Máirtín's fantastic new book is set for a 'capital' launch

Following a very successful launch at the Wild Atlantic Words Literary Festival in Castlebar in October, the widely-acclaimed On This Day In Mayo by Máirtín Ó Maicín will be launched in Dublin on Wednesday next, November 22, at 7pm in the Croke Park Hotel.

The book, the fruit of four years of extensive research, seeks to tell the story of Mayo by connecting the 366 days of the year with an event of significance relating to the county, or with an event pertaining to a person from the county. There is a compelling story attached to every date – stories of triumph and tragedy, politics and pugilists, revolution and renewal. Stories about Mayo’s pioneering men and women, fighting men and women, resilient men and women.

The author believes that Mayo has punched well above its weight, not only on the national scene but also on the international stage. He instances Tom Reilly from Hollymount who pioneered sports science from his base in John Moore University in Liverpool, the internationally-acclaimed ornithologist, Major Robert Ruttledge, from the same south Mayo village, Br Joe McNally from Ballintubber who exerted enormous influence in the development of artistic education in Singapore and Fr John Blowick from Belcarra who founded the Maynooth Mission to China, later known as the Columban Fathers. From sport to politics, from education to religion and from the environment to space travel, men and women with Mayo blood have left their mark on the world stage.

Addressing the audience, via video, at the Castlebar launch former Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, described the book as “an absolute treasure chest of facts, data and information". The Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, Cllr Michael Loftus, said it was “one of the finest books I have read.” Indeed Cathaoirleach Loftus presented the book to the Mayor of Cleveland, Justin Bibb, on his recent trip to the city in Ohio.

Former Taoiseach Enda Kenny will launch the book in Dublin. No invite is necessary.