*Ger Madden.
A BOOK on the ancient parish of Moynoe nOrbraighe was launched on Friday night in Scariff.
The book, by Gerard Madden, outlines the history of the small parish going back 10,000 years including evidence of families associated with the area, including current Irish rugby star Garry Ringrose. The publication also includes a detailed history of the roadways and bridges on the southern end of the Sliabh Aughties.
A native of Whitegate living in Moynoe outside Scariff since 1980, it is historian Gerard Madden’s 13th publication. The former history teacher and machinery dealer has been running Holy Island Tours since the 1990s and spends his winters researching history.
“There’s a big chapter on the roads and bridges which are there since the 1840s which are still standing, the workmanship was unbelievable. One road in particular is a gem, it’s like a natural greenway,” Gerard tells The Clare Echo.
“I’m fascinated by the rivers, lakes, mountains, fields, the names. We were never taught that in school, local history is fascinating and I think it’s important to preserve the names and the history in these places.”
Family names mentioned in the book include O’Grady, MacBrody, Cormican, Samson, Broudin, and the first Ringroses of Ireland, of which rugby player Gary Ringrose is believed to be a descendent.
The book is available in Bann’s Gift Shop in Scariff, at Holy Island Tours and local outlets in East Clare. The book was launched by Dr Christy Cunniffe on Friday at McNamara’s Bistro Bar in Scariff at 8pm.
