New books puts Wicklow’s role under the microscope
HENRY Cairns is a familiar sight in Bray, where he sits every day at the counter of his ‘ Town Hall’ book shop on Florence Road.
Last week, he launched his 16th book, an investigation of Wicklow’s part in revolt and revolution.
Henry is part of a wider community of historians across the county, many of whom contributed to ‘Wicklow in Revolt, A History of Wicklow 1913 - 1923’.
The book is beautifully presented and gives a fascinating insight into life in Wicklow throughout those seminal years in Irish history.
Passionate about history and particularly Wicklow’s place therein, Henry has dedicated years to producing this valuable book.
He edited the book, which includes an introduction by Ruan O’Donnell of the University of Limerick.
Contributors include behemoths of historical research, including O’Donnell himself, as well as Jim Ress, Eva O’Cathaoir, John Finlay, James Scannell and Robert Butler.
‘Wicklow in Revolt’ explores subjects such as ‘Wicklow Town through the troubles’, ‘ The landing of rifles in Kilcoole’, ‘ The Rising and Wicklow’, and ‘ The Civil War’.
To get a copy of the book, go to the Town Hall book shop, Easons in Arklow, Deveney’s in Bray and other book shops.
The launch was very well attended, with guests including historians, contributors, and members of local historical societies.
There were also public representatives including Deputy John Brady, Chairman of Bray Municipal District Brendan Thornhill, and a number of councillors, officials and representatives of bodies such as the National Archives.