NAAS: 6 June 2001: by Trish Whelan. “Between the covers of this book lives an entire century of the history of Naas,” a co-author of the reissued ‘Nas na Riogh - From Poorhouse Road to the Fairy Flax’ told those present at the launch of the second edition of the book in Naas Town Hall.
The updated book is produced by the Naas Local History Group and was formally launched by UDC chairman Cllr Pat O’Reilly.
Historian Paddy Behan explained 90% of the book is the same as the previous edition but a new chapter has been added relating to the centenary of Naas UDC which was marked last year.
He said an extraordinary number of people involved in the first edition in 1990 have now passed away but will ‘live forever within the pages of this book’.
Mr Behan also thanked Naas UDC and the staff of Naas Town Hall for their cooperation during his eight months of research digging into the UDC archives, and to the families of the former UDC members for their help. He recalled some of the various characters on the Council during over the years, including the famous Daddy Donohue and Mrs Higgins. By coincidence in its 100 years, exactly 100 members had been elected to serve on the Council.
The UDC chapter includes photographs of former councillors, and a list of chairpersons since 1900.
Quoting from the foreword, Cllr Pat O’Reilly said this book is about a passion - the insatiable hunger to find out more about the story of Naas of the Kings. “It epitomizes the commitment and dedication of not only the authors, Paddy Behan, Liam Kenny and Stan Hickey (pictured above), but also of the Naas Local History Group in ensuring a true and accurate account of the history, events and the development of Naas,” he told those present.
The pages reveal photographs of many indigenous families, as well as familiar places, shop fronts, business people, sports groups and historical notes. Pictures of meat hanging outside Patterson’s and Murtagh’s butcher shops, as well as the Gallowglass Ceili Band, and Mrs Biddy Lawlor of Lawlor’s Hotel, all appear.
Larry Breen, chairman of Naas Local History Group, said the town of Naas owes a great debt of gratitude to those involved in the first publication. He said of the 3,000 copies purchased in 1990, none remain unsold. He praised Naas UDC for coming to the rescue to finance the new edition.
Historian Stan Hickey told how the book has helped people trace their roots and see pictures of their loved ones in their youth for the first time.
The book is on sale in local bookstores, priced £15 (hardback) and £10 for the softback version.
Pictured above at the launch are Marianne Hoban, Ronnie Kinnane, Lily Whelan and Fidelma O'Brien, all from Naas Local History Group.
©2001trishwhelan/knn