A Galway author has dug deep into the history on his own doorstep to produce a major new tome on the history and archaeology of the medieval territories across a substantial part of east Galway.

Daniel Curley is from Taughmaconnell – and his new book, The Uí Chellaig Lords of Uí Maine and Tír Maine – An archaeological and landscape exploration of a later medieval inland Gaelic Lordship, details the history and archaeology of the medieval territories of Uí Maine and Tír Maine.

Today this would cover south Roscommon and a considerable part of east Galway.

The book was the subject of Daniel’s PhD dissertation, and was recently published by one of Ireland’s leading academic publishers, Four Courts Press.

It explores the past environment, economic conditions and elite settlement of this region, through the lens of the dominant political dynasty of that time and place, the Uí Chellaig (O’Kelly).

The launch night at Gullane’s Hotel was well attended, with over 100 in the audience – many travelling from as far afield as Mayo, Tipperary, Carlow, Wexford, Dublin and Donegal to celebrate the book and the author.

The master of ceremonies on the evening was the prolific Sligo archaeologist Martin A. Timoney, who introduced both speakers and kept the show going while entertaining the attendees.

Dr Curley, a Taughmaconnell native, right in the heart of the area under investigation, outlined some of his motivations in engaging in the topic, what he learned and how proud he is of adding in some small way to the understanding of his own home place.

The book was formally launched by Dr Kieran O’Conor, Senior Lecturer in Archaeology at the University of Galway.

His contribution outlined some of the innovative work undertaken by Dr Curley in his PhD research, and now this output.

He also emphasised the significance which the book will have to future researchers and communities alike in the study, appreciation and promotion of medieval Gaelic Ireland, and formally celebrated the arrival of Dr Curley’s monograph to the shelves.

The book can be purchased online from Four Courts Press, Kenny’s Bookshop, Rathcroghan Visitor Centre, and in all good bookshops.

Dr. Daniel Curley, Taughmaconnell, pictured with family members (from left) Danny, Patrick, Danielle, Grace, Aishling and Josephine Curley, at the launch of his book ‘The Uí Chellaig lords of Uí Maine and Tír Maine’—an archaeological and landscape exploration of a later medieval inland Gaelic lordship at Gullan’s Hotel, Ballinasloe. PHOTO: Gerard O’Loughlin