Roots Society launches latest Drumcliff research

HOT off the printing presses, Clare Roots Society will launch its latest publication, Drumcliff Cemetery (Calvary Section) – Cemetery Trail, continuing its work of photographing, transcribing and publishing details of the burials in Drumcliff cemetery.
Interestingly, their previous publication, Drumcliff The Hidden History, which documented burials in the old cemetery completely sold out and the committee may consider a reprint.
For their latest book, the society moved across the road and completed the work in the calvary section of the new cemetery.
Drumcliff Cemetery (Calvary Section), compiled and edited by John Bradley, is a joint initiative between the Roots Society and Ennis Tidy Towns.
The gravestone inscriptions were recorded by volunteers from Clare Roots Society in the earlier part of the year.
The new burial ground was formerly opened on Sunday, May 17, 1936, and it was solemnly consecrated by the Very Rev M Madden, Adm. The new cemetery is laid out in square plots, surrounded by grave walks.
The first person buried in the new cemetery was Mr JK Madigan, whose funeral had taken place on Tuesday, May 11, 1936. A grotto depiction of Calvary was erected in 1937.
To date, 642 graves have been opened in that section, and 1,802 burials have been recorded. A map of the section of the cemetery is included in the book.
The booklet includes background information on the life and times of a number of people and featured are Brendan O'Regan, founder of the world's first Duty Free Shop at Shannon; Paddy Con McMahon, owner and builder of the Newhall Ballroom and Thomas Sheils, originally from Cavan, who came to Ennis and founded T Sheils & Co.
Athlete and politician Timothy Smythe is also featured and The Tim Smythe Park at the Fairgreen is named in his honour. Patrick and Eileen McNamara from Ard na Gréine, parents of the late Archbishop of Dublin, Kevin McNamara, are detailed as are Michael (Miko) Ball of the Red Shadows music group and the McMahon brothers, Michael and Flan, both noted musicians.
Along with remembering others, the book reviews again the Shannon air disaster of 1948 and the burials associated with that tragedy.
The main purpose of the booklet is to present a hard copy of the burial records with a number of background details of individuals.
The front cover of the book is particularly striking, featuring an image of the Calvary scene together with photographs of some of the people featured in the book.
The book will be launched on Thursday night at 8pm in The Old Ground Hotel and after the presentation the book will be widely available.

N.B. see previous article at http://astheywere.blogspot.com.au/2012/06/drumcliff-cemetery-calvary-section.html