New book centres on the Great War and Offaly

Offaly Historical and Archaeological Society will launch its new book on World War One, 100 years to the day that peace was declared.

Edited by Michael Byrne, 'Offaly and the Great War' features essays primarily looking at the impact the conflict had on local men and women. It will be launched by the Chief Executive of Offaly County Council, Anne Marie Delaney, in Tullamore Library on Sunday, November 11, the 100th anniversary of the end of the war which claimed the lives of 652 Offaly people.

In the foreword to the book the Cathaoirleach of Offaly County Council, Cllr Danny Owens, paid tribute to Offaly Historical and Archaeological Society and the editor Mr Byrne for the "inclusive approach" it took to the book.

"The essays in Offaly and the Great War demonstrate the complexity of the First World War and the impact it had on Offaly and Ireland. Nothing would be the same again. It is often said that there would have been no 1916 Rising without the Great War. As is clear from these varied and excellent essays, things changed permanently for everyone.

"The contents of this volume provide a fascinating insight into the war years in County Offaly. Much has been published about the war nationally, but the strength of this volume lies in the authors being able to provide very specific and well researched county-based examples of what happened at a county level.

"I wish to thank Offaly History for the impressive way in which it has gone about producing a volume of essays about a period in our county’s history about which we knew very little. I know it takes a huge amount of work to compile a book such as this and Offaly History are in a unique position to undertake this," Cllr Owens said.

The book will also be launched in Birr on November 19 and Edenderry on November 23. Its editor Michael Byrne will give an illustrated lecture on 'King's County/Offaly in a time of war 1914-18, on November 26 at 8pm at the Offaly History Centre.

The society's Christmas meeting on December 13 will feature an illustrated talk by Ciarán Reilly on 'The History of Capard House in Slieve Bloom'. The meeting will start at 8pm.

Edenderry marks end of WW1 On Wednesday November 7, Edenderry Historical Society will mark the end of the First World War, or the Great War as it was known. Dr Ciarán Reilly will deliver a talk titled 'Please god he will come home safely': The end of the First World War and the people of Edenderry. The talk will take place in Edenderry Public Library at 6.30pm sharp. The talk will be proceeded earlier that day by a wreath laying at the Commonwealth War Graves of Privates Alexander McBride and James Carroll at Monasteroris.