This section contains a collection of historical texts which were formerly held in the Library of the Capuchin Friary in Kilkenny. They were transferred to the Irish Capuchin Archives by Fr. Benedict Cullen OFM Cap. in the late 1990s. The collection includes some rare seventeenth century theological works collected by Irish-born friars who were educated in continental seminaries and friaries. Many of these early works include valuable information in the form of annotations, marginalia, and inscriptions. Other volumes include notes and stamps which provide further information about their provenance. Very little is known about the Capuchins in Kilkenny in the eighteenth century, though it must be presumed that, during most of this period, friars were living in the city. It can be said with some degree of certainty that they had a community in Kilkenny in 1757. A volume in this collection bears an annotation on the title page: ‘Ex libris Patris Simonis Eustace, Capucini Conventus Kilkenniensis 1757’. In another volume, he wrote ‘Simon Eustace, Vicar’, and enters the date 1756 (See CA KK/10/14). Aside from theological works touching upon the lives of saints or other aspects of religious devotion, the library also includes books relating to local history and antiquities, medicine, and linguistics. The series includes works published in English, Latin, French, and Dutch. The texts are listed chronologically.
A view of trawlers tied up at the harbour in Killybegs in County Donegal in about 1962. An annotation on the reverse of the print reads 'Fishing fleet on the day of rest, Killybegs, County Donegal'.
A postcard print of an illustration showing the execution of a rebel prisoner in Kilmainham Jail following the 1916 Rising. A Capuchin friar is shown to the left of the image.
A view of a boy in the window of the ruined medieval church at Kilmalkedar near Dingle in County Kerry in about 1940. The site of Kilmalkedar consists of a large ecclesiastical complex with archaeological remains dating from the early to late medieval period. It is dedicated to a little-known local saint called Maolcethair. At the centre of this site is the twelfth century Hiberno-Romanesque Church. According to tradition, those suffering from rheumatism, ‘falling sickness’ (epilepsy), or other ills might be restored to health by passing three times through the window.
A view of a man posing in the window of the ruined medieval church at Kilmalkedar near Dingle in County Kerry in about 1940. The caption on the reverse of the print provides detail on the traditional cures associated with this church : ‘Even the stoutest can pass through this "needle’s eye" at the beautiful ancient Church of Kilmalkedar by following the directions of the guide. If the window is passed through three times on Easter Sunday and the church circumambulated three times in the direction of the sun’s motion it is said to be a certain cure of all rheumatic ills. It is said no one has yet failed to pass through the window’.
A view of the ruins of Kilmeedy Castle in County Cork. A manuscript annotation on the reverse of the print reads 'Kilmeedy Castle north of Macroom'. This tower house was built in the mid-fifteenth century by the MacCarthys of Drishane.
A postcard print titled on image face 'Kilmore Quay Village and Saltee Island Sea Bird Sanctuary, Co. Wexford / From the Rosslare Strand Bird Life Film'.
