By Dan Walsh
A revised and reprinted version of Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin’s book detailing events around 1798 in North Wexford entitled Towards the Mountains of Liberty was launched in The Gap Pub, Ballythomas, Gorey, tonight (Saturday).
The official launch was performed by Michael Fortune of folklore.ie who delivered a synopsis and anecdotes from the publication. The verbal was supplemented by the visual with video from 1998 showing pike groups from Askamore Gorey Kilanerin and many others. Kieran O’Brien acted as master of ceremonies.
“Launched by the late Ulick O Connor in Gorey in 1998, this revised edition of “Towards the Mountains of Liberty” brings our ancestors inspirational story to a new generation. We are taken into the battles of Ballyellis, Ballygullen, Tubberneering and Arklow and witness the heroic deeds of the Catholic Miles Byrne if Monaseed, the Protestant Anthony Perry of Inch, and numerous other unsung heroes.”
Author Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin told the gathering he was so happy to see so many turn up on the night he thanked them all, especially Michael Fortune and and Wally and Kieran from Red Books.
Originally launched in 1998 for the bicentenary of the rebellion, the new publication contains a lot more information and colour photos and was revised and reprinted by the now famous Red Books of Wexford, who recently opened a bookstore in Gorey, under the stewardship of Kiaran O’Brien and Wally O’Neill.
Towards the Mountains of Liberty by Fionntán Ó Súilleabhain is a limited edition retailing at €15. It is on sale at Red Books, Peter’s Square, Wexford, and Gorey.
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