Book launch of Shannonside Tales by historian John Casey in St Mary's Hall, Lanesborough

Compilation of stories about local people and places to be launched on Saturday, 21 September

Press Release: Monday, 16 September 2024 

A book launch for Shannonside Tales by local historian John Casey is set to take place in St Mary's Hall in Lanesborough on Saturday, 21 September at 2pm. The book will be launched by writer Jack Harte. All are welcome to attend. 

Shannonside Tales is a compilation of many years of research by John Casey. The book includes many stories about local people and places in Lanesborough, Ballyleague and surrounding areas. John also includes some of his own reminiscences, particularly about the changes seen throughout the years within the area. 

The book is edited by Andrew Knowles and includes contributions from Tommy Murray and Sean Ó Súilleabháin. The book received financial support from Longford County Council through a small grant scheme for local books. 

John has previously written Lanesborough-Ballyleague: A Living History 1939-1955, which was published in 2003. He was also key in organising the book Rathcline: Pathways to the Past, published in 1995. 

Ahead of the launch, Longford County Council Cathaoirleach Cllr Mark Casey said, "As a Lanesborough native, I wish to congratulate John Casey and all involved on Shannonside Tales. It is great to see such a wealth of local history from the area written down for all to be able to read, be entertained by and learn from. I encourage everyone to pick up their copy."

Longford County Council Chief Executive Paddy Mahon added, "The Council is proud to support this excellent work of John Casey. His Shannonside Tales provides an invaluable insight into local history, with many stories for local people as well as our Diaspora."

Shannonside Tales will be available to purchase for €20 at the book launch in St Mary's Hall in Lanesborough on Saturday, 21 September at 2pm. After the launch, it will be available from O'Brien's shop in Lanesborough and in Newsround in Longford and Roscommon. 

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