued to be an important icon for the Gaelic poets of Munster following the seventeenth century and was adopted as a patroness by agrarian organistions such as the Whiteboys and Rockites during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.
The Searcher, no. 425, January, p. 78., 2021
Metal detecting / treasure hunting in Ireland.
Emania, 2020
The present study arose from a decision to erect a wind turbine on the hill of Knock Iveagh, Co. ... more The present study arose from a decision to erect a wind turbine on the hill of Knock Iveagh, Co. Down, a place that is believed to have ancient ritual associations. In order to assess the likely importance of the hill, the study looked into the archaeology, history, mythology and folklore of Knock Iveagh as well as the interrelatedness of the hill with the wider physical and cultural landscape; including other sites and monuments in the region and further afield.
Irish Lives remembered, 2024
The paper looks at sites and traditions associated with St. Erc in County Kerry, Co Kildare; the ... more The paper looks at sites and traditions associated with St. Erc in County Kerry, Co Kildare; the Boyne valley of Co Meath and Cornwall, in Britain. Evidence is presented that suggests that traditions associated with St Erc originate in traditions associated with the pagan cult of the deity known as the Daghda whose earlier manifestation may have been as a god called Erc.
Louth History and Society. Interdisciplinary essays on the historyof an Irish County, 2023
The paper presents historical and archaeological evidence for the activities of the Viking in Co.... more The paper presents historical and archaeological evidence for the activities of the Viking in Co. Louth a small Irish county located on the northern shore of the Irish Sea. The county once housed four small Irish kingdoms placed strategically between the regional territories of the Uladh, the Airghilla and the southern Uí Néill. The paper discusses Viking warfare and settlement in the area and presents new evidence for longphuirt (Viking fortresses) constructed within the region. The complex interactions between the Vikings and the Irish are analysed within local, national and international contexts. The comprehensive work is illustrated by maps and archaeological drawings and photographs.
Irish Lives Remembered, , 2023
The paper investigates Íta the important early Munster saint who was referred to traditionally ... more The paper investigates Íta the important early Munster saint who was referred to traditionally as “The Brigid of Munster”. The cult of Íta, like that of St. Brigid, exhibits aspects of the cult of a pagan goddess who in Íta’s case was that of Áine – a goddess of summer. A description is given of Tober na Molt –The Weather’s Well her cult site in north Co Kerry, where she is worshipped along with St. Erc and St. Brendan the Navigator whose cults will also be investigated later in the series.Surviving folk traditions comcerning Íta are presented and evaliuated.
Irish Lives Remembered, Issue 59, Spring, 2023, 40-51., 2023
The paper continues the series on Aine, the pagan Irish goddess of summer. who is associated clos... more The paper continues the series on Aine, the pagan Irish goddess of summer. who is associated closely with the summer solstice. It documents the representation of the goddess as a fiery dragon, a silver fish and a swan called Cáer Ibormeith as well as her association with her spouse the god Aengus who is an embodyment of the new sun, born at the winter solstice. The mixture of pagan Irish religious concepts and biblical tradition is shown and the work investigates the impact of the ancient mythology on the creative poetic imagination of William Butler Yeats which resulted in his much loved 1897 poem The Song of Wandering Aengus.
Irish Lives Remembered, Issue 58, Autumn/Winter, 24-36., 2023
Both papers relate to the celebration of the festival of the midsummer solstice. The first deals ... more Both papers relate to the celebration of the festival of the midsummer solstice. The first deals with the hill sanctuary and sacred lake associated with ‘Áine, the Irish goddess of the summer. (Knockainey and Lough Gur Co. Limerick). The second paper deals with the Christianised version iof the former pagan midsummer festival, now re-dedicated to St. John the Baptist and celebrated in Ireland and across Europe.
Irish Lives Remembered, Issue 57, Summer, p.22-35., 2022
The paper, which is part of a series on the early Irish goddesses, introduces Áine, the Irish god... more The paper, which is part of a series on the early Irish goddesses, introduces Áine, the Irish goddess of summer, who was celebrted at the summer solstice festival. Places associated with Áine, such as Knochainy Co Limerick; Dunany, Co Louth; SlieveGullion, Co. Armagh and other cult loocations are introduced and discussed.
Journal of the County Louth Archaeological and Historical Society, 1986
The present study seeks to bring to attention an interesting group of ringed pins which constitut... more The present study seeks to bring to attention an interesting group of ringed pins which constitutes the corpus of finds from Co Louth. Five pins are in the National Museum collection and one is in the County Louth Archaeological and Historical Society collection. The remaining four pins were excavated in recent years at Millockstown (3 pins) (Manning 1986) and Marshes Upper II. The total number of pins, ten in all, is quite small given the number of excavations of 1st millennium A.D. sites in the county. The number of stray finds is, perhaps, less than one and Historical Journal PI. 2. Close-up of the neck of the Cortial pin showing how the loop was sealed, and details of the decoration. PI. 3. Stabannan pin : details of the loop and ring.
RefDoc Refdoc est un service / is powered by. ...
Sligo Field Club Journal, Vol. 7, 149-168., 2021
The paper identifies a medieval hunting preserve (Formaoil na Fiann) centred on Moytura, Co. Slig... more The paper identifies a medieval hunting preserve (Formaoil na Fiann) centred on Moytura, Co. Sligo, site of a famous mythological battle between the Fomorians and the Tuatha Dé Danann. A comparative study is undertaken of the royal Formaoil of the kings of Connacht as described in AcalIam na Senórach which extended over parts of counties Roscommon and Galway . There is a discussion on raiding into the Formaoil of Moytura including discussion of the great raid of 1398 which seems to have inspired a late account of Cath Muighe Tuireadh (the battle of Moytura).
Irish Lives Remembered, 2022
In this final of four articles on Brigid, the ancient Irish goddess and (subsequently) saint, the... more In this final of four articles on Brigid, the ancient Irish goddess and (subsequently) saint, the antiquity of the celebration of her festival (Imbolg) on 1st February is looked into. The festival of BrigidIt is a joyful community festival about fertility, protection and blessings and the widespread rituals and practices surrounding its celebration are documented and illustrated..
Irish Lives Remembered, 2021
The paper provides a background to the cult of saintly relics in medieval Europe. Relics associat... more The paper provides a background to the cult of saintly relics in medieval Europe. Relics associated with the Irish St Brigid are referred to and illustrated and reference is also made the the Swedish St. Bridget (Birgitta).
Irish Lives Remembered, Issue 54, Autumn, 48-62., 2021
The paper is part of a series dealing with Brigid; a saint and ancestral goddess of the kingdom o... more The paper is part of a series dealing with Brigid; a saint and ancestral goddess of the kingdom of Leinster, Ireland. It looks into the role of Brigid as an ancestral figure and her connections with the ancestor deity Labhraigh Loingseach who is portrayed in folktales as a horse-eared king. Brigid as both goddess and saint was a national figure however, like Labhraigh Loingseach; she had a special role in forging the identity of the Leinstermen. The paper also looks at connections between Brigid and the goddesses Carmen and Macha.
Irish Lives Remembered, 2021
The paper is the first of a series of articles that examine various aspects of Brigid in her role... more The paper is the first of a series of articles that examine various aspects of Brigid in her role as a pagan goddess and as a Christian saint. As a goddess, Brigid plays a role in the ancient mythological tales and was a Spring goddess in the pagan Irish pantheon. She continues to play a role in Irish folk traditions and folk practices. The version of Brigid that represents her as a Christian saint continues to have relevance for Irish Christians.
, Sligo Field Club Journal, Vol. 6, 127-140, 2020
The paper is introduced with a discussion of Dindsenchas; the medieval Gaelic lore of places, esp... more The paper is introduced with a discussion of Dindsenchas; the medieval Gaelic lore of places, especially as it relates to the site of the mythic Battle of Moytura, in Co. Sligo. This was fought between the Tuatha de Danann and the Fomorians; opposing forces of good and evil in the pagan Gaelic pantheon, who contested the sovereignty of Ireland. Moytura is especially rich in ancient monuments, especially megalithic tombs but also cairns, standing stones, natural caves and souterrains, ringforts and cashels. A rich mythology and folklore is associated with the terrain and its monuments, especially lore relating to Fionn mac Cumhaill and the Fianna. A stone fort called Corrigeenacartha is identified as the site of the legendary forge of Loinn Mhic Liomhtha, the Enchanted Smith who forged weapons for the Fianna and who was the owner of an enchanted cow called Glas Gaibhneach, the ever-yielding Cow of Plenty that also features in the local folklore and Dindsenchas. Comparative sites elsewhere are discussed such as Mohernagartan, Co. Clare and the cave at Kesh Corran, Co. Sligo. The Enchanted Forge as a theme in the folklore of Gaelic Scotland is also referred to.
Sligo Field Club Journal, Vol. 6, 117-126, 2020
The paper assesses the importance of local geology as an inspiration to the mythology and folklor... more The paper assesses the importance of local geology as an inspiration to the mythology and folklore of County Sligo, Ireland. The contribution of artists Gabriel Beranger and Angelo Maria Bigari; and historians Rev. William Henry and Archdeacon Terence O’Rorke, in raising the monumental and historical profile of the county is discussed. The work during the early 19th century of the officers of the Ordnance Survey (George Petrie, John O’Donovan, Thomas O’Connor and Patrick O’Keefe) in documenting and interpreting Sligo’s ancient monuments is assessed as is the contribution of local collector Roger Chambers Walker. The contribution to the development of scientific archaeology by Sligo antiquarian William Gregory Wood-Martin and his collaborator the artist and scholar William Frederick Wakeman, is noted as is the iconic role of the mythic battle of Moytura in their research and fieldwork. The overall contribution of the mythology, folklore and archaeology of Sligo to the Irish Literary revival, especially under William Butler Yeats and Lady Gregory is discussed.
Irish Lives Remembered,, Issue 52, Spring 2021, 24-38,., 2021
The paper investigates an extraordinary monument at Navan Fort, (Emhain Macha), Co. Armagh and pr... more The paper investigates an extraordinary monument at Navan Fort, (Emhain Macha), Co. Armagh and proposes the association of the monument with Ulster sovereignty goddess, Macha. It is proposed further that the ritual nature of the monument is associated with inauguration rituals and with the annual agricultural and solar cycles in which the horse, pig and goose are utilised as ritual animals. Comparisons are drawn between Macha and other Celtic deities as well as with certain goddesses of the Classical world. Evidence is presented suggesting that aspects of the tradition extend backwards in time to the Neolithic period while evidence for survival into modern folk beliefs and practices is also presented.
Irish Lives Remembered, Issue 51, Winter, 30-42., 2020
The work introduces Sadhbh as a sovereignty and ancestral deity associated mainly with the proven... more The work introduces Sadhbh as a sovereignty and ancestral deity associated mainly with the provence of Munster, in Ireland. She continued to be an important icon for the Gaelic poets of Munster following the seventeenth century and was adopted as a patroness by agrarian organistions such as the Whiteboys and Rockites during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.
The Searcher, no. 425, January, p. 78., 2021
Metal detecting / treasure hunting in Ireland.
Emania, 2020
The present study arose from a decision to erect a wind turbine on the hill of Knock Iveagh, Co. ... more The present study arose from a decision to erect a wind turbine on the hill of Knock Iveagh, Co. Down, a place that is believed to have ancient ritual associations. In order to assess the likely importance of the hill, the study looked into the archaeology, history, mythology and folklore of Knock Iveagh as well as the interrelatedness of the hill with the wider physical and cultural landscape; including other sites and monuments in the region and further afield.
The earliest known human activiry on Lugt' Derrar,aragh occurred during the larc Mesolithic perio... more The earliest known human activiry on Lugt' Derrar,aragh occurred during the larc Mesolithic period, when, at ab.eut 45.00 BG huntm-gatherers first settled the sh<*es of Clona.va in partieular, in seareh of fi*h and wld,fc,wl and. to hunt rsurall:rnirnals and gath'er bazelnutg in w.oodlalds bordotiqg the lake. These Mesolithic hunter-gatherers rnay-have been 'enren iillre effirectod' to this area, and. to w,hat wsuld then hav-e been ef,r island because o,f its locatien on a routeway (i.e. the Inny) through the Irish 1an'daeape"Thio perlraps provided a location for mobile com,rrrunities to gather for the Erxeharige of Rews, stories, goods arrd. rratcrrds. The existenqe , f such ancient settlements first carne to light fullowirrg thsdiseover:y by Joseph trLaftwy of the Ftg. z4-Tip,tuta?t&s rncntlonxd 1n Ckapter 2,Thc talau? uariatian i,nd.iw.tu the retqthrc iffitenlity offi.wds a*th,in cdth touxilan'd tienti,oned-Coolurc Denrcsne cranttog, Lough Derrauaragh: an introduttion to its archaeology and landscapes 1988:99 F.621:"10 l0 cm Kiltoom : decorated copper-dlloy nloutlt, da,qqer,qudrd, E62 1 : 1 09 ; copper-alloy ArteJatt on.al15i5
Books Ireland, November/December, 2018., 2018
Reprint Fathers Come First. Rosita Sweetman. Lilliput Press; 168pp;€9.99 pb; 21cm; 978-1 -8435 I ... more Reprint Fathers Come First. Rosita Sweetman. Lilliput Press; 168pp;€9.99 pb; 21cm; 978-1 -8435 I -634-7. Evoking a time when women knew their piace Rosita Sweetman published her first novel back in 1974,when she was just 25. The coming-olage story set in sixties Dublin showed a young professort daughter, Elizabeth, struggling to find her way in an Ireland fi.rll of mixed messages. The novel opens with the death of Elizabetht mother. It takes her through her convent boarding school, through ajob at college, a brief career in modelling, and a longer affair with a glamorous, controlling older man. Beautifully written, it conveys the joys and heartbreak ofa childhood devoid of affection, and the tumultuous emotions of first 1ove. This reissue, if notiing else, provides a stark reminder of the restrictions imposed on women 40 years ago. Looking back at the recent past, Elizabeth muses on all the things she once thought important. Her list includes sleeping with men, going to church, what people said, and particularly what men 40 thought about you. 'I used to feel a fool, a failure, a factory reject ifthey didnt say, "Youie the greatest, the most beautiful, the sexiest girl weve ever met".' Crucially, Elizabeth never thought money important. It was all about getting a man who had money-from your father, to a bo1&iend, to lovers then a husband. Equally, a career wasni considered necessary. \X&ilst this is a particularly Irish book-it shows to perfection the nuances berween Catholicr ald Protestants, and paints a realistic portrait of Dublin pub life-it has universal relevance and appeal. This was a time when women doctors were a rarity worldwide, and it was not done to tell children that they were pretty or bright for fear of 'turning their heads'. The convent was litde different from the English Protestant boarding school I attended; we didnt have the threat of hell and damnation but we, too, had crushes on other girls and spent our time talking abour boys. lt was imperative to have a boy to write to, but we had no clue how to talk to them, or how to behave in male company. Few from my school attended university. It was all about learning how to behave in a world ruled by men. As Sweetman says in her afterword, all of the rules back then favoured men. If a girl let a boy touch her breasts on a first date she was a whore; if she did not she was a'frigid Bridget'. If she rang a man after a date she was fast, yet when he did not ring her she was suicidal. And if the conduct of the men rn Fathers Come First is shocking to todays readers, it is the women's acceptance of the situation that really hits a nerve. Y4ren Elizabeth first met Colin, she was not exactly liberated but she enjoyed her jobs in College and in modelling. Passion killed all that. Discouraging her from applying to College, Colin encourages her to give up her work, so that her whole life revolves around him. He buys her clothes and dictates her behaviour, expecting fideliry whilst he feels free to sleep with whomever he iikes. Constantly miserable, Elizabeth allows this to happen, justifying his behaviour because without him she no Ionger knows who she is. Elizabetht greatest asset is her beauty, but it does not bring her happiness. You would think that model training school would teach beautiful girls selfesteem, yet even here it was all about subservience. The training models received for going on a date was, 'The litde lady would behave like a litde dumb idiot the whole time, allowing the Escort to lead her to a table, pull out her chair, choose her food, order it for her, order the wine and the conversation'. By the end, Elizabeth's life is not resolved but she has learned the necessity of leading it on her own terms-progress indeed. This novel has been compared to the work of Edna O'Brien, but it reminded me more of the English writer Margaret Drabblet early work. Drabblet heroines were intellectually able, but they shared Elizabeti's naivety and lack of motiYation. The novel was, deservedly, a bestseller back h 1974, but does it still have relevance now that Lilliput has reissued the classic 40 years on? Sadly, it does.
Ríocht na Midhe, Records of Meath Archaeological and Historical Society, vol. XVII, 327-332., 2006
Irish Arts Review, (Spring), 138., 2008
BOOK .S comment as there is a high level of consis tency throughout this selection. The fron tisp... more BOOK .S comment as there is a high level of consis tency throughout this selection. The fron tispiece, Dunfanaghy, Co Donegal, sets the tone, the effect of light and movement along with the interaction between dogs and man is such that the experience is recreated within the viewer. The first pic ture Christening, Dolphin's Bam Church, Dublin 1970, is beautifully observed and sensitively captured. The elliptical com position, redolent with meaning, depicts a priest with kindly face and gentle hands amidst a group of mothers with their babies, with the symbolic lighted candle and font completing the image structure. Within this image is contained a chapter of life in Ireland. Doyle's sense of the interrelationship of image content and the significance of timing is depicted throughout the series; were the horse's head not turned back inJameson Distillery, May Lane, 1963, the impact would be less
Irish Times, Aug 6, 2005
This is a collection of essays by experts both Iraqi and foreign that covers the whole span of Ir... more This is a collection of essays by experts both Iraqi and foreign that covers the whole span of Iraqi archaeology, extending back to remote prehistoric times when Neanderthal beings inhabited the Shanidar cave in the Zagros mountains. The book
North Munster Antiquarian Journal, Vol. XXXV, 1993-94, 119-120., 1994
pp. 24A, 143 Figs. + 79 Pls.; ISBN 0-500-05072-4. Price: f24-00 stg.
The paper presents the results of recent research into Irish Bog Bodies in particular mythologica... more The paper presents the results of recent research into Irish Bog Bodies in particular mythological material that appears to relate to a bog body found in a bog at Moydrum, Co. Meath.