From Laois to Kerry

Nilsson Heritage Prizewinner, Listowel Writers Week, May 2017

This book reviews the first English Plantation in Irish History, that of County Laois. It tells the story of how the Clans or Septs of Laois (Moores, Kellys, Lawlors, Dowlings, Dorans, McEvoys O’Devoys or Deevys or Dees) were transplanted to County Kerry and discusses the continued presence of their descendants in Kerry through the centuries to the present time. As well as those with an interest in Irish History the book will appeal to genealogists with an interest in Irish Clans.

Book Review Extracts“From Laois to Kerry is a surprisingly engaging book and will appeal to those with an interest in the family names, in the history of Laois and Kerry and in Tudor Ireland” Archaeology Ireland, Summer 2017
“From Laois to Kerry is a lively insight into the largely unknown but fascinating story of the Seven Septs of Laois and their transplantation to Kerry” Paul Clements, Irish Times 22nd July 2017
“This study of the Crosbies and their tenants from Co. Laois is a valuable contribution to the local history of Kerry, and will be of particular interest to those bearing the surnames of the Seven Septs of O’Moore county (Laois).” J. Anthony Gaughan, The Irish Catholic, Nov. 2016
“Keane makes a strong case that this plantation (of Laois) was in fact a trial run for the eventual plantation of Ireland, in particular, of course, Ulster. One can’t help but think that Keane’s work could be turned into a popular seller” Bookworm, History Ireland, January/February 2017