The first ever publication to delve into the history of Milltown is to be republished on the fortieth anniversary of the death of its author.
“Milltown: Memories of Other Days” was written and published by Denis Sugrue who died in 1986 and whose book, which is now out of print, is being reproduced by the Milltown History and Heritage Society.
The newly updated and revised fortieth anniversary edition will be launched at Milltown Community Hall on Saturday 22 August to coincide with National Heritage Week.
Denis Sugrue was a well-known auctioneer, librarian, photographer and historian whose book contained a wide range of stories and anecdotes about the history and heritage of Milltown. He was also the author of the weekly “Milltown Notes” in The Kerryman newspaper for nearly forty years and the organisers of the launch have included a selection of his ‘Notes’ in the new book.
The new edition, which is edited by Dr John Knightly and Dr Owen O’Shea, features the original text of ‘Memories of Other Days’ along with new and some colourised images from Sugrue’s vast collection of photographs.
“Denis Sugrue was a pioneering author and historian who had the foresight to commit much of the rich history of Milltown to paper in the 1980s,” said Owen O’Shea. “It is a remarkable social history of a Kerry village in the early and middle twentieth century which we are so pleased to bring to a new audience.”
“At the book launch, we will be displaying a selection of Denis’ Milltown Notes which were a fascinating and entertaining weekly account of life in his home place. The evening will feature music, songs and stories which celebrate the life of this very special local figure,” said Owen.
The new book, which will be on sale on the night, includes a foreword from Denis Sugrue’s daughter, Maria and grandson, Paul. It also includes a selection of images which were not published in the original book in the 1980s.
The book launch will take place at 8.00pm on Saturday, 22 August in the old Community Hall in Milltown. All welcome.
Enquiries to [email protected]
