A Monaghan author recently published a book in the hopes of putting the history of her beloved county firmly on the map. Michelle McGoff-McCann is originally from New York but later moved permanently to Monaghan after meeting her husband Ryan McCann while visiting the Farney area where her ancestral line begins.
Her new book titled 'The Irish Coroner' follows the life and work of William Charles Waddell , who served as a coroner in Co Monaghan over three decades.
Speaking to Northern Sound, the local author said she set out to write a history book on Co Monaghan tying it into national politics to demonstrate its significance and importance within the wider context of Irish historiography.
According to Michelle, Monaghan is very much "under-represented" in Irish history and she hopes her latest book will help contribute to explaining the significance of Co Monaghan as well as provide a new social and political history of the county.
She added that she is "delighted" to have had the opportunity to make this contribution to our shared heritage both locally and nationally. "The love of Monaghan really comes from really knowing that is where my family comes from," explained Michelle.
"It's been over the last 20 years that I've really just sought after looking for anything related to Monaghan history. I'm really proud of the book, I think it's unique because it sets Monaghan as having this incredible history with so many discoveries and I think there is so much more to do.
"I hope that everyone really enjoys this book because I know there is an awful lot of local historians and people who hail from Monaghan who equally share my passion for ensuring that it is represented accurately in Irish history. I’m delighted to have had the opportunity to make this contribution to our shared heritage both locally and nationally."
