Milltown History and Heritage Society
Cumann Staire agus Oidhreachta Bhaile an Mhuilinn
Memories of Other Days
HISTORY OF MILLTOWN TO BE RE-PUBLISHED IN 40th ANNIVERSARY EDITION
Book launch to celebrate the life and times of Denis Sugrue
The first ever publication to delve into the history of Milltown is to be republished on the fortieth anniversary of the death of its author.
“Milltown: Memories of Other Days” was written and published by Denis Sugrue who died in 1986 and whose book, which is now out of print, is being reproduced by the Milltown History and Heritage Society.
The newly updated and revised fortieth anniversary edition will be launched at Milltown Community Hall on Saturday 22 August to coincide with National Heritage Week.
Denis Sugrue was a well-known auctioneer, librarian, photographer and historian whose book contained a wide range of stories and anecdotes about the history and heritage of Milltown. He was also the author of the weekly “Milltown Notes” in The Kerryman newspaper for nearly forty years and the organisers of the launch have included a selection of his ‘Notes’ in the new book.
The new edition, which is edited by Dr John Knightly and Dr Owen O’Shea, features the original text of ‘Memories of Other Days’ along with new and some colourised images from Sugrue’s vast collection of photographs.
“Denis Sugrue was a pioneering author and historian who had the foresight to commit much of the rich history of Milltown to paper in the 1980s,” said Owen O’Shea. “It is a remarkable social history of a Kerry village in the early and middle twentieth century which we are so pleased to bring to a new audience.”
“At the book launch, we will be displaying a selection of Denis’ Milltown Notes which were a fascinating and entertaining weekly account of life in his home place. The evening will feature music, songs and stories which celebrate the life of this very special local figure,” said Owen.
The new book, which will be on sale on the night, includes a foreword from Denis Sugrue’s daughter, Maria and grandson, Paul. It also includes a selection of images which were not published in the original book in the 1980s.
The book launch will take place at 8.00pm on Saturday, 22 August in the old Community Hall in Milltown. All welcome.
Enquiries to [email protected]
TO ORDER YOUR COPY (ONLINE):
Email your request to: [email protected]
The price of the book is €15. Postage and packaging (for one copy) as follows:
- Ireland: €8
- UK: €11
- USA: €17
- Other EU: €13
- Other countries: Price available on request
The Milltown History and Heritage Society (Cumann Staire agus Oidhreachta Bhaile an Mhuilinn) is a community-based, voluntary association based in Milltown, County Kerry.
The Society aims to preserve, protect, and promote the history and heritage of the locality.
It will be a key objective of the Society to enhance the understanding, knowledge, awareness and appreciation of local history and heritage, including supporting and promoting research and study of the history and heritage of the area and ensuring the preservation and protection of the historical landscape, structures and artefacts of the area.
The Society will identify and support local projects and initiatives which will develop and enhance that understanding and appreciation of the history and heritage of the area.
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Milltown: The Story of a Kerry Landscape
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PROGRAMME OF HISTORY AND HERITAGE EVENTS IN MILLTOWN AT EASTER
Remarkable story of Callinafercy House and its residents the focus of public lecture
The remarkable story of a family who once owned an estate of 7,000 acres in mid-Kerry will be shared at a public lecture in Milltown on 2nd April as part of the Easter programme of the Milltown History and Heritage Society.
The story of the Leeson-Marshalls of Callinafercy, 1750-1988, is the focus of the talk by historian, Dr John Knightly, and will take place at 8pm on Holy Thursday, 2nd April, in Milltown Community Hall.
“This talk will explore the world of the Leeeson Marshall Family of Callinafercy between Milltown and Killorglin. The family were the owners of a substantial estate of nearly 7,000 acres across mid-Kerry, focused on the townland of Callinafercy where they built a new family seat in 1860,” said John.
“Unlike so many other gentry families, they remained in Kerry until the death of the last of the family, Mrs May Ruth in 1988. The talk will explore the accumulation of their estate, the building of Callinafercy House, their survival during the War of Independence and Civil War and how they adapted to life in independent Ireland,” he said.
Admission on the night is just €10 with proceeds to the work of the Milltown History and Heritage Society.
On Good Friday, 3rd April, the Milltown History and Heritage Society will hold a fundraising table quiz at Denny’s Bar in Milltown at 8.00pm. The fun quiz will feature a selection of history questions and general knowledge with loads of fun and spot prizes on the night. Tables of four are just €40.
Milltown History and Heritage Weekend 2025
22nd – 24th August 2025
The White Church in Milltown: Past, Present and Future
Friday, 22 August 2025: 8.00pm
Milltown Community Hall
Free Admission
Milltown History and Heritage Society present the story of the White Church (Old Kilcoleman Church), Milltown, looking at its remarkable history and the process of preparing a Conservation Management Plan (CMP) for its future preservation, which is currently underway.
Local historian Dr. John Knightly, conservation architect Karol O’Mahony, and arborist Cormac Foley will outline the history of the church and describe the processes and challenges involved in preparing the Conservation Management Plan for this important local heritage site.
The White Church is an important ecclesiastical site, largely rebuilt in the 18th century as an estate church. The preparation of a Conservation Management Plan for the church is being supported by a grant awarded by the Heritage Council in 2025.
An Evening with Eddie Lenihan
Saturday, 23 August 2025: 8.00pm
Milltown Community Hall
Admission (Adults): €20 | Under-18s: €5
Milltown History and Heritage Society presents an engaging and enlightening evening with one of Ireland best-known and instantly recognisable storytellers, historians, and folklorists, Eddie Lenihan.
Join Eddie to hear his unique tales of Irish myth and folklore and ancient Irish traditions and customs, many of which are being lost in the modern world. This event is suitable for all ages. A unique occasion, not to be missed.
Brought to you with the support of Creative Kerry and Kerry County Council Arts Office.
Places are limited and booking is required. Enquiries: [email protected]
Pre-booking is advised
Book NowPayment (in cash) on the door on the night
Enquiries: [email protected]
Walking Tour of Milltown
Sunday 24 August 2025
12pm – 3pm (approx.)
Admission (Adult): €20 | Under 18s: €5
An architectural walking tour of Milltown led by Dr. John Knightly, will explore, showcase and inform participants about the historical, cultural, and architectural significance of this remarkable 18th century estate village.
During the tour, participants will learn about the four main stages of the development of Milltown, from its inception in the 1750s under Captain John Godfrey, its remodelling during the 1780s by Sir William Godfrey its reconfiguration by Sir John Godfrey in the 1820s and the decline of landlord control from the 1840s. All these stages are expressed in various buildings, streetscapes, and landmarks.
The walk will provide insights into the history, architectural styles and stories behind the structures.
