Retired Macroom teacher delves into history of Gap of Dunloe
THE important thing about history is that it is there for future generations to learn from and a new book on Kerry’s Gap of Dunloe will most certainly be of huge interest to generations to come.
In fact preserving history is one of the reasons that led Mary Coffey Coghlan, a retired teacher from De La Salle College in Macroom, to put together her book ‘Echoes of Dunloe’ which is an in-depth history of the Gap of Dunloe up until 1960 when the castle was purchased by Hans Liebherr.
Mary examines the geology, mythology, history and the important monuments in the Gap of Dunloe.
It was a book that took time to finish but is a comprehensive history of one of Kerry’s most scenic areas. Mary grew up in the Gap of Dunloe with her parents, Jerome and Joan Coffey and her love of her home place also led to her to compile the book which was officially launched at Kate Kearney’s on Saturday night, which is now run by her nephew and godson, Sean Coffey. Mary, who lives in Cork also had another more poignant reason to complete the book which is to raise funds for Marymount Hospice in Cork who took care of her late husband, Liam Coghlan.
Mary began the book when she was recovering from a brain aneurysm a number of years ago. In keeping with her father’s love of history she began reading much of his history collection and decided to pen her own book. The idea remained in her head and in the last two years she decided to put it into action and complete the book. ‘Echoes of Dunloe’ was compiled with help from numerous sources including the support of Muckross House; the National Library of Ireland and the National Museums of Northern Ireland as well as images from local woman Nellie Cremin nee Moriarty.
The book will be available on Amazon.