Nostalgic book of Offaly memories to be launched next weekend

A new book which looks back over decades of interesting and, at times unusual, Offaly memories is to be launched next weekend.

Memories of Offaly, written by Aidan Grennan from Rahan, will be officially unveilved in Rahan Community Hall on Saturday, November 2, at 8.30pm. The book is priced €15.

This is Aidan’s second book, following on from Memories of Rahan which he published in 2018 and which proved a popular read with many in the area, and others who had left the locality.

Aidan said: "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.

"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.

"Then 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."

Following the launch on November 2, Aidan's book will be available from Robbin’s Bookstore, O’ Connor Square, Tanyard Lane, Tullamore; Offaly Historical Society, Bury Quay, Tullamore; Flynn’s Centra, Fingerboard, Charleville Road; and Daybreak, Mucklagh.