Oughterany

The word Oughterany is a corruption of the Gaelic uachtar fhine, meaning upper tribe. It is an ancient name for an area of central North Kildare – the Celts always named regions after the people who inhabited them – extending from Cloncurry to Donadea.

a map of the Baronies of North Kildare

The publication "Oughterany" started off as the Journal of the Donadea Local History Group. This small group of local historians formed in 1991 and included the following members:

  • Noel Reid Chairman
  • Des O’Leary Hon. Secretary
  • Seamus Cullen
  • Mary Mackey
  • Sam Sheane
  • Kevin Lynch
  • Thomas O’Keefe
  • Josh Rose
  • Peter Reid

The group set out to do research in the local area and to publish it in a Journal. Noel Reid, the chairman of the group, was also the editor of the Journal. The first and second issue of the publication were produced in 1993 and 1995, respectively. A third issue was intended to conclude Volume I, but the publication of a book on the rebellion in 1798 (Fugitive Warfare) which required the full attention of some of the more active members, delayed the arrival of the next Oughterany.

Sadly, Noel Reid had passed away during the Christmas season of 1997. The new editors (Seamus, Hermann and Des) then decided to close off Volume I and publish the next issue as Volume II, No. 1, so to leave Volume I as Noel’s work. The research area has now broadened to include the Donadea, Kilcock and Clane Regions, though the name of the journal has been retained.

Oughterany Vol.I No.1
Oughterany Vol.I No.2
Oughterany Vol.II No.1

Home