Offaly book launch among Grand Canal heritage events this weekend

A local book launch will take place at the Pull Inn in Pollagh, Offaly, on Friday evening (August 23).

Ireland's Grand Canal: People, Peat & Porter is the title of the book, by Eunice Jeffers, which is being launched at the event in Pollagh at 8pm.

It's one of three Grand Canal-related heritage events taking place over the course of this weekend, with a fleet of heritage vessels due to transit from the Shannon to Tullamore for the weekend's activities.

The events are being hosted by The Heritage Boat Association, Inland Waterways Association and Waterways Ireland.

On Saturday (August 24) at 8pm Sean O'Reilly will give a talk at Tullamore Heritage Centre on the military importance of the Grand Canal.

This event will also feature photo exhibitions and the launch of the Grand Extension Certificate by Inland Waterways Association president Kay Baxter.

On Sunday, meanwhile, there will be events at Tullamore Heritage Centre from 1-3pm, and on the Canal Spur Line from 3-5pm.

Waterways Ireland will deliver a presentation entitled, 'A Boatman's Journey', which will guide people through the heritage of the canal from a boatman's perspective.

There will then be a showcase of heritage boats and Bolinder engines by The Heritage Boat Association and Inland Waterways Association.

Tullamore Canoe Club, Phoenix Angling Club and Offaly Search and Rescue will also deliver on-water demonstrations on Sunday.

Admission to all of the events is free.