Thaddeus was a fi fteenth-century bishop of Cork who was honoured in both Ireland and Italy. He led a remarkable life – he was made bishop twice, and was beatifi ed in 1895 – but is now all but forgotten. In Searching for Thaddeus, art historian Patricia Curtin-Kelly tells the tale of this re markable man, and discusses the many works of art – found mainly in churches acro ss County Cork and in Ivrea, Italy – that bear witness to the high esteem in which he was held. Searching for Thaddeus features numerous photographs of the remarkable artworks which celebrate “Blessed Thaddeus” – painti ngs, stained-glass windows and reliquaries – and the churches in which they can be seen. It is a highly read able book about a remarkable son of Cobh.

The planning of Holy Trinity church in Cork City began in 1825, and the building was finally completed some sixty years later. The story of its completion mirrors the turbulent history of Ireland of the time, and the development of the cultural and civic life of the community, particularly in charting the life of its patron, Father Theobald Matthew and the important role of the Capuchin Order. In this new work, Patrica Curtin-Kelly chronicles the fascinating history of this building and details some of its treasures, including the stained-glass windows by renowned Irish artist Harry Clarke.