Launch of Thatch Book

Members of Laois Heritage Forum Marty Phelan MCC and Tom Cox with Chairman of LCC John Bonham MCC and Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Jimmy Deenihan T.D. at County Hall for the launch of THATCH - Voices From Traditional Houses of County Laois.

“THATCH - VOICES FROM THE TRADITIONAL HOUSES OF COUNTY LAOIS” is written by Mary Ann Williams in conjunction with Bronagh Lanigan and Sinead Hughes of Architectural Recording and Research (AR&R) with illustrations by Mairtin D’Alton and photograthy by James Fraher and Alf Harvey. 

The Book was published by Laois County Council with the support of The Heritage Council and officially launched by Mr. Jimmy Deenihan T.D., Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht on Monday 21st November 2011 in Aras an Chontae, Portlaoise. 

Chairman of LCC John Bonham MCC; Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Jimmy Deenihan T.D.; County Manager Peter Carey; County Librarian Gerry Meagher;  Michael Starrett, Chief Executive of the Heritage Council and author Mary Ann Williams at County Hall for the launch of THATCH - Voices From Traditional Houses of County Laois.

Angela McEvoy from the Heritage Office, Laois County Council says, “The Heritage Office is delighted to welcome the publication of this book, which celebrates the thatched houses of County Laois and the people who live in and look after them”. 

This book is an action of the Laois Heritage Plan 2007 – 2011 and follows on from a comprehensive survey of thatch in the county carried out in 2007. Its publication reflects the high priority given to thatch by the public in Laois and the members of the Laois Heritage Forum and Laois County Council.

Presently just 55 thatched houses survive in Laois; of that number only 34 are inhabited.  In contrast, the 1911 Census shows that in the townland of Dysartgallen alone there were 57 thatched houses. 

One hundred years ago, many people in Laois lived in thatched houses that they had made and maintained for generations. Understanding how these houses were built and who lived in them is a valuable part of the history of our county. 

The book celebrates both the thatched houses themselves and the people associated with them, past and present. The thatched houses that remain have, after all, survived because of the love, care and attention of the people in whose care they have been entrusted. “The Book is a testament to the families that were reared in these houses, and the generations who have lovingly maintained and kept them” said Ms McEvoy. This book started out being about houses and ended up being about the people who lived in them. 

Thatch is an integral part of the architectural heritage of County Laois. This book will help to ensure that thatch will remain relevant into the future. 

The Book is available to purchase for €5 from the Heritage Office or at the Cash Office, Motor Tax, County Hall, Portlaoise.