New book celebrates 250th birthday of Abbeyleix
A section of the front cover of the new book by Noel Burke and James G. Carroll
A BOOK marking this year’s 250th anniversary of the founding of Abbeyleix will be launched shortly.
Local historian Noel Burke and photographer James G. Carroll have joined forces again for , their third and what they say will be their last publication celebrating the home town they love so well.
As the book reaches the final proof stage, Noel said: “Purchasing a copy is more than just buying a book. It’s a way to help share and preserve over 250 years of our heritage and history, dating back to the founding of the Abbeyleix estate town in 1775.”
With a launch date soon to be confirmed, Noel said the €15 price per copy is not intended for profit but simply covers the costs of publishing, editing, cover design and other production support.
The beautiful heritage town is described on the back cover as ‘a small town with a big history’.
The account continues: ‘Its streets and buildings tell of a planned estate town, of market days and quiet lanes, of houses that have stood for generations. This book collects the memories, legends and everyday stories of the people who lived and worked here … These are the voices of a place: funny, sad, stubborn and proud.’
The book follows Noel and Gerard’s popular previous collections titled and .
As the countdown to launch day begins, Noel said on social media: ‘We aim to inform and inspire, connecting past and present for generations to come. In these pages you will find local characters, old rivalries, folk tales and the small, sharp moments that make up community life.
‘Some stories have been told for decades around kitchen tables and at fairs; others were rescued from fading memories and family albums. Together they form a portrait of Abbeyleix as it was and as it is remembered today.
‘Our hope is that readers - whether from our local community or part of the Abbeyleix diaspora living abroad - will find the book and its many illustrations to be fairly and competitively priced.
‘James G Carroll and I have decided to hang up our boots now so to speak, so this book will be our last one to publish. Thanks to everyone who has supported us in the past.’
