This is one of the booklets in the Maynooth Studies in Local History series.
This booklet is based on Mr. Symes' thesis for an MA in Historic House Studies at Maynooth University.
It is divided into chapters detailing Sir John Keane's life and war record, his involvement with the Co-op movement, membership of Waterford County Council, the farm worker's strike, the Senate and the Civil War and the burning of Cappoquin House. The final chapter details the restoration of Cappoquin House after its destruction by fire on 19th February 1923.
Sir John Keane (1873-1956) inherited Cappoquin Estate at the age of 19 just as he entered the army. While he was serving in the Boer War his mother ran the estate. After his marriage in 1907 to Eleanor Hicks Beach he settled in Cappoquin getting involved in public life. At the outbreak of the First World War he rejoined the army. When the Free State was established he accepted his nomination as a Senator and was a regular contributor to debates on many topics such as censorship, agriculture, and compulsory Irish.
Mr. Symes has managed to present a fascinating and detailed account of Senator Keane and his times within 60 pages, and also included a number of interesting photographs.