Book launch Author Donal Cadogan delves into the life and times of Alice Kyteler

By Annika Kilkenny

“Laws are like cobwebs, which may catch small ies, but let wasps and hornets break through”, Jonathan Swift.

Kilkenny author, Donal Cadogan, takes inspiration from his roots in A little book of Alice Kyteler as he delves deep into the darkness that is tied to the unexplainable occurrences of 14th century Ireland.

e author’s fth publication follows Alice Kyteler, a local woman in the mediaeval town of Kilkenny, through her downfall at the hands of the Bishop of Ossory, Richard Ledrede. Cadogan mentions that we are fortunate to have, as a primary source document, an account of the events that had unfolded seven hundred years ago.

However, this source stands with strong bias against Alice Kyteler and her once reputable name.

e author writes that there are other sources from this period in time pieced by historians that help esh out and expand our understanding of the events that took place. Because of this, this “little book” contains an account of Alice Kytelers life as a wealthy business woman through e cient and factual execution. rough use of topical subdivision, Cadogan depicts Alice Kyteler’s story through an account of her four marriages, an objective introduction to Richard Ledrede and Petronella De Meath along with the process of accusation and proceedings carried out against Kyteler. e author also considers the aftermath of the incidents that occurred as a result of the harsh accusations placed on Alice Kytelers’ name.

Donal Cadogan illustrates the lifestyle, the socioeconomic relations and the inner workings of an heiress who seemed to have freely found her way to the centre of Kilkenny’s most in uential and powerful social circle in an intriguing stylistic approach.

I found that this categorising of subjects in which there stood a common theme was easy to consume whilst keeping us e ortlessly engaged with the story at hand.

Tied into the seams of this telling book abundant in rich Irish history, we are additionally shown thorough clari cation of signi cant topics that are mentioned within the core story. ese enlightening reports included information on ‘Women and property in mediaeval Ireland’, ‘ e Templars’, ‘Avignon Papacy', ‘Jurisdiction’ in relation to where Ledrede held power over Kyteler and, nally, ‘Witchcraft’. With the implementation of de ning these vital talking points, the book became immediately unchallenging to follow and appreciate.

Cadogan’s narration of a tale that Kilkenny holds close to its heart was educational, e cient and an e ortlessly enjoyable read.

Although we sit in sadness to learn that Richard Ledrede’s cobwebs caught small, but equally as valid and important ies, we can only wonder where the wasp that stands as the skeleton of this story had ended up.

Is it possible that she remained hidden under Ledrede’s nose? Or even above him, on a broom. ?

NOTE: e Kilkenny Observer came across a very interesting programme of ‘Witch Hunt’ a three act play produced by Fr Seamus McEvoy at e Presentation Convent in Kilkenny in 1968. e play told the story of Alice Kyteler.

Cast included: May Walshe, Nicholas Halley, Angela Moylan, Mary O’Mahony, Gerard Dooley, Joseph O’Carroll, Donal O’Brien, Tony Patterson, Michael Shine and Bob Morrison.

A little book of Alice Kyteler by Donal Cadogan is available in Kilkenny bookshops.