The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Lore and legend of the Reeks
‘IF there is any smidgen of a story, there is a fact to be had somewhere’ is one of Thomas ‘Totty’ O’Sullivan’s key phrases as he talks about his new book, ‘Kerry Dreamtime’: Lore and Legend of the Magillicuddy Reeks’, which will be launched on Thursday, December 12, at The Beaufort Bar at 8pm.
From the visit of Charles Stuart Parnell to Beaufort in 1891 and local Holy Wells, to a slightly earlier version of a GPS system on the Reeks and the rich archaeology of the Black Valley, this book offers an insightful account of local history that is written in an informative and conversational style.
At the core of Thomas’ interest is the ancient influence of place names, which, as he says, “gives us access to history.”
It’s a book dedicated to decoding the language of the landscape from Loch Léin to Loch Acouse, and Tom has written seven chapters that explore the seven peaks: Strickeen, Cruach Mhór, Cnoc na Péiste, Corrán Tuathail, Beenkeragh, Cathair na Féine and Screig Mhór.
“Once you translate a name it gives you access to history, legends and lore. Our native people observed their terrain and very accurately labelled it in their own way. That’s the main point of this book,” said Thomas.
The book is a collage of poetry, short stories and song that comes together in a way that gives a landscapes close to Thomas’ heart a voice. As part of his research, he spent many pleasurable hours exploring the countryside and talking to locals.
From these meetings, Thomas was able to gauge the generational interpretation of a landscape handed down through the decades.
“History, and people’s understanding of a place name, is something I pay close attention to. I would never discount anyone’s story of a landscape because if there is any smidgen of a story, there is a fact to be had somewhere. Nine times out of ten, something fruitful will arise from a story,” Thomas added.
‘Kerry Dreamtime’ can also be classified as a ‘cultural companion’ for people trekking along the Reeks, and especially for those wishing to further their understanding and experience of the physical landscape and the intangible aspects of this stunning part of Iveragh.
Proceeds from the sale of the book will be donated to the Beaufort Community Hall Refurbishment Project, which will begin in 2020.
“I got great pleasure from researching the book for the past five years and I told the community council it’s for them and the community,” Thomas said.