County Roscommon Historical and Archaeological Journal now available

Copies of the fifteenth bi-annual County Roscommon Historical and Archaeological Society (CRHAS) Journal are available for sale throughout the county in the lead-up to Christmas.

The journal is renowned as one of the most critically acclaimed local history journals of its kind, well-known for the breath and range of its subject matter and the high quality of its scholarly content.

“The journal is eagerly sought by Roscommon residents and diaspora alike and is an ideal Christmas gift,” said a spokesperson for the committee.

It features 36 articles spanning over 200 pages and also features an extensive 32-page colour section. The publication is available in shops across the county, priced €20. Copies of the publication are also available from officers of the CRHAS.

Among the articles that feature in this year’s journal are profiles of Alleen Isobel Cust, Ireland’s first female vet to work in Ireland or Britain; The De Freyne Rent Strike and a reflection on the life of Fr Jack O'Brien and Knockcroghery during the War of Independence and Civil War.

There are also extensive features on the Mid and North Roscommon Pits and Pitfields; a look at the traditional country shops; Sir William Wilde and his 1854 survey on deaf people and an article on the hard-won GAA grounds of County Roscommon.

Other articles include a reflection on the life of the Rev. John Keogh, Antiquarian, Scholar and Anglican Priest, a history of Strokestown houses and a look at symbols of Promised Lands and Salvation, including medieval sculptures of the Spies from Boyle and Galway.

“The publication reflects the rich history and heritage of the county as well as the diversity of the local landscape featuring all the county’s unique events which have formed the county as a people and proud location in the heart of Ireland,” added the spokesperson.

The current journal is co-edited by James Hoban and Jim Ganly, both former presidents and members of the executive committee of the CRHAS. Both have edited previous journals and have worked to ensure another high quality and informative publication.

It features an extensive cross-section of articles on local history, archaeology, sport, and music. The publication, features articles on Kiltoom, Knockcroghery, Roscommon, Strokestown, Mount Talbot, Castlerea, Frenchpark and all points in between.

Already plans are at an advanced stage for the next journal, the sixteenth, which is expected to be published in the second quarter of 2026. Those interested in contributing to the journal can do so by contacting co-editors Jim Ganly or James Hoban, or any committee member of the CRHAS.

The society meets on the second Tuesday of each month, with the exceptions of January, July, August and September. Meetings are held in the Rathcroghan Visitor Centre Tulsk at 8 p.m.. Some of the subject matter of this year’s lectures included The Jacobean Revolution in Ireland, Justices of the Peace in Roscommon in the sixteenth century and the life of Charles O’Conor Don.

The society’s AGM will be held on Tuesday, February 9th – annual membership is €25. New members are warmly welcomed ahead of what is sure to be yet another eventful year for the society and its members.

Copies of the County Roscommon Historical and Archaeological Society Journal are currently on sale in the following outlets: Sammon’s Ballinasloe; Mulligan’s, Roscommon Road, Athlone; The County Museum; Casey’s Filling Station, Walsh’s Filling Station and Cormican’s Abbey Street, all in Roscommon town. Other outlets where the journal is available include: Strokestown Park House; King House, Boyle; Rathcroghan Visitor Centre, Tulsk; Keane’s Supermarket, Athleague; Mary Morris Giftware, Elphin; Joe O’Brien’s, Lanesboro; Mulvihill’s Newsagents, Castlerea; Creaton’s Loughglynn; Dawn ‘Til Dusk, Strokestown; Scahill’s Castlerea; Towey’s Ballaghaderreen and The Reading Room, Carrick-on-Shannon.