Thoughtful present leads to launch of first book for Birr native

An imaginative present for her mother has led Birr amateur photographer Jackie Lynch to the launch of her first book. 'My Hometown: A Photographic Journey Through The Streets of Birr' will be launched this Sunday, November 13, in John's Hall in Birr by local musician Mundy at 7pm and everyone is invited. After treating herself to a digital camera, Jackie said she would often bring it out for a walk in Birr. "Over a year I'd accumulated quite a lot of photos," she explained, adding that as a novel idea she collated these pictures into a simple book as a birthday present for her Birr-born mother. It was at that stage the idea of a putting together a proper photographic collection took firm root in Jackie's head, and she approached Arts Officer with Offaly County Council Sinead O'Reilly, who has been one of the project's main players since that point along with Heritage Officer Amanda Pedlow, archaeologist Caimin O'Brien, author Geraldine O'Neill, Birr Chamber of Commerce, the Lions Club and Brosna Press, with funding from Offaly County Council and the Birr Chapter of the Georgian Society. The result of the process is 500 printed copies of a hardback book, available until stocks are depleted for €25. The book is divided into four districts, with a map at the beginning of each and a selection of beautiful photos done on a street-by-street basis. "I didn't want it to be the hackneyed images of Birr," Jackie explained. "I've gone for very particular architectural features, shabby chic as opposed to shiny door. The whole ethos of the book is that it's about the craftsmanship. Throughout the book you will see things that are faded, but they have an inherent beauty." Jackie, who works as a facilitator with the Anam Beo project in Birr hospital, said her favourite photograph in the entire collection is one of the little-used Sayles' Lane in the town. "It's kind of an odd photograph," she said. "You don't often appreciate the land. Whatever way the light was shining on it, it has a strange kind of sultry darkness. It just looks absolutely stunning." Jackie, who has lived in both China and Japan in the past said the book is something she "would have loved to have gotten in the post" when living away from Birr. That's one reason why the book is being launched now, well in time for locals to send copies to loved ones living far away in time for Christmas. 'My Hometown: A Photograhic Journey Through The Streets of Birr' will be available for purchase from next Monday, November 14, in Birr Castle shop, The Organic Store, Kelly's on O'Connell St, Square News, Whelahan's and Birr Theatre and Arts Centre.