Mountmelllick pioneers launch new book

The Pioneer Total Abstinence Association in Mountmellick in County Laois launched a new book this week that celebrates 100 years of the association in the town. 

The town, which previously hosted a whiskey brewery, launched its own Pioneer branch in 1908 under its then parish priest Fr Mathew Lalor.  The association has continued there ever since and its history in the county Laois town from 1908 to 2008 was documented in a new book. 

Over 300 people packed the hall with members ranging in age from 90 to 14.  Guest speakers on the night were Fr Bernard McGuckian SJ, central director of the PTAA, Noreen Brady, chairperson of the spirituality committee of the PTAA, Paddy Lalor, mid-Leinster chairperson of the PTAA and chairperson of Mountmellick PTAA and author of the book John Dowling. 

At present, there are nine branches of the PTAA established in Laois.  They are in Clonaslee, Rosenallis, Mountmellick, Portarlington, Stradbally, Portlaoise, Abbeyleix, Raheen and Mountrath.  It is estimated that the Mountmellick branch has up to 300 members, with 25 of these active in the organisation.

Speaking of the book’s content, the assistant chairman of Mountmellick PTAA Leo de Barra, who was the main researcher on the book, said back before Fr Lalor arrived in Mountmellick there were major social problems with so many people drinking alcohol excessively in the town. 

But shortly after the PTAA was formed in the town in 1908 “nearly everyone joined it.” 

Fr Lalor remained in Mountmellick until 1924 and during that time he established the boys’ national school on Davitt Road, which is now the present site of the priests’ house, and in 1912 was responsible for getting a tower built onto St Joseph’s Church. 

He was also the man who is credited with establishing the now defunct St Joseph’s Temperance Brass and Reed Band in 1911.

by Sean Ryan