'Bloodshed in the Comeraghs' launch
There was a large turn out for 'Bloodshed in the Comeragh's book launch at Dungarvan Library.
There was a huge turn out for the launch of 'Bloodshed in the Comeraghs', a new book on the Irish Civil War.
Written by David Prendergast and edited by Willie Whelan, the book goes into the story of Thomas Keating’s death near Coolnasmear at the hands of the National Army during the Irish Civil War 1922-23.
Cllr Conor McGuinness, Cllr Seánie Power, author David Prendergast, Cllr Liam Brazil, and Cllr Thomas Phelan (incidentally the Chairperson of Waterford County Museum) were in attencance.
Comeragh Cathaoirleach Cllr. Seánie Power welcomed the large attendance at the book launch. It was an apt welcome, given that the Comeraghs were the birthplace, workplace, and final resting place of Thomas Keating.
Willie Whelan stated: "Thomas Keating, Commandant of the 2nd Waterford Battalion IRA, was shot and captured on April 11, 1923. Denied medical care, he was left to bleed to death by his captors. For the first time, this book by David Prendergast delves into the controversial circumstances surrounding Keating's death at the hands of the National Army. The book sheds light on one of our most significant yet regrettably overlooked local historical figures."
He continued: "Thomas Keating's life story is inextricably linked with the Comeragh Mountains. Born and raised there, he worked as a shepherd, fought across the terrain, sought refuge in its rugged landscape, and ultimately died at its foothills. It was fitting that Cllr Seánie Power, as Chairperson of the Comeragh District Council, welcomed the large attendance at the launch of this important publication at Dungarvan Library."
All proceeds from the sale of museum books will be donated to the operating costs of Waterford County Museum.
'Bloodshed in the Comeraghs' is part of the museum’s contribution to the Waterford City and County Council and Decade of Centenaries Programme.
The book is available from Waterford County Museum, David Walsh Office Supplies, and Eason in Dungarvan, the Book Centre in Waterford City and on Amazon.
