This book is a much-awaited addition to Tipperary’s history. The launching represents a major event in the cultural life of Clonmel. This 400 page hardback new history is a necessary companion to Burke’s history of Clonmel, published in 1907. Dr. O’Donnell takes up the story where Canon Burke left off and treats in great detail sixty years which were vital in the development of he modern town. Replete with maps and photographs, the eleven chapters have a four page prologue which summarises Clonmel’s history from earliest times to 1840.

What will prove to be a popular section of this book is a fifty page appendix which profiles 300 leading Clonmel nineteenth century personalities. Another appendix gives the population of the town and of every townland in the hinterland at every census from 1841 to 1901. The local bibliography will be of particular interest to historians and students at all levels and the comprehensive index will be especially helpful.