News
New book traces lesser-known history of the Reeks area
NEW BOOK: Tom 'Totty' O'Sullivan has written a book called 'Kerry Dreamtime Legends and Lore of the MaGillicuddy Reeks'. Photo: Michelle Crean
By Sean Moriarty
A Beaufort musician, historian and world traveller has written a new book on the legends and lore of the MacGillycuddy Reeks.
Tom ‘Totty’ O’Sullivan has self-published ‘Kerry Dreamtime Legends and Lore of the MaGillicuddy Reeks', a 300-page collection of stories, history and poetry from the foothills of Ireland’s highest mountain.
The official launch of the new book will take place next Thursday, December 12 at the Beaufort Bar at 8pm.
Originally from the Milltown/Castlemaine area, Tom currently lives in the townland of Alohart on the approach to Cronin’s Yard.
He previously ghost wrote a book for Milltown native Liam ‘The Bandon’ O’Shea entitled ‘Milltown and Back’ which told the story of O’Shea’s time living with Aborigines in the Australian Outback. He explained to the Killarney Advertiser how this was part inspiration for his new book.
“The Aborigines call their time travelling ‘their dream time’,” he said. “I was always interested in history, and I have done a lot of work with the Killorglin Archive. I have travelled extensively through Africa and India and have always been fascinated by the translation of place-names. Now that I am living in Alohart I realised there is a niche in the market covering this area.”
The book is full of fascinating titbits of knowledge of the area, like the reason why all the grottos in the area are facing west, that Ireland’s fastest river rises in Carrauntohil, or that ingredients for the local cure for baldness involves the preparation of the bladder of one the many wild mountain goats in the area.
“I have been told by people who have read the book that it is great for dipping in and out of, finding a random fact, and starting conversations based on that fact,” he added.
The book can be ordered directly from the author on 087 9807122 and proceeds will go towards the Beaufort Community Hall refurbishment project.