Owen Bresnan Papers

 

Introduction

Eoin Bresnan (1947 to 1912) was a native of Lough Gur, Co. Limerick. He was a farmer, a poet and an expert in the folklore and history of Lough Gur.  He was also known as a ‘cow doctor’ in pre-veterinarian days. His knowledge was deeply respected by contemporary scholars and surveyors.

He formed a firm friendship with Canon J.F. Lynch. They studied the monuments of Lough Gur and exchanged correspondence about the folklore, history and archaeology of Lough Gur and the surrounding areas. Owen’s replies became foundations of articles for the Cork Archaeological and the Historical Journal and Dublin Penny Journal. While Canon Lynch had paper at his disposal. paper was in short supply for Bresnan, so he often wrote on any paper available to hand. Bresnan kept all his writings and Lynch’s letters in a brown leather case.

Owen had two daughters, Mary and Margaret. His daughter Mary became a member of the FCJ Sisters in Bruff. When Owen passed away in 1912, she inherited the case, which was kept in the convent for safekeeping. When Mary died, the case was forgotten about. Sr Colum found the case and recognised its significance and therefore returned it to Lough Gur to the care of Pat Hickey.

Owen was honoured by The Historical Society in 1991 for his lifelong work, a commemorative plaque was unveiled by Derek Bell of the Chieftains. Margaret, Mary’s daughter sang at the event as a tribute to her grandfather. It was deemed right for the case to be given back to the family and so, it was given to Margaret. She died in 2010 and left the case in the hands of her daughter Mary Hogan. The family decided it should be given back to Lough Gur. It was brought back to the centre in Lough Gur after over 100 years away. The collection is now preserved in Limerick City and County Council Archives Service.

 

Contents

P118/ 1 (1-27)

File of notes on the’ archaeological sites of Lough Gur/Bruff region; includes written copies of local archaeology and antiquities. Includes a page written on reverse of the Agenda for the Kilmallock Rural District Council meeting (1901). Includes a number of warning notices about land with handwritten notes on the reverse and an inspector’s report of Local Enquiry under Labourer’s Act with notes on the reverse.

c.27 items

                                                             

P118/ 2 (1-56)

1903 

File of letters from Canon J.F. to Bresnan with multiple dates including 12/6/03 and 25/6/03. Some of these letters are regarding the publication of articles and historical finds on the farms in the Lough Gur area.

c. 56 items

 

P118/3 (1-16)

c.1901

File of notes and letters including a letter to the editor of the ‘Dublin Penney Journal and letters sent to various editors. A letter to ‘Mr L’ regarding local archaeological sites; Includes an agenda for the Kilmallock Rural District Council meeting dated 23rd August 1901 with handwritten notes on the reverse.

c.16 items

 

P118/4 (1-31)

File containing envelopes addressed to both Owen Bresnan and to St. Mary’s Convent Bruff, newspaper cut outs and some notes regarding archaeological sites of Lough Gur/Bruff.

c.31 items

 

P118/5 (1-16)

Notes regarding the cat of Lough Gur, pages numbered 1-32, pages 7-10 inclusive missing.

c.16 items