Unparalleled collection of historic O Mara papers unveiled at University of Limerick

O Mara Papers – Mr Tom Hannigan, Mrs Clare Hannigan, (The silhouette of the boy is Peter O’Mara, Clare’s father), UL President Des Fitzgerald, Ms Gobnait O’Riordan, director of library and information services University of Limerick pictured in the Strand Hotel, Limerick as an “unparalleled” collection of historical papers from one Limerick’s original bacon factory families was  launched by University of Limerick. Picture. Brian Arthur

Unparalleled collection of historic O Mara papers unveiled at University of Limerick

An “unparalleled” collection of historical papers from one of Limerick’s original bacon factory families has been launched by the University of Limerick.

The O Mara Papers comprise predominantly of business and personal records created and generated by Stephen O’Mara Junior (1884-1959) during the course of his life at the centre of a thriving bacon industry in Limerick.

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Launching the collection that was presented to the Glucksman Library by Stephen’s granddaughter Ms Clare Hannigan, Dr Des Fitzgerald,  UL President said, “the papers shine a light on the life and times of Stephen O’Mara and provide a unique insight into life in Limerick city during five significant years of conflict in the early 20th century, from private, public and political perspectives”.

“Unparalleled” collection

One of the most significant aspects of the collection is material relating to the O’Brien family of Boru House, particularly the private correspondence of the novelist Kate O’Brien with her sisters, brother-in-law and nephew. The letters illuminate O’Brien’s method of writing, the creative process behind each of her novels and the difficulties of her career as an author.

The material also comprises an extensive photographic record of the O’Mara and O’Brien families particularly in the 1920s and 1930s. Other material of note includes extensive correspondence and architectural drawings relating to Strand House, New Strand House and Ivy Bank House, homes of the O’Mara family.

Speaking at the launch, Dr Fitzgerald said,  “The papers are in good company in their new home at UL’s state of the art Glucksman Library, joining other Limerick collections such as those of the Earls of Dunraven and the Knights of Glin, as well as the Daly papers, another significant collection relating to the War of Independence and Civil War in Limerick.

“The research and teaching potential of such unique and distinctive collections is unparalleled,” the UL president explained.

Noting that a full catalogue of the O Mara Papers is now available online, Dr Fitzgerald added that the Special Collections and Archives department at the Glucksman Library is committed to open access to its collections, for the benefit of both its students and the wider public, piquing interest in local, national and international history, and increasing engagement with the physical representations of our past.

For more information on O Mara papers click here.

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