Our small village supports a library and there are a number of historic publications about Kilmihil available in the reference section. There are also a few active authors and bloggers based in the parish. Here is a selection of what is available, with a little background.
A History of Kilmihil Athletic Club 1942-1992
Written in 1992 by members of the Kilmihil Athletic Club, and compiled and edited by John Devine and Michael Lillis, is available to borrow from Kilmihil Public Library.
In this book the members have tried to give as accurate a history as possible of the club’s first 50 years. It contains a wealth of old photographs of the athletes involved in the club as well as background on two of the club’s founding members: Rev Fr O’Connor and Patrick McMahon. The Athletic Club is still going strong and you can find out more about joining and activities here.
Impreasin na Gaeilge A – H & I – Z Irish to Irish Dictionary
Compiled by Kilmihil resident Seosamh Mac Ionnrachtaigh, Impressions of the Irish Language represents serious efforts to preserve the use of the Irish language of the Great Blasket Islands and native Irish in general throughout. This major native Irish dictionary is the best dictionary of its type on the market and is available as a paperback or ebook in two major volumes.
An ideal lifetime authority on the Irish language. Key headwords are explained in English. Either book can be ordered from amazon.co.uk or AuthorHouse UK at 001 812 339 6000 or other online retailers
Bronntanas an-mhór go deo atá ann duit héin, don teaghlach ar fad nó do dhlúthchara leat.
Kieran Lillis Remembers – Memories from 1920s to early 1990s
Kieran Lillis was a teacher at Leitrim National School who retired in 1976 and wrote of his memories for the ‘Clare Champion’ this collection contains many recollections of activities in Kilmihil Parish where Kieran Lillis was born and brought up.This two volume collection was published in 1994 so the present day referred to is over 20 years ago. Kilmihil Library has copies of both books available to borrow.
A blog about the history of Ryan’s Cottage, Corrgrigg, Kilmihil. The cottage, which is pre-famine, and its one acre are being renovated and revitalised. The blog records the changes in the house and land through the seasons.
In Ard an Tráthnóna Siar
Annual Irish Language journal published every December under the auspices of Seosamh Mac Ionnrachtaigh of Kilmihil.
Foilsítear In Ard an Tráthnóna Siar gach bliain , a bhuíochas sin le Seosamh Mac Ionnrachtaigh as Cill Mhíchíl, Cill Rois, Contae an Chláir mar a bhfuil cónaí air
For back issues, request ‘free’ ebook from joseph.r.enright@gmail.com
Ag obair go deonach ar mhaithe le todhchaí na Gaeilge.
Kilmihil Parish Revisited – A Social Pastiche
Produced by Kilmihil Active Retirement Association in 2012, this book was part funded by LEADER and is a collection of articles and photographs about the parish. The book is a mixture of reminiscences of life in the parish, interspersed with historical and sporting topics. Two copies of the book are held by Clare County library and one copy is available for reference at Kilmihil branch library.
O Come Ye Back to Ireland: Our first year in County Clare.
Co-written by local authors Niall Williams and Christine Breen. This is the first of four non-fiction books about living in the west of Ireland. Originally published by Soho Press in NYC, they are now available as eBooks. Niall and Christine left their careers in New York City for a simpler, more authentic life in a cottage outside the tiny village of Kilmihil in County Clare. The other titles in the west of Ireland series are: The Luck of the Irish – Our Life in County Clare; When Summer’s in the Meadow and View From Kiltumper: A Year along the Wild Atlantic Way.
Niall and Christine continue to write and have published many successful fiction and non-fiction titles. Books by Christine Breen Books by Niall Williams
The Parish of Kilmihil
Published in 1982 this a detailed book of the history of Kilmihil by Annette Collins, Maura Cotter and Marian Moran. It contains details of rent rolls, maps and archaelogical finds, it is a must for anyone undertaking a serious study of the parish history.
Held as a reference book in the Clare County Library collection, a copy is available to view at Kilmihil branch library.
Clonigulane School
Clonigulane School closed in July 2013 when it was merged with Cahermurphy National School to create Scoil Mhichíl in Cahermurphy. The school was 100 years old in 1988 and a small souvenir booklet was produced with background on the school and its history.
Kilmihil library holds three copies of this booklet in its reference section.
Gemma Mawdsley
Based in Kilmihil, Limerick native Gemma Mawdsley has been a full time writer since 2006 but her first foray into publishing was in a local newspaper at the age of 10.
Referred to as “Ireland’s Mistress of the Macabre” she specialises in gothic horror and her first novel: The Paupers’ Graveyard was an instant best seller when it was published in 2009.
You can find out more about her novels on Goodreads: Books by Gemma Mawdsley Gemma also has a blog where she posts chapters of her All Hallows work in progress novel, you can follow it here: Gemma Mawdsley’s Blog
Kilmihil Community 