Gypsum mining and the Shirley estate in south Monaghan, 1800–1936

Micheál McDermott

‘McDermott does not give us a technical history of mining but shows how events relating to the mine illustrate the politics of the time, the changing relationship between the landlords and tenants, and the drive for national independence. He also explores the place in the local community of the mine and its role as employer, market and local source of capital. This adds another piece to our growing understanding of Ireland’s industrial past and its place in national development', Books Ireland.

‘This work does not focus just on gypsum mining; rather it explores the social and economic milieu surrounding attempts made over a long period to extract this important mineral examines the various attempts … This is a fascinating insight into the social and economic millieu on a great estate through the prism of gypsum mining. McDermott succeeds in creating a coherent picture of the role landlord, tenant and entrepreneur played in attempts to exploit gypsum for economic advancement', Brian Casey, Irish Economic and Social History.