Dublin launch for popular book 'On This Day In Mayo'

Following a very successful launch at the Wild Atlantic Words Literary Festival in Castlebar in October, the widely-acclaimed 'On This Day In Mayo' book by Máirtín Ó Maicín will be launched in the capital on Wednesday night, November 22 at 7pm. In an effort to reach out to the Mayo diaspora in Dublin, former Taoiseach Enda Kenny, will launch the book in the Croke Park Hotel in the city. Mayo folk will be very familiar with the venue after their many trips to the GAA headquarters across the road.

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.” He went on to say that the book should be left where it can be read and talked about.

“Every story I read in the fine publication I can hear a call of the past and a challenge of the future,” he continued. He concluded by telling his listeners that he intended to have the book forwarded to his good friend in the White House in Washington, Joe Biden.

Launching the publication at the Wild Atlantic Words Literary Festival 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.

A large contingent of Mayo folk in the capital, along with all those with a grá for the green and red, are expected at the Croke Park Hotel where proceedings get underway at 7pm. All and sundry are welcome and no invite is necessary.