Yes, yes. It has been awhile. Lots happening, though! I posted last time about a place called Kilmacurragh and since then I have gotten the fortuitous chance to meet the last personal owners, thanks to a very kind chap I have been having the pleasure of sharing breakfasts with on Tuesday mornings before my pottery class. After a phone call from him, I got to drop in (along with a fantastic fellow mother from the kids' school who was the first to walk me through Kilmacurragh) and visit a very kind couple called Bill and Kathleen Dolan, from whom I heard some wonderful stories about the history of the house. I also had the honor of getting to see a book Bill had personally made (only one in existence) about the house and the famous trees that populate its property. It was a joy to be welcomed into their home to share in their knowledge of the house's history, and I am grateful for their kindness in taking time to see me.
That evening followed with an attendance to a book launch about the Kilmacurragh Gardens with Joanna, the same fantastic fellow mother from before. We went down to Gorey, not quite knowing what to expect, but each with our own reasons for wanting to discover more about this place; me for my story and her for a deeper understanding of a place she has been connected to her whole life. We were not disappointed in what we found and both left after the event feeling quite elated by what had transpired.
The beautifully made book, Kilmacurragh: Sourced in the Wild (click to learn more) was written and photographed by local photographer and writer, Megan O'Beirne, over the past five years, and serves as a lovely tribute to both the plants and world-renown trees at Kilmacurragh, but also gives an informative history of the house, which has now been in ruins for years. Hearing her speak about the connection she forged with Kilmacurragh since the first time she saw it, in 2009 while looking for an outdoor venue for a gallery showing of her work, brought surprising tears to my eyes. As I listened to her speak, I felt a chord of resonance struck within me. I have immensely enjoyed meeting her and pouring through her book, as it is now a permanent fixture in my collection.
Introducing Megan at her launch was the former Keeper of the National Archives in Dublin, Ken Hannigan, a very kind gentleman whom I most fortunately got to speak with at some length. Knowing I had definitely gotten the blessed luck of speaking with the right man, I left him with my email after he recommended I read over some transcripts of interviews conducted several years ago of anecdotal quality from the local elderly to try and capture some of the history of the area as I'm sure only a local could tell it. They are amazing to read. I am grateful for his interest in my project and for taking the time out to send good information my way!
I am running out of time for this one, but sufficed to say, progress is charging wildly ahead and I remain thankful and blessed for all that is bestowed upon me!!! Sending love and big hugs to all!!
St. Paddy's is this Tuesday....WOOT!
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