'Ten Faithful Years' book launch in Clara on Friday night

Clara Heritage Society is the location for the launch this Friday of Ray Daly's comprehensive historical songbook of events which took place in Offaly, Westmeath and across the country from 1913 to 1923.

"Ten Faithful Years 1913/1923 in Song and Story" will be launched at The Old Bank on Church Street in Clara at 8pm on Friday night, February 27, at 8pm.

The thoroughly-researched book, which runs to over 500 pages, includes a history of Ireland up to 1913 and the true untold story of The Great Hunger from 1847 to 1852. It also included an account of The Great War 1914 to 1918 and the strong Offaly connections to that event.

Another incident of great local significance which is recounted in the book is the The Tullamore Incident March 20, 1916 , when the ffirst shots were fired by Irish Volunteers Peader Bracken and Seamus O’Brennan, a month before The Easter Rising.

The Easter Rising of April 24, 1916 also has strong Offaly connections, which the author details in his book, and the The War of Independence in Offaly and Ireland Jan 21, 1919 to July 11, 1921 is also feautured, as is the The Civil War in Offaly and Ireland June 28, 1922 to May 24, 1923.

Songs at Friday night's book launch will be performed by Michael Middleton

All are welcome to attend.