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Book Review
The History of Ely O'Carroll Territory or Ancient Ormond
In an attempt to identify accurate source
materials, we (members of Clan Kennedy Association) first
locate materials written with the Kennedys / O'Kennedys as a subject matter. Then as an attempt to
verify the information we try to cross reference the source materials, and locate independent reviews
of the material(s). We have performed a book reveiw search of "The History Of Ely O'Carroll Territory or Ancient Ormond
" By: Rev John Gleeson. Using Google as a method of internet search,
using the search term: "Book review The History of Ely O'Carroll" and "Book review The History of Anceint Ormond"
In the top fifteen pages we located no
webpages, that had any review of this book. Though there were multiple references to the title, no reviews
had been posted.
The only review comments actually found
were those posted within the Introduction of "The Last Lords of Ormond" by Dermot F. Gleeson- edited by
Donal A. Murphy.
" Although Fr.Gleeson's book has several flaws and
inaccuracies, George Cunningham rightly remarked in his Introduction to its re-issue in 1982, the fact remains that
we would be much the poorer without his work. Dermot Gleeson was proud of his uncle's achievement,
but he considered "The History of the Ely O'Carroll Territory 'rather jumbled' and never hesitated to correct it's
authors errors in his own historical work." ...Daniel Grace
Though this book is a very interesting read; it seemingly is a single
minded view of the historical subject matter in favor of the O'Carrolls of Ely. A closer examination of independant records
imply the book had been, not as accurate as originally thought.
This book, covers 17 regions - it contains 329 sub-
chapters in 644 pages. The O'Kennedys are mentioned throughout to book but there are about 95 pages
that concern the O'Kennedys, within the Parrish of Lorrha and Dorrha.
NOTE: The edtion reviewed is the 1915 release published by M.H. Gill & Son, ltd
Dublin. This edition is long out of print, however there was a reprint released in 1982, edited by George Cunningham
In review, this book:
"The History Of Ely O'Carroll Territory or Ancient Ormond" By: Rev John Gleeson. (1st edition
released 1915) is a resource, useful as a source of background information, for the regions
in which the Kennedys thrived and should be used as study material for Kennedy researchers. It references multiple
authors and source materials, but provides for little or no recognition of where, how, or when much of the information
was obtained.
Though this book is not entirely accurate, it demonstrates
how a learned researcher can be influenced by unverified source materials. It still does provide useful information.
This book, would be a valuable addition to a Kennedy research collection.
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PLEASE NOTE: These pages are provided only for the purpose
of: study and research. Any reviewed materials posted are done so with the purpose
of comment, criticism, or news of discovery for/as a means of research.
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Disclaimer: While this book - taken as reference material has been read, researched
and reviewed by some members of the Clan Kennedy Association; it should not be assumed that all
members have had the same opportunity. The opinion(s) viewed within this review page do not reflect
the opinions of all associated with this group. Additional
issues?
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