Book telling story of Tullamore's outdoor swimming pool set for launch

Tullamore man Damien Byrne is preparing to launch a new book sharing the history and memories of the town's outdoor swimming pool, which was in use for more than six decades until the year 2000.

Damien spent his summers in the pool in the 1970s and became a lifesaving instructor, teaching at Tullamore and Birr pools.

His book, 'Cool Pool' will be launched at Tullamore Rugby Club on Friday, November 14. Doors will open at 7pm, and the launch will take place at 7.30pm.

An outline of the book explains that, in 1934, a bold idea emerged at a Tullamore Urban Council meeting to build a public swimming pool for the town.

Four years later, Tullamore opened one of Ireland’s first municipal pools, a six-lane outdoor pool complete with diving boards and changing rooms.

For over 60 years, the pool was alive with activity. Children learned to swim, teenagers attempted daring dives, and families and friends gathered on long summer days.

The 1950s saw large galas, where national and Olympic swimming and diving champions drew hundreds of spectators. The swimming club organised weekly lessons and competitive club nights. Swimming galas and lifesaving weeks became a regular feature.

Over its lifetime, the pool, the local council, and the swimming club faced financial pressures, water quality issues, and lifeguard shortages.

By the 1970s, the pool was competing with heated pools elsewhere, and there were demands for an indoor heated pool in the town. This developed into a long campaign and fundraising effort.

The outdoor pool closed in 2000, and 'Cool Pool' dives into the full story and memories of the pool, its champions and challenges, and the countless moments of joy it gave the community for so many years.

The public are invited to come along to the book launch and meet your pool buddies!