May Bush book launch in Gorey Library

By Dan Walsh in Gorey Library

The launch of a new book, The May Bush in County Wexford, by Michael Fortune and Aileen Lambert was hosted in Gorey Library tonight by the North Wexford Historical Society and officially launched by the Society Chairman, Gerard Fleming, who praised the authors and complemented them on a unique work of stories and words.

Elizabeth Howard, Creative Communities Engagement Officer with Creative Ireland in Wexford County Council, who supported the publication, also addressed the occasion and expressed her congratulations to the authors and spoke highly of the May Bush tradition and the way it is being preserved through this book.

Michael Fortune said The May Bush in County Wexford consists of 130 pages of source information with stories, photographs and texts from every corner of Wexford – from Campile to Coolgreany and accounts from every town in the county. “There are also examples from rural Newfoundland and also sections on the shared practices in Germany, Spain, Poland and Finland,” he added.

He also pointed out that if you want to learn about the May Bush tradition and May folklore from County Wexford – this is the book for you. “There are also QR Codes to interviews I’d have recorded since 2002 while Aileen has a whole section on songs with QR Codes to hear the songs and listen to the airs,” stated Michael, who added; “The book is 20 years in the making and researched, produced and printed in Ireland. Grab a copy – you won’t be disappointed.”

It was a pleasant event with speeches, a summary of the book contents, a meet and sign session at the end with anyone up for a chat, and for many in the audience the highlight was the beautiful singing from Aileen Lambert and the talented voices of the children, Eppie, Nelly and Nan.

The May Bush in County Wexford by Michael Fortune and Aileen Lambert (folklore.ie), 130 pages, lavishly illustrated, costs €15 and you can order copies on www.folklore.ie. This book was produced with the support of Creative Ireland in Wexford County Council.