38th edition of Tipperary Historical Journal continues to champion local research
The annual publication contains eighteen articles covering a wide range of topics
The latest edition of the Tipperary Historical Journal has been launched, offering readers another rich collection of research and stories from across the county's past.
Now in its 38th edition, the annual publication contains eighteen articles covering a wide range of topics, from archaeology and local heritage to the Irish War of Independence and more recent aspects of social history.
Margaret O'Sullivan, local historian and Chairperson of the Tipperary Historical Society, said the journal has played a major role in encouraging historical research throughout the county since its first edition appeared in 1988.
"The first edition of the Tipperary Historical Journal was published in 1988 and it has paved the way for historical research in Tipperary," she said. According to Ms O'Sullivan, the journal's success has helped inspire the creation of many other local history journals throughout the county.
Among the articles featured this year is a study of Thomas Butler-Stoney (1875 -1917), an illustrator from the wealthy Butler Stoney family of Portland Park near Lorrha, whose design appears on the cover of this years journal. Ms O'Sullivan said she was particularly fond of this year's cover, noting that Butler-Stoney's designs are the type often found on front covers in second-hand bookshops.
The edition also includes an article on a historical prenuptial agreement penned by Mary McCormack, while Miriam Lambe contributes a piece exploring menus and the food served at dinner dances and weddings during the 1940s.
The journal continues its tradition of supporting emerging researchers. Over the years, a number of contributors have gone on to distinguished careers in the field, including Maria Luddy and economic historian Cormac Ó'Gráda.
This year's contributors include Trinity College history student Aidan Mahon, originally from Bunclody, who examines the Royal Irish Constabulary in Wexford and Tipperary during the Irish War of Independence.
Another contributor is Luke Healy, a science student at Queen's University Belfast. He has written about the Archer-Butler family of Garnavilla, Cahir, focusing on the house in which he grew up and which remains his family home.
A tribute in this year's journal honours Dr Martin Mansergh, whom Ms O'Sullivan described as a strong supporter of Tipperary history. She noted his longstanding connection to the county and his significant contribution to Irish society, particularly through his involvement in the peace process and the negotiations that led to the Good Friday Agreement.
Ms O'Sullivan also praised the work of the Tipperary Studies Centre and for their invaluable contribution to the journals, highlighting its extensive digitisation projects, archive collections and online resources developed over the past four decades.
On the future for the journal, Ms O’Sullivan quoted Des Marnane at the society's AGM, she said: ‘It is always a good sign when I have articles submitted for next year's journal.’ Implying that their is a hunger and an appetite for local history and scholarly standard research within the county. The journal is peer reviewed which allows it to be used as a source for academic research purposes.
The 2026 Tipperary Historical Journal is available to purchase from the Tipperary Studies Centre in Thurles Library, Fitzpatrick's Printers in Tipperary Town and Bookworm Bookstore in Thurles.