Book chronicling history of Murrisk is launched

A BOOK profiling the history of the village of Murrisk from the time of the arrival of the Augustinian Monks has been launched.

The Murrisk Development Association (MDA) recently held a book launch in the Murrisk Community Centre to celebrate the reprint/update of the book 'Murrisk: The History of an Irish Fishing Village'.

The book is written by Chris Grady (current president of Westport GAA Club and former chairperson of the Murrisk Development Association) with the help of the MDA and edited by Chris' son Ray Grady.

Starting with the Augustinian Monks' arrival in Murrisk in 1456 and ending with modern day fish farming, the book is a detailed history of the local fishing industry, how it evolved over time and some of the many people involved along the way.

It also includes the incredible story of Austin Bourke and the crew of the Myra who in 1947, after running into a fierce storm off the south-west coast of Ireland, spent three weeks stranded at sea and were feared dead, only to be miraculously rescued off the coast of Scotland.

The book was first published in 2017 and subsequently sold out of all of the 500 copies that were printed. In the years since, many people have come forward with extra information and corrections which have been added to the new edition of the book and is available in Duffy's Bookshop, Bridge St, Westport; McLoughlins Bookshop, Shop St, Westport; Tertulia Bookshop, The Quay, Westport; The Castle Bookshop, Castle St, Castlebar and online at www.croaghpatrickcrafts.com.

The launch night was attended by locals from the community of Murrisk and was launched by Martin Keating, Chairperson of the Croagh Patrick Stakeholders Group.