Brown Gold: A History of Bord na Móna and the Irish Peat Industry

Last year we marked the 75th anniversary of the setting up of the Turf Development Board, which later became Bord na Móna, with a number of initiatives including the Heartland Exhibition. We are now delighted to announce the publication of Brown Gold: A History of Bord na Móna and the Irish Peat Industry by Donal Clarke. Commissioned in 2004 by Chairman Fergus McArdle, Brown Gold tells the story of Bord na Móna in the context of the development of the peat industry beginning in the 19th century. The company is seen through the eyes of its board and management, but also through those of its shareholding Departments, employees, customers and trades unions.

The author, Donal Clarke is a graduate of UCD and the IPA and an alumnus of the Harvard University Business School. He spent twelve years in the Irish diplomatic service, serving in Rome, Geneva and London. He was the first Registrar of NIHE Dublin, now Dublin City University, and joined Bord na Móna as Secretary in 1987. He managed Bord na Móna’s business in France and returned to Dublin as Head of Corporate Affairs. He ‘retired’ in 2004. He is currently President of the International Peat Society.

Each employee of Bord na Móna and each pensioner will receive a copy of the book. Should you wish to purchase a copy it can be ordered online from

• www.gillmacmillan.ie
• www.waterstones.com/waterstonesweb
• www.hughesbooks.com
• www.omahonys.ie/catalog/

It will be available to purchase in major booksellers from April 2010.