09/07/2026
Date for the Diary : Jul 24 Friday @ 8:30 PM Book Launch at Ruane 's Glentane
Not just a history of a parish but a wonderful example of the riches that abide in so many of our home places
Herbie Parker (Noreen Coppinger) and Seamus Bellew have together with several others brought out a fascinating history of place and people that will be invaluable to all whose ancestry and family stories come from this wonderful place
http://places.galwaylibrary.org/parish/26982
The book, 'Ballymacward, Cill Mhaol Chosna, Where it all started' by Herbie Parker & Seamus Bellew will be launched on Friday 24th July in Ruanes of Glenatane at 8:30 PM
It has been a long time in formation and carefully researched and fine tuned to share the story of this ancient spot
'Cill Mhaol Chosna was the old name for Ballymacward which means the Church of St Maol Chosna.
There was once a medieval church on what is now the old graveyard. Later the Protestant Church was built, but after its deconsecration, it was knocked from 1959-61.
Comprising 400 pages, the book covers many aspects of parish life over the past 150 years, the history of both churches in Ballymacward, the inscriptions of the three graveyards, Ballymacward (old graveyard), Killahawn and Killuane are included.
Education mainly through the three schools of Esker (1843), Liscune (1857) and Garafine (1884) is detailed.
Many aspects of the sporting life of the parish over the past hundred years are recalled, these include Football, Hurling, Camogie, Handball, Soccer, Pony Racing and Rugby.
A century of medals includes photos of many medals associated with Ballymacward teams and personalities who played with county teams and also referees' medals.
The twenty-five chapters include recollections from the travelling families, the role played by Macra, Drama and the ‘new Hall' built in 1960.
There were many shops scattered around the parish, now all closed except one.
Aspects of life in the villages (townlands) are included. For example, in Annagh, the burial chamber ‘discovered’ in 1977 dates back to the same era as Newgrange (c. 2000BC).
The Big Houses and Estates are detailed including Hampstead, Mount Bernard, Mount Hazel, Mount Evans, Eskerville, Esker Lodge, Greenhills and Woodlawn.
Military service details locals who fought in the Boer War, World War One, the War of Independence.
Later parishioners served during the Emergency, and then in the F.C.A.
A local eviction took place in 1951 not expected in a new Republic!
Seventeen additional contributions greatly enhance the content of the book.
The book launch takes place at Ruane's in Glentane (H53 T4A6) on Friday 24th July at 8:30 p.m. Price €30 (Launch Price €25).'
https://irishheraldry.blogspot.com/2026/02/ballymacward-cill-moal-chosna-where-it.html
Please share details with anyone who has Ballymacward ancestry and I am sure details of how to order for overseas will be available soon
