New book of Offaly memories to be launched in Rahan

A new book looking back over decades Offaly memories is to be launched in Rahan Community Hall on Saturday, November 2, at 8.30pm

Titled Memories of Offaly, book is the second work by author Aidan Grennan.

In 2018 he published Memories of Rahan, which proved a popular read with many in the area, and others who had left the locality.

"I think it’s important now and then, to take a look-back over the years. I love nostalgia - though we have to live in the present. The Offaly of the last 50 or 60 years was very different to what it is today," Aidan said.

"My new book has 20 chapters dealing with such diverse subjects as visiting Tullamore shops as a child, to watching Dracula and the Cowboy films in Tullamore’s two cinemas. I recall my early attempts at dancing in the enormous Central Ballroom. I remember many of the singers and bands who played at these dances.

"I have separate chapters on the Offaly hurlers and footballers, and the wonderful times we had following them. I look back with affection on Ballycumber Dancing Carnival, in the 1970s.

"I have a chapter on my native Rahan plus one on my father’s fantastic wit. All in all, I trust people around Offaly will find the book interesting. It should make a nice Christmas present for Offaly people everywhere."

The book will be priced at €15, and will be available for purchase from November 4 in Robbin’s Bookstore, O’ Connor Square, Tanyard Lane, Tullamore; Offaly Historical Society, Bury Quay, Tullamore; Flynn’s Centra, Fingerboard, Charleville Road; and Daybreak, Mucklagh.