Book of Tullamore prison poems to be launched
A new edition of a 19th century book of poems written by a prisoner in Tullamore Jail is being launched this weekend.
The book, Prison Poems or Lays of Tullamore, by Timothy Daniel Sullivan, edited by Terry Moylan and Pádraig Turley, will be launched on Saturday, March 28, at 11am at the Cormac Street entrance to the old prison.
T.D. Sullivan MP and Lord Mayor of Dublin published Prison Poems; or Lays of Tullamore in 1888, printed by The Nation. The Prison Poems were written during a most tempestuous, unsettled, tumultuous decade in Irish history. The Land War was at its height under the leadership of Charles S. Parnell. The campaign for Home Rule had turned to dust. William Ewart Gladstone the British Prime Minister had brought forward a Home Rule Bill in 1886, which by today’s criteria might appear modest, but for its time was seen as revolutionary. This set off alarm bells which would do irreparable damage to the ruling Liberal Party.
The book will be launched by Michael Hanna. There will be several speakers welcomed by the Chair of Offaly History- Shaun Wrafter, including co-editors Padraig Turley and Terry Moylan, Declan Harvey, Cathaoirleach of Tullamore Municipal District of Offaly County Council, and Michael Byrne, General Secretary Offaly History.
Coffee sponsored by Tony Flanagan will be available from 10am at Tullamore market Spollanstown in Kilcruttin Centre. Offaly History will also distribute a voucher ticket to those attending the book launch. The event will proceed at 10 45am to the front hall of the jail for the launch.
Parking is available at the farmers’ market, Spollanstown and at the Cormac Street frontage to the old jail. Pedestrian access will only be available from the market to the front of the jail from 10am to 12pm.
The book can be ordered online from Offaly History, purchased on the day or later at Offaly History Centre and Midland Books.